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International Careers at Specsavers

Feel supported to realise your ambitions

Explore a career without borders 

We've been providing affordable, accessible eyecare for over 40 years. But today, we're so much more. We're an international organisation with clinical expertise in both optometry and audiology. We've expanded into new markets, and you can now find us in the UK, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, and most recently, Canada. We care about our customers and our people. When it comes to international careers, we seek the very best clinicians to join us. In return, we support applicants in moving and developing their careers internationally. Why not look at the options below and get in touch with our International Recruitment team to discuss the opportunities available to you.

UK and Ireland

Optometrists

Thinking about working as an optometrist in the UK or Ireland? Great choice! First, you'll need to register with the General Optical Council (GOC) in the UK or CORU in Ireland. Both have minimum requirements you must meet to start your application. They'll check your education and work experience to ensure it aligns with their standards. It's all about making sure you're ready to provide the very highest standard of care to your patients.

After you've completed the necessary application, we'd love for you to apply and join our team...

...as a Pre-reg Optometrist.

...as an Optometrist in Ireland.


Audiologists

If you are an internationally qualified audiologist looking relocate to the UK or Ireland on an employed basis then we may have opportunities for you.   In order to work as an Audiologist/Hearing Aid Dispenser in the UK, it is mandatory to be registered with the HCPC. You can find out more about the HCPC registration process here.

To work as an Audiologist/Hearing Aid Dispenser in the Republic of Ireland, it is mandatory to register with the governing body, ISHAA.

Register your interest

Northern Europe

Optometrists 

If you're an experienced optometrist with the necessary qualifications, we have exciting opportunities for you in Finland, Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. To be eligible, you need to be an optometrist qualified in an EEA country, have the required level of language proficiency, and hold an EU passport for freedom of movement

Get in touch with us to learn more


Netherlands Opticien 

If you're an EEA-qualified optometrist, we have a limited number of Opticien vacancies in our major city store locations in the Netherlands. A good level of English proficiency is required, and you'll need to learn Dutch once you're in place. 

Register your interest


Audiologists

Netherlands Audicien 

We are searching for internationally qualified audiologists to join us in the Netherlands as Audiciens. You will need to have an EU Passport or be eligible for one to be considered. We have opportunities across the country, including Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague. 

Register your interest

Australia and New Zealand

Audiology Partners

Specsavers are looking for internationally qualified entrepreneurial audiologists to relocate to Australia and New Zealand and join us as business owners.

As a partner, you will own your own practice, lead your team and be responsible for the day-to-day operations of your store. This opportunity will allow you to reap the rewards of your hard work whilst growing an asset for your and your family’s future.

Want to learn more?

To learn more, register your interest and a member of the International Recruitment team will be in touch. We're here to help you every step of the way.

Register your interest

Canada


Retail Optical Partner


Specsavers are now well established in the Canadian market and have opened 150 stores. Many UK based pathway approved retailers have joined us as retail partners in Canada and now run their own practice.  There are still opportunities for experienced Specsavers retail managers to join us on this journey.  

To be considered you’ll have had to be employed by Specsavers for at least 12 months, be Pathway approved and have the ambition required for a new international challenge. 

Register your interest

Where to begin?

Looking to challenge yourself, open new doors for your career and experience new cultures? Or perhaps you’re just considering all options? Our friendly international recruitment experts can help to answer any questions, explain our processes and help address any concerns you might have. 


Reach out today and we can discuss if an international career is the right step for you.


Get in touch

Frequently asked questions

Want to know more about what’s involved? Curious about the application process? Check out our FAQs to explore some of the answers you might be looking for.

It really depends on both the country you live in now and the country you’re applying to. For some countries, you’ll need to take a course or an exam to convert your existing qualification to the relevant level for entry. All countries have a defined route for accreditation, and this can be found on the internet. If in doubt drop us a message.

If you have a good idea of where you might move to, we suggest you do a bit of research about things like the cost of living, types of accommodation, the travel and traffic, what healthcare is available and if you have a family, you could start looking at schools. The more you know, the more we can help you through the application process and beyond.

To learn more about us, check out our latest annual report detailing our business across the globe. Each country has its own dedicated website, so feel free to take a look online and enjoy reading some amazing stories about how we operate.

You can find more details about location-specific requirements by researching online. If you need any extra support, we're happy to help.

Each country has their own entry requirements. Some countries offer a work permit, and some need a visa for you to work and live. Our support team can help you to work out what you might need to do to enter the country you’re considering.

In all cases as part of your application to practice you will be required to demonstrate a good knowledge of the local language. You can’t get by in Finland with only knowing ‘Hei’ for example (That’s hello for English speakers). It’s worth considering if you need to spend time learning the language to a higher level before you apply. Our support team can advise you further on any language skills or certificates you may need.

By researching the registration requirements for a country, you'll find information about the regulatory bodies and the acceptable language proficiency suppliers and levels needed.

Each location and role offers different levels of support. We will help guide you through your options.

All our stores are owned by our partners, who will issue your employment contracts and discuss onboarding arrangements. As a business recognised as one of the top 20 companies in the world to work for, we set the bar high in the support we offer.

Our international recruitment specialists will work with you to decide if an international move is right for you and if your experience and capabilities match the opportunities we have available. You'll then be introduced to the recruitment team in your chosen country, and they'll set up meetings with our partners for you. We aim to support and guide you every step of the way to make the most of this major change in your life.

Specsavers is committed to the development of all our colleagues. We offer clinical development pathways, and if you're ambitious and aim for business ownership, we provide learning and development to fully equip you to run your own store or Home Visits business.

The first step is to decide which country you want to relocate to. Each country has different regulatory and registration requirements, so by choosing the country first, you can start researching the steps you need to take to work there. You'll also need to speak the language.