My 10-year story – with the badges to show for it!

From Optical Assistant to Dispensing Optician and now Trainee Contact Lens Optician, Kerry Berridge has spent the last decade building a fulfilling career at Specsavers – all while raising a family and collecting a badge (or 7) along the way.

Starting out

Whilst at college, Kerry initially set her sights on joining the police. When that didn’t pan out, she was working as a waitress and looking for a more stable career. That’s when she spotted an advert for Specsavers.

“I’d just passed my driving test and wanted something close to home. I had customer service experience and thought, why not? I didn’t even know what an Optical Assistant was – but I quickly realised it was so much more than I expected.”

Heading for the stars

Kerry’s journey through Specsavers has been one of continuous growth. With the support of her director and colleagues, she’s taken every opportunity to learn and progress.

• Started as an Optical Assistant

• Completed BTEC levels 3 and 4 whilst working full-time

• Became a Team Leader in 2018

• Jumped straight into year 2 of the Dispensing Optician (DO) course

• Qualified as a DO in 2019

• Started studies for Contact Lens Optician (CLO) in 2022

• Welcomed a baby in 2024

• Continuing CLO studies in 2025

“I’ve always been more clinically focused, but I’ve also loved being involved in leadership. The CLO role is completely different – being in the test room, fitting contact lenses – it’s a whole new challenge.”

Support every step of the way

Kerry credits her director for spotting her potential early on and encouraging her to pursue the DO pathway. Specsavers has sponsored her through both the DO and CLO qualifications, and she’s always been given time and space to revise and grow.

“Even coming back from maternity leave, I’ve had so much support. I did keeping-in-touch (KIT) days, and everyone reassured me that I still knew what I was doing. It’s been a challenge, but not as scary as I thought.”

Balancing work and life

Now back from maternity leave, Kerry is easing into her new routine with a few extra clinic days and a reduced schedule to accommodate childcare.

“Specsavers has been so flexible. I’ve dropped a day, and it’s been no issue at all. My partner actually works for Specsavers too – we met here! He’s a supervisor at the Gillingham store.”

Looking ahead

Kerry’s not done yet. With her CLO qualification expected by summer 2026, she’s keeping her options open – from paediatric dispensing to home visits, and maybe even the Pathway programme.

“There’s so much more to explore. I want to enjoy being a CLO for a while, buy a house, and see where life takes me.”

Kerry’s advice

“If you see an opportunity at Specsavers, go for it! Even if you’re not sure what you want to do, Specsavers offers so many opportunities. I thought it would just be a retail job – now it’s my career for life. You’ll never get bored, and you’ll always be learning.”