JUMP TO CONTENT

A career shaped by experience- and instinct: Sara's story

Written byNatassia Gunn
Posting date: 22 Aug 2025

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 career path. 

“I didn’t know what I wanted to do after uni,” she says. “But working in store gave me a real insight into optics. I saw the role in action every day- and I realised I could see myself doing it.” 

That early exposure to the clinical world, surrounded by Optometrists and pre-regs, helped her make the leap. She went on to study Optometry at the University of Hertfordshire, with plans to return to her local Specsavers store for her pre-reg. 

A change in plans 

Just as she was expecting an offer, things shifted. Her store had taken on several pre-regs already, and there wasn’t space for another. “They were honest with me. They said it could be a year’s wait. I couldn’t afford to wait that long.” So, Sara joined Vision Express for her pre-reg and qualified in January 2024. 

Exploring new ground 

After qualifying, Sara was approached by a recruiter for a domiciliary role with OutsideClinic. The opportunity to deliver eye care directly to patients in their homes really resonated-especially with her grandmother living with dementia. “I’d heard lots of different opinions about domiciliary work, so I decided to try it for myself.” 

The training was thorough and gave her a solid foundation. It was a new environment, and being out on the road brought fresh challenges and learning opportunities.  “It was a steep learning curve, especially being newly qualified. I was often working independently, which helped me build resilience and confidence quickly”.  

She found herself navigating complex dispensing conversations and working hard to meet patient needs- especially when affordability was a concern. “I wanted to make a difference, and I learned a lot about the realities of care in the community. It really shaped how I approach patient conversations now.” 

Finding her place again 

Sara had always stayed in touch with her former Specsavers colleagues, but she didn’t know Kasia at Specsavers Recruitment Services until Kasia reached out to her on LinkedIn. That initial message sparked a conversation, and as they got talking, Sara felt it was the perfect time to explore her next move. That’s when she discovered the opportunity with the Surrey home visits team. 

“After gaining experience in my previous role, I was fortunate to be presented with an exciting opportunity with Specsavers that aligned more closely with my professional goals and personal values. This transition has allowed me to further develop my skills in a role where I could continue to grow, feel supported, and make a meaningful impact." 
She admits she was initially a little apprehensive about the number of tests she’d be expected to do each day- especially compared to her previous role.  

“I’d heard it was a busy schedule, and I wasn’t sure how I’d manage. But once I got started, I realised how well everything is planned. The structure makes it manageable, and having a buddy really helps keep things flowing. It somehow feels easier having someone to bounce off and share the day with” 

From her very first week, she noticed how different things felt. The way clinics were organised, the pace of the day, and the support from her team- it all made a real difference. “I wasn’t spending hours stuck in traffic anymore. The scheduling just made sense, and I could focus on what mattered- my patients.” 


A better balance 

Since joining Specsavers Home Visits, Sara’s work-life balance has improved. “Some days I finish early, and I’m not stuck in traffic for hours. It’s a big change from driving into central London frequently.” 

She’s also enjoying the human connection that comes with the role. “You get to know your patients. You’re in their homes, having real conversations. It’s personal, and it’s powerful.” 


Looking ahead 

Sara’s already thinking about what comes next. Keen to keep building her clinical skills, she’s spoken to Kejal Shah, Ophthalmic Partner with the Surrey home visits team, about pursuing a medical retina qualification. “It’s reassuring to know the support is there when I’m ready. There’s no pressure- just encouragement.” 

She’s also become a bit of a champion for the team, referring a friend to join after sharing her own experience. “I told her, just try it. You won’t know if it’s right for you until you do. Don’t let other people’s opinions put you off.” 

For Sara, the difference has been the people and the structure around her. “What I love most is the support. You’re part of a team from day one, and the buddy system means you’re never on your own. It makes everything feel more connected and collaborative.” 


 

Sounds good, right?

Why not chat with our recruitment team and see where a career in home visits could take you?

We offer a paid interview experience- a chance to meet the team, get a feel for the role, and see how we support people in their own homes. It’s the perfect way to try it out, no strings attached.

