“I believe that we're not just Specsavers - we are lifesavers.”

A career begins with a life-changing moment 

When Mahnoor Khan joined Specsavers Norton as a pre-reg optometrist, she never imagined her clinical training would be put to the test in such a personal and life-changing way. 

Trusting her instincts 

“I’d only just started my career,” she says. “I was still learning, still finding my feet. And then my brother came in for a sight test.” 

Shahroz, Mahnoor’s older brother, had been suffering from persistent headaches and nausea. He hadn’t thought much of it- his vision seemed fine, and like a lot of people, he didn’t connect those symptoms with his eyes. But Mahnoor had a gut feeling something wasn’t right. 

Balancing sisterhood and clinical duty 

“I encouraged him to come in for a test. I just had this instinct,” she recalls. “And when I looked at his OCT scan, I saw something I’d only ever seen in books- papilloedema. Swelling of the optic nerve. It was the first time I’d seen it in real life. And it was in my own brother.” 

Balancing her role as a clinician with the emotions of being a sister was one of the hardest things she’s ever done. “I had to stay calm, professional. I didn’t want to scare him. But inside, I was terrified.” 

With the support of her supervisor, Mahnoor made an urgent referral to the emergency eye department. That referral led to an MRI, which revealed a brain tumour. Within a week of diagnosis, Shahroz was in surgery. 

“It was a whirlwind,” she says. “But the tumour was operable, and he’s recovering now. Those first few weeks were tough- he was on heavy medication, and it affected his personality. But slowly, he’s coming back to himself.” 

A team that care

Throughout it all, Mahnoor’s team at Specsavers were there for her. “They were so understanding. They gave me the space I needed to support my family. I felt really looked after.” 

That experience changed everything for Mahnoor- not just as a sister, but as a clinician. 

The power of an eye test 

“It made me realise just how powerful an eye test can be. People think it’s just about glasses, but it’s a health check. You can pick up on so much- neurological issues, high blood pressure, diabetes. I genuinely believe that we’re not just Specsavers. We’re lifesavers.” 

Growing as a clinician 

Since qualifying in February, Mahnoor has continued to build her confidence and clinical skills. She’s already completed her MECS and glaucoma referral refinement accreditations and is starting her professional certificate in glaucoma this autumn. “I’ve always been fascinated by glaucoma,” she says. “My dad has ocular hypertension, so I’d love to specialise in it.” 

She’s also passionate about teaching and hopes to one day become a pre-reg supervisor or even a university lecturer. “I’d love a hybrid career- still in practice, but also helping to shape the next generation of optometrists.” 

Connection is key 

For now, she’s enjoying life at Specsavers Norton and Archer Road, where she splits her time between two busy, close-knit stores. Her favourite thing is taking time to connect with her patients, “Even if it’s just a quick chat about their hobbies or job, it makes a difference. Especially with older patients who might not have many people to talk to. That human connection is so important.” 

She’s also become more proactive in following up with patients after referrals. “I know hospitals are busy and don’t always have time to update us, but I like to check in. It builds trust and shows you care.” 

Advice for optometrists 

When asked what advice she’d give to other pre-regs or newly qualified optometrists thinking about joining Specsavers, Mahnoor doesn’t hesitate. 

“Do it. The support is incredible. The Pre-Reg Academy, the supervisors, the training- it’s all there. You’re not left to figure things out on your own. And the technology we have in store, like OCT, makes such a difference. It helps you grow in confidence and deliver the best care.” 

A decision that made all the difference 

Looking back, Mahnoor knows that choosing optometry- and Specsavers- was the right decision. 

“If I hadn’t been an optometrist, my brother might never have had that eye test. We might not have found the tumour in time. That’s something I’ll never forget.”