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

“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 centres to plastering and even working on ambulances in urgent care. But it was that hands-on experience in healthcare that sparked something deeper. 

“I realised I wanted to do something in the health sector,” he says. “So I went back to college, did an access course, and got into uni first try.” 

During that course, a module on the eye caught his attention- and the biology behind it sealed the deal. Optometry became the clear choice. 

Finding his fit in domiciliary care 

After qualifying around four years ago, Daniel completed his pre-reg with a Boots store. But even before that, he’d been researching home visits on his own time. 

“I felt comfortable going into people’s homes,” he explains. “It was something I’d always wanted to do.” After he completed his pre-reg, he made the change to home visits with another provider. He spent two years there gaining valuable experience.  

Why Specsavers? 

Daniel had always had Specsavers in mind. “I worked in a Specsavers store as an optical assistant during uni, so I already had a feel for the business,” he says. “It was somewhere I wanted to work because of the size of the company and the opportunities- like Pathway.” 

When a role came up with the Manchester Home Visits team, he made the move. And it didn’t take long to feel the difference. 

A team that’s got your back 

“The team ethic is so much stronger here,” Daniel says. “You’re not on your own. You’ve got optical assistants, local schedulers, and directors who are always in touch. It’s a proper support system.” 

He’s part of an optom group where questions and concerns are shared openly, and the directors are always accessible. “It’s a much more connected experience,” he adds. 

On the path to partnership 

Daniel’s ambition didn’t stop at joining Specsavers. He’s now on Pathway, the partnership development programme that supports future business owners. 

“I made it clear from the start that partnership was my goal,” he says. “Being on Pathway has been brilliant- it’s helping me work towards that.” 

More than just a job 

The Manchester team has become more than just colleagues. “You become more like a family,” Daniel says. “We’ve got a great social side too- meals out, celebrations, even a trip to Junkyard Golf coming up.” 

His advice for other Optoms? 

“Go for it,” Daniel says. “Specsavers might seem like a huge business, but the support is there- from your team, your managers, all the way up. It’s welcoming, friendly, and you’re never just a number.”