Interested?

Get in touch
Written byNatassia Gunn
List #1

#FeelsLikeSpecsavers

Celebrating National Payroll Week

Teaser

Support Office

Content Type

Blog

Publish 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

Teaser

Read more
Mike Davidson

by

Mike Davidson

Mike Davidson

by

Mike Davidson

Shaping the future of optometry, one conversation at a time

Teaser

Optometry

Content Type

Blog

Publish 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

Read more
"The most fulfilling part of my role is having the time to connect with patients"

Teaser

Optometry

Content Type

Blog

Publish 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

Teaser

Read more
Mike Davidson

by

Mike Davidson

Mike Davidson

by

Mike Davidson

From law to lenses: Hannan Qureshi’s story

Teaser

Optometry

Content Type

Blog

Publish 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

Read more
“I’ve found my place here.”: Daniel's story

Teaser

Home Visits

Content Type

Blog

Publish 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

Read more
"I'm just happier in this role" - Ella's career story

Teaser

Optometry

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

08/18/2025

Summary

"Home visits is refreshing, it’s fulfilling, and I wouldn’t go back.” Meet EllaElla Helliwell lives in a quiet village in Cheshire with her husband and their cat, Rosie. After moving away for universi

Teaser

Read more
Coming full circle but with a different lens!

Teaser

Optometry

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

08/15/2025

Summary

Parth Shah, Lead Clinical Performance Consultant (CPC), qualified as an optometrist at Specsavers in 2003. Since then, his journey has taken him from the clinic to the classroom, the boardroom, and ev

Teaser

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

Teaser

Optometry

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

07/28/2025

Summary

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 an

Teaser

Read more
Deepali Modha’s unconventional career journey

Teaser

Optometry

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

07/25/2025

Summary

When Deepali Modha first qualified as an Optometrist, she never imagined her career would one day take her far beyond the test room. But over the years, she’s carved out a path that’s as inspiri

Teaser

Read more
“Keep at it”: Louise’s 14-year journey from optics to audiology.

Teaser

Audiology

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

07/23/2025

Summary

When Louise Turton first joined Specsavers in Coventry back in 2011, she wasn’t chasing a dream career - she needed a job. “I’d recently moved to the area and wanted something stable,” she says. “I di

Teaser

Read more
View more jobs
List #1

Selected jobs for you

Dispensing Optician

Salary

Up to £30,000 + bonus

Location

Chatham, South East, United Kingdom

Store ID

0182

Contract Duration

Permanent

Area of Interest

Dispensing Optician

Locations

Chatham

Description

Position: Dispensing Optician Location: Chatham, KentSalary: Up to £30,000 per annum depending on experience + performance related bonusWorking hours: Full and part time considered with alternate week

Reference

sf-82156-1

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Blair Mills

Author

Blair Mills
Blair Mills

Author

Blair Mills
View job
Dispensing Optician

Salary

Up to £30,000 + bonus

Location

Hempstead, South East, United Kingdom

Store ID

2464

Contract Duration

Permanent

Area of Interest

Dispensing Optician

Locations

Hempstead

Description

Position: Dispensing OpticianLocation: Hempstead Valley, KentSalary: Up to £31,000 per annum depending on experience + performance related bonusWorking hours: Full time, 4-day working week with altern

Reference

sf-82106-1

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Blair Mills

Author

Blair Mills
Blair Mills

Author

Blair Mills
View job
Dispensing Optician

Salary

Total package up to £35,000 + performance related bonus

Location

Woking, South East, United Kingdom

Store ID

0326

Contract Duration

Permanent

Area of Interest

Dispensing Optician

Locations

Woking

Description

Position: Dispensing OpticianLocation: Woking, SurreySalary: Total package up to £35,000 depending on experience + performance related bonusHours: Full time or part time with one weekend day per weekE

Reference

sf-82105-1

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Blair Mills

Author

Blair Mills
Blair Mills

Author

Blair Mills
View job
View more jobs