Meet Lucy | Hearcare Partner

I’m Lucy and I started working for Specsavers back in January 2000 in the Northampton store. After 18 years in optics, I trained to be a Hearing Aid Dispenser. That eventually lead to my current position as Hearcare Partner at the Northampton store.

In my spare time, I love to read and I’m also studying for an English Literature degree with the Open University.

Before joining Specsavers, I worked at a hospital, but saw an advert for Specsavers in the newspaper and here we are! 

I’ve done most things that there are to do at Specsavers! I started on reception, then moved to the contact lens department and eventually became a supervisor. I completed the Level 3 Diploma Optometric Clinical Assistant and Ophthalmic Dispensing Assistant courses (now Cert 3) and began dispensing. In 2015, I completed Cert 4 and became the in-store trainer. A little later on, I was offered the Hearing Aid Apprenticeship which I finished this year. 

I’ve learnt so much during my time at Specsavers! I strongly think anyone can do anything if they’re given the opportunity and the encouragement to do so. When I first started, I would never have dreamt that I would be one of the partners in store. It hasn’t been easy to become a HAD, it’s quite a different path from optics, but had support from the partners and staff encouraged me to carry on, even when I didn’t think I could do it.  

There’s always been clear career progression available, whether it be training in-store or more official courses. Particularly in the last year, I’ve had tremendous support from the partners and also from Specsavers. There’s a lot to take on when becoming a partner and although I have worked here for a long time, I’ve never had to deal with the ‘behind the scenes’ work that goes on.

My day-to-day role gives me the opportunity to connect with our patients and offer them help with their hearing. It’s a privilege to be able to do that and improve their quality of life. I’m also enjoying growing our team and offering them the opportunity to progress in their careers too.  

I’m very lucky to have friends in our store that have worked there as long as me, if not longer. I grew up in the store and it feels like home. Some of the patients have become friends too and knowing that we help make their lives easier is a lovely feeling.

If I had to sum up the Specsavers culture in one word, it’d be family.

To anyone who’s thinking of joining Specsavers, I’d say come and join us! There are so many options available and so much to learn, but it’s also good fun. It’s great to know you’ve helped with either sight or hearing and improved a person’s life with that.