Love DO Week: Helping people see the world differently

As a Dispensing Optician and Contact Lens Optician at Specsavers Newport, helping people see their best is what motivates Anni Waldorf every day. After 18 years in optics and four years with Specsavers, she continues to find new ways to grow her skills, support her colleagues and make a difference to patients.

For Anni, one moment never loses its magic.

"Seeing very young children put glasses on for the first time will always be my favourite part of the job," she says. "Sometimes they're only one or two years old and they've never known any different. Then they put their glasses on, and their faces just light up because suddenly they can see clearly. It gets me emotional every time."

Alongside her day-to-day role, Anni has completed multiple qualifications, carries out specialist lens fitting and helps colleagues learn and develop through training and mentoring. Her passion for continuous learning has also led her to study for a Level 7 Professional Certificate in Paediatric Eye Care.

"I like to learn and I like to share that knowledge with colleagues," says Anni. "The more you learn, the more opportunities there are to help patients and support the people around you." For Anni, one of the most rewarding aspects of being a DO is the variety. No two days are the same, and every interaction brings the opportunity to improve someone's confidence, comfort or quality of life.

Known for building lasting relationships with patients, she approaches every appointment with the same mindset: treat people as you would your own family. It's an approach that has earned the trust of generations of patients who continue to return year after year.

Importantly, Anni has never felt limited in her career.

"The more qualifications you gain, the more doors open," she says. "I've always felt supported throughout my career at Specsavers and there are so many pathways available. You're constantly learning, your knowledge is always being tested, and you know you're helping people every day."

It's this combination of patient impact, professional development and career progression that has kept Anni passionate about the profession for nearly two decades.