Shaping the future of optometry, one conversation at a time

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 influencing clinical standards across the UK, Rachel has always followed her passion for patient care and professional development. Now, as a Clinical Performance Consultant (CPC), she’s helping optometrists unlock their potential and navigate the evolving landscape of modern eye care.

My journey into optometry

"I left Scotland in 1996 to study optometry in Birmingham, and my pre-reg year took me to Hereford. After a brief stint in Leeds, I found myself in Sheffield, where the hospital support was incredible and patients were genuinely well cared for. That experience cemented my belief in the importance of quality care.

In 2007, I joined Specsavers after working for a competitor, stepping into the Lead Optometrist role in a large, busy store. I was in my twenties, supervising pre-regs and helping the team grow. We were pioneers—embracing new technology and pushing the boundaries of what was possible in practice. It was an exciting time.

After having my son in 2015, I realised I couldn’t fully fulfil the Lead Optom role part-time, so I stepped away and took on a role with the College of Optometrists as an assessor. I also began working in a GP practice, refining referrals from opticians to help manage patients in primary care and reduce hospital wait times. I’ve continued that work once a week ever since.

Coming back to Specsavers

As my son prepared to start school in 2019, I felt ready to return to Specsavers. I handed in my notice in January ready to start work in March- but then COVID hit. I couldn’t go straight into store, so I reconnected with the Head of Optometry Development and began supporting the pre-reg programme remotely, something I’d done back in 2009.

Once stores reopened, I returned part-time, and it quickly became clear that what I enjoyed most was helping others develop. That led me to a consultancy role, combining locum work with pre-reg support. A Specsavers colleague (who I’d worked with previously at another opticians) told me about the CPC role. It sounded perfect. I’ve never aspired to be a store director, but I’ve always loved leading and developing people. The CPC role offered the chance to do that on a wider scale.

I applied in March 2024 and had my interview with Co-Founder Doug Perkins on Specsavers’ 40th birthday! Hearing his views on optometry was inspiring, and I left the interview knowing I really wanted the job. I started after the summer holidays and haven’t looked back.

What I do as a CPC

As a CPC, I support optometrists across the division—pre-reg’s, dispensing opticians (DOs), and qualified clinicians. I help stores interpret clinical metrics, promote efficiency, and ensure the right technology and services are in place. I champion Enhanced Optical Services (EOS) and support stores with regulatory changes. I also get involved at a political level, attending party conferences and working with local optical committees to advocate for our profession.

It’s a hybrid role, with some days at home and others in-store. I work closely with directors, offering clinical support and helping their teams grow. I love identifying potential in people and helping them develop their skills. No two days are the same, and I genuinely enjoy every aspect of it.

I’m currently being mentored to build my financial knowledge—an area I’ve always found challenging. I’ve got full support, and it’s helping me grow. I might not be a whizz with profit and loss yet but give me an assessment framework and I’ll tell you exactly what’s going wrong and how to fix it!

Why CPC might be right for you

If you’re a registered optometrist with a passion for development and clinical excellence, the CPC role could be a brilliant next step. You don’t need to have been a store director, but commercial awareness and knowledge is key. There’s even an associate CPC role now, which is ideal if you’re still building that experience.

My advice? Say yes to opportunities. Years ago, a college optometrist president said, “I just don’t say no to anything,” and that’s stuck with me. You never know where it might lead. If it aligns with your goals, give it a go - you might just love it.

Final thoughts

Seeing pre-reg colleagues I once mentored now become store directors is one of the most rewarding parts of my career. I also spend so much time talking about the things I love – I get to talk about eyes, technology, qualifications, all while helping others thrive. Being a CPC is more than a role. It’s a chance to make a real difference".