Bright Futures Bursaries available across stores in the UK

We’re passionate about encouraging more school-aged children to discover the fascinating world of optics and want to help them pursue a career in optometry. Following an initial launch in Scotland and Northern Ireland last October, we’ve rolled out Bright Futures Bursaries across our stores in England and Wales. 

Young people in year 12 with an interest in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and maths) are eligible to apply. To be considered, they must be in year 12 in England and Wales, S5 or S6 in Scotland, or year 13/14 in Northern Ireland. 

Our store directors have seen a fantastic uptake and are actively on the lookout for the next talented team member to join them. Stores are engaging with local schools, but you can speed up their selection process by popping into store and introducing yourself. 

We want to give back to the local community and inspire the next generation of clinical talent.  The Bright Futures Bursary aims to inspire and support local school children by providing: 

• A guarantee of part-time work to gain vital first-hand experience in a local Specsavers practice 
• £100 vouchers and a Welcome Box packed with goodies to support school studies 
• £1000 of financial support towards ophthalmic equipment if they successfully apply for optometry at university 
• Graduation gift of £1000 to help set the student up for their continuing journey  

Each Bright Star will also benefit from extensive mentoring and shadowing from colleagues already in the profession. 

Lucy Knock, Specsavers Early Career Manager explains ‘Our Specsavers colleagues change lives in our communities daily and supporting a pipeline of local clinical talent to continue this important work, through the Bright Futures bursary, not only offers a rewarding career to young people but also supports community optometry into the future’.  

Find your local store or click the link to discover more about a career in optometry.