Life beyond the practice – my journey to becoming a CPC

Rachel McClelland’s career in optics spans nearly two decades. She began as a Trainee Optical Assistant at Specsavers and went on to progress through a variety of roles, including Store Partner. She now works as a Clinical Performance Consultant (CPC). Her journey highlights the breadth of opportunities available within the profession and showcases the valuable role CPCs play in supporting stores to deliver clinical excellence.

From Trainee to Partner

“I began my career in optics back in 2006 after attending a career open evening at a Specsavers store. I was offered a role as a Trainee Optical Assistant and quickly realised the wealth of opportunities available. After 6 months, I moved to a store closer to home and expressed an interest in training as a Dispensing Optician (DO). The partners saw my potential and supported me through the course. Three years later, I qualified.

At that point, I considered converting to optometry at Bradford University, but I needed two years’ experience as a DO first. Around the same time, University of Plymouth launched its optometry course, and I decided to take the plunge. It wasn’t the quick route, but I learned so much along the way. Studying full-time as a mature student while working part-time and paying the bills was a challenge. But everyone who knows me knows I love a challenge, and I made it work.

I completed my pre-reg in the Newton Abbot store and stayed there for a year before moving to Launceston to reduce my commute. Throughout the next 2 years, I completed ILM management development training and Pathway to become a partner. Partnership was always my goal; I’d identified it as the next step even before my pre-reg and in 2018 I bought the Launceston store.

Why I made the move to CPC

Partnership opened many doors for me and created countless opportunities. I was always seeking better, more efficient ways of working and found real satisfaction in driving continuous improvement within the store - whether through operational efficiency or people development.

I was a partner for almost seven years, during which time I got married, had two children, and completed my MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice in Ophthalmology degree apprenticeship. I really enjoyed partnership and when I first took it on, I had far fewer personal responsibilities. Like any business owner, my business demanded a lot from me, and as my family grew, other people needed my time. When the CPC role came up in my area, it seemed like the right time to explore new opportunities where I could use my experience in an impactful way that aligned with my career aspirations.

The CPC role appealed to me because, in many ways, it mirrors the work of a clinical partner. Both roles share the core principles of optimising access to clinical care, supporting professional development and delivering growth through strategy and commercial acumen. I wanted a position that would allow me to use the knowledge and experience I’ve built throughout my career to make a broader impact, while still offering the flexibility and balance I needed.

Providing invaluable support for stores

As CPCs, we work closely with store partners and clinical teams to help them achieve their goals while championing clinical excellence and operational efficiency. Our visits allow us to spend meaningful time with teams, understand the nuances behind the data, and offer tailored, practical support. Adding value is central to this role, and it’s something that really matters to me. One of the unique advantages of being a CPC is the ability to gather, refine, and share learnings and best practice across the stores I work with.

No two days are the same. Whether delivering in-store CPD and training sessions or supporting teams with clinical efficiency and EOS services, we bring a fresh perspective and occasionally we even bring pizza! Having benefitted from the support of my CPC when I was a partner, I really appreciate the impact this role can have on a store and its team.

Partnership isn’t the ceiling of your career

Many people see Partnership as the ceiling of your career, but it’s not. I’m nearly 20 years in and in some respects, I feel like I’m just getting started. If you’re an optometrist with clinical and commercial experience, the CPC role could be exactly what you’re looking for as your next step. In my own personal experience, I find I have a great work-life balance and the ability to influence positive change across multiple stores. Not to mention job satisfaction from helping teams achieve clinical excellence as well as opportunities to build strong relationships and a trusted support network.

As clinicians, we offer both credibility and genuine insight. I’ve been warmly welcomed and trusted by store partners and colleagues because I’ve experienced their journey firsthand. I relate to their challenges and celebrate their successes, and that shared understanding helps me build strong, supportive relationships.

If you’re passionate about improvement, love achieving goals, and want a role that combines clinical experience with commercial expertise, CPC could be the perfect next step. If my story resonates with you and you’re ready to explore a role that offers variety, impact, and balance, consider becoming a Clinical Performance Consultant. It’s a chance to use your experience to make a real difference, store by store".