
A career shaped by experience- and instinct: Sara's story
Sign Up For Post Alerts
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?
Tags
#FeelsLikeSpecsavers

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
OptometryContent Type
BlogPublish 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
OptometryContent Type
BlogPublish 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
OptometryContent Type
BlogPublish 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
OptometryContent Type
BlogPublish 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
Selected jobs for you
Salary
€13.50 per hour
Location
Tuam, Ireland, Republic of Ireland
Store ID
2493
Contract Duration
Permanent
Area of Interest
Trainee Optical Assistant
Locations
Tuam
Description
Specsavers, TuamTrainee Optical Assistant 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 eve
Reference
sf-85310-1
Expiry Date
01/01/0001

Author
Andrew Hastings
Author
Andrew HastingsSalary
Competitive
Location
New Malden, Greater London, United Kingdom
Store ID
0615
Contract Duration
Permanent
Area of Interest
Optical Assistant
Locations
New Malden
Description
Specsavers. A household name and a Highstreet staple. And you could be part of the team.As an Optical Assistant at Specsavers, you’ll be the friendly face at the heart of our stores working among a te
Reference
sf-85309-1
Expiry Date
01/01/0001

Author
Aiden Gerry
Author
Aiden GerrySalary
Competitive
Location
Stafford, West Midlands, United Kingdom
Store ID
0126
Contract Duration
Permanent
Area of Interest
Lab roles
Locations
Stafford
Description
Specsavers StaffordSo, you’re a proactive people person, passionate about retail and offering the best customer service? Sounds like you’d be a great fit here. If you’ve ever considered a career in op
Reference
sf-85308-1
Expiry Date
01/01/0001

Author
Lucy Ayling
Author
Lucy Ayling