My 10-year story – with the badges to show for it!
Sign Up For Post Alerts
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.”
#FeelsLikeSpecsavers
Teaser
AudiologyContent Type
BlogPublish date
10/27/2025
Summary
Hi, I’m Rozie 👋 I’m the Audiology Partner at Specsavers Folkestone My journey with Specsavers started when I was looking to move back home from Gloucestershire. I was working for another high-stree
by
Mike Davidson
Teaser
AudiologyContent Type
BlogPublish date
10/17/2025
Summary
When Joel Sebastian was deciding what to do after school, he knew he wanted to help people. Growing up in Kerala, South India, surrounded by family members in medicine, it felt like a natural path. Bu
Teaser
RetailContent Type
BlogPublish date
10/07/2025
Summary
Matthew Irvine didn’t plan a linear career—and that’s exactly what’s made it so impactful.He joined Specsavers in 2017 as a Divisional Support Manager, a development role designed to help new starters
Teaser
OptometryContent Type
BlogPublish date
09/24/2025
Summary
When Sam Thomas first stepped into the world of optics 16 years ago, she never imagined it would lead to running her own store on the Cornish coast. Her journey from Optical Assistant to national trai
Teaser
Support OfficeContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/29/2025
Summary
Celebrating National Payroll WeekPayroll might happen behind the scenes, but it’s at the heart of every organisation. Our Payroll Services team is a mix of problem-solvers, people champions, and proce
by
Mike Davidson
Teaser
OptometryContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/27/2025
Summary
Rachel Pointon’s career in optometry has been anything but linear—and that’s exactly what makes it so inspiring. From hospital clinics to high-performing stores, from mentoring pre-regs to influencin
Teaser
OptometryContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/27/2025
Summary
Hi, I’m Alan 👋 I grew up on the southside of Glasgow and I’m currently the Lead Optometrist at Specsavers in Sauchiehall Street. How did I get here? To be honest, I was never entirely sure that op
by
Mike Davidson
Teaser
OptometryContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/22/2025
Summary
From law to lenses: Hannan Qureshi’s story After years in the legal profession, Hannan Qureshi has made a bold career switch to follow his passion - becoming the new Retail Director at Specsavers Shep
Teaser
Home VisitsContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/22/2025
Summary
“I’ve found my place here.” Meet Daniel – Optometrist, Specsavers Home Visits Manchester Daniel Morgans didn’t follow the usual path into optometry. His early career included everything from call cent
Teaser
Home VisitsContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/22/2025
Summary
A career shaped by experience- and instinct When Saraneeya Sivathas joined Specsavers as an Optical Assistant during her BioMed degree, she had no idea that a part-time job would spark a whole new car
Selected jobs for you
Salary
£24,000
Location
Daventry, East Midlands, United Kingdom
Store ID
0553
Contract Duration
Permanent
Area of Interest
Audiology Practitioner
Location
Daventry
Description
Job role: Trainee Audiology Practitioner Location: Leicester store Working hours: Full Time or Part time, 5 days over 7 including weekends - 8.45am to 5pm and 8.45am to 4pm at weekends Experience leve
Reference
sf-85835-1
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Laura AdamsAuthor
Laura AdamsSalary
£10.00 - £12.21 per hour
Location
Clydebank, Scotland, United Kingdom
Store ID
0322
Contract Duration
Permanent
Area of Interest
Trainee Optical Assistant
Location
Clydebank
Description
So, you’re a proactive people person, passionate about retail and offering the best customer service? Sounds like you’d be a great fit here. So, if you’ve ever considered a career in optics, this Trai
Reference
sf-85956-1
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
£7.75 per hour
Location
Washington, North East, United Kingdom
Store ID
0365
Contract Duration
Permanent
Area of Interest
Optical Assistant Apprenticeship
Location
Washington
Description
Are you a caring individual looking to start your career in an Optics environment? You’ve come to the right place. As well as being passionate and motivated in everything you do, it’s important tha
Reference
sf-85955-1
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Elisha Aunger
Author
Elisha Aunger