I wanted a change, and I found so much more

When Adam Tugnutt relocated from Brighton to Liverpool, he wasn't sure whether he'd stay in optics. After more than five years as an optical assistant in a Specsavers store, he was ready for a change of scenery and a different challenge. What he discovered in Specsavers Home Visits was a role that offered greater flexibility, deeper patient connections, and a chance to make a meaningful difference every day.

A fresh start

“I actually joined Specsavers after a complete career change. Before optics, I was working as an estate agent and wanted to do something different. During a routine eye test at my local Specsavers, I noticed they were recruiting. It felt like the perfect opportunity for a fresh start, and I've never looked back.

I spent more than five years working as an optical assistant in store, supporting patients throughout their journey and carrying out additional tests such as OCT and visual fields. It was a role I really enjoyed and one that gave me a strong foundation in optics.

When I relocated from Brighton to Liverpool, I assumed that chapter of my career might be coming to an end. I didn't think I'd necessarily stay in the optical industry, but I knew I enjoyed helping people and had built up a lot of experience. That's when I started looking at Specsavers Home Visits”.

Taking a chance on Home Visits

“To be honest, I didn't really know what to expect. I'd never worked in a domiciliary setting before, and because it's quite different to store-based optics, there were a lot of unknowns. But that was part of the appeal. I was interested in experiencing a different working environment and wanted to see what it was all about.

With my store background, I already understood the patient journey and the optical assistant role, so I decided to give it a go. Looking back, I'm really glad I did”.

More time, more impact

“The reality of Home Visits is very different from what I expected. One of the biggest changes was the pace. In Home Visits, I see half the number of patients per day than I did when I was in store. That allows me to spend more time with each person and really focus on their individual needs.

What I've enjoyed most is how personal the experience is. Every patient is different, every home is different, and no two days are ever the same. I’m able to work around the patient, taking the time to get to know them, understand their circumstances and provide a service that's tailored to them.

For me, that's where the real impact comes in. It feels more personalised for both the patient and for me. I find I build stronger relationships and have more meaningful conversations. And like in store, I leave knowing I’ve made a genuine difference to someone's day”.

A team that supports you

“Another thing that surprised me was how connected I feel to my colleagues, despite us all being out on the road every day. Although I'm part of a smaller team now, there's a real sense of support. Everyone works together to make sure things run smoothly, and I know there's always someone there to help if I need it. That team spirit has made a huge difference. It’s something I had in store and was so worried I’d lose that by going into Home Visits.

If you're currently working in store-based optics and are wondering whether Home Visits could be right for you, I'd definitely recommend exploring it. If you enjoy helping patients, value building relationships and want a role that offers a little more freedom and variety, it's well worth experiencing for yourself.”