One placement, so many possibilities

10 years ago, Senior Optometrist Hamza Mussa, was a university student looking for the right place to complete his training year. Today, he's helping future optometrists start their own careers through our Early Talent programmes.

I caught up with Hamza to talk about his journey, the support that helped him through his training year, and why he believes qualification is just the start of what's possible.

Why did you choose to complete your training year with Specsavers?

“Like many students, I wasn't set on one company from the start. I was exploring my options and trying to understand what I wanted from my placement experience.

In my second year at university, I attended a Specsavers assessment centre before completing a 6 week holiday placement at the Kendal store in the Lake District. I'd never worked in practice before, so it was my first experience of high street and primary care optometry.

That placement gave me a real insight into the profession. I developed practical skills in dispensing and contact lenses that helped enormously in my final year, but more importantly, I got to know the team, the store directors, and my future supervisor.

By the end of the placement, I knew it was somewhere I could see myself growing. I was offered a placement for the following year, and as I learned more about the support available through the Specsavers' programme, it became an easy decision”.

What were you looking for in a training placement?

“For me, it wasn't about choosing a brand. It was about choosing the right environment.

I'd spoken to other employers and explored different options, but what mattered most was finding a supportive team, a great supervisor and a place that would help me develop into the optometrist I wanted to become.

When you're starting your career, having people around you who want to see you succeed makes a huge difference”.

What was the biggest learning curve during your training year?

“The transition from university to practice is probably bigger than most students expect.

At university, you might spend a whole afternoon preparing for and seeing one patient. In practice, you're seeing patients throughout the day and building confidence in real-life clinical situations.

I completed my training in the Lake District, which has one of the oldest populations in the UK, so I was exposed to a huge range of pathology, eye conditions and complex cases from the very beginning.

At the time, it felt challenging. Looking back, it was one of the best things that could have happened to me because it accelerated my learning and prepared me incredibly well for the rest of my career”.

Did you ever experience imposter syndrome?

“Absolutely. I think almost every student will have moments where they wonder whether they're good enough or whether they've chosen the right career.

The first few months were particularly intense. Every day brought something new to learn, and there were times when I questioned myself.

What made the difference was knowing I wasn't expected to figure everything out on my own. That's one of the biggest strengths of the Specsavers training programme. You have experienced people around you who genuinely want to help. There were countless occasions when I'd go straight to my supervisor for advice or guidance and having that support network gave me the confidence to keep developing.

You learn very quickly that asking questions isn't a weakness, it's part of becoming a great clinician”.

How important was the support you received?

“It was everything. The support from my supervisor and the wider team gave me a safety net while I developed my confidence and clinical skills.

The reality is that no one leaves university knowing everything. Your placement is designed to bridge that gap between student and qualified optometrist, and having the right support around you makes all the difference.

I never felt like I was facing challenges alone. There was always someone I could learn from, ask questions to or turn to for reassurance”.

What would you say to students considering training at Specsavers?

“Don't think of your training year as the finish line. Think of it as the beginning.

Getting qualified is a huge achievement, but it's only the first step in your career. The experiences you'll have, the people you'll learn from, and the opportunities available afterwards can shape your career for years to come.

My own journey started with a holiday placement and a training year. 10 years later, I'm still here, supporting the next generation of optometrists as they begin their careers”.