Love DO Week: From leaflets to leadership

Dan Green's Specsavers journey started with a temporary contract handing out free sight test leaflets.

Today, he's Head of Dispensing Development, helping others build successful careers in optics.

When Dan first discovered dispensing optics, he was working in hospitality and looking for a role that offered something different. After learning more about the profession, he decided it sounded like the perfect fit.

What followed wasn't a carefully planned career path. Instead, it was a series of opportunities that Dan was willing to take.

"You miss every chance you don't take," he says.

After joining Specsavers, Dan quickly realised he wanted to become a dispensing optician. A conversation during a training course led to an opportunity in Preston, where he was offered funded qualifications, structured development and the chance to earn while he learned.

"They talked about putting me through the courses, then giving me a pay rise, then putting me through another course and giving me another pay rise."

Dan studied through ABDO College while continuing to work in practice, with his qualification fully funded by Specsavers. He qualified as a dispensing optician in 2018.

"I was supported the whole way through," he says. "You don't necessarily have to do well at school. You have to be ambitious, willing to take opportunities and passionate about helping people."

One of the things Dan loves most about being a dispensing optician is how varied the role can be.

Over the years, his interests have evolved from the fashion side of optics to lens technology, healthcare and patient care.

"That's what I really love about being a dispensing optician. The parts of it I enjoy have changed as I've changed. It's hands-on, patient-focused, scientific and connected to fashion. There are all these different things to consider."

As his career developed, Dan also discovered a passion for helping others learn and grow. He became an in-practice trainer, supporting colleagues through their qualifications before moving into the UK Professional Development team.

Today, as Head of Dispensing Development, he's helping shape the future of the profession and supporting the next generation of dispensing opticians.

For Dan, one of the biggest advantages of the profession is the ability to gain a recognised qualification while earning a salary and building real-world experience.

"There's nowhere else like Specsavers in terms of that level of development and opportunity. If you're capable, passionate and care about what we're trying to do, you'll be supported to progress."

His advice for anyone considering a career as a dispensing optician?

"There's a lot of work and commitment involved, but the reward you get from it is even greater. If you look after optics, optics will look after you."