Your guide to becoming an Optometrist with Specsavers in Ireland
Getting started
To practise as an Optometrist in Specsavers Ireland, you’ll need to register with CORU, the regulatory body for health and social care professionals. This involves:
Include evidence of CPD, internships, and relevant experience
Be specific and personal in describing your skills
Include as much supporting information as possible – it is far better to include too much, than too little
Watch the first 23 minutes of CORU's recent webinar with the Health Service Executive (HSE). It explains the process and helps you avoid common mistakes. Simple, clear, and worth a look.
Once
registered with CORU and offered a qualifying role, you can apply for an Irish
employment permit. Please note: permits aren’t available during CORU’s
adaptation period, so a strong initial application is key.
Want to know more about what’s involved? Curious about the process? Check out our FAQs to find some of the answers you might be looking for.
To qualify, you must:
Be a resident of the UK or Republic of Ireland (ROI)
Be a GOC-registered Optometrist (OO)
Be relocating at least 2 hours from your current residence
Be moving to an agreed Specsavers business within the UK or ROI
The total package is worth up to £29,000, including:
£10,000 Welcome Bonus (taxable)
£8,000 Relocation Support (may be tax-free under HMRC’s “Settling In Services” exemption)
£11,000 Enhanced Relocation Support, which includes: Up to £9,000 for accommodation (paid monthly, with receipts), £1,000 Travel Home Bursary (paid after probation), Up to £1,000 ProTenant relocation support
How is the accommodation support paid?
Reimbursed monthly with valid receipts, as follows:
Up to £1,500/month for families
Up to £800/month for individuals
No upfront payments are made
Bespoke relocation services
Only services from ProTenant are eligible for reimbursement (up to £1,000)
Yes! You may be offered Taster or Locum Days, which:
Must be pre-approved by the store and SRS
Are paid at the agreed locum rate
Are optional and non-binding
The Welcome Bonus and Travel Home Bursary are taxable
The Relocation Support may be tax-free if it qualifies under HMRC’s STS exemption.
All enhanced relocation support is fully funded by Specsavers Recruitment Services Ltd (SRS).
No. Only services from ProTenant are covered.
No. The offer is non-transferable and may be changed or withdrawn at SRS’s discretion.
Navigating registration requirements can be daunting, but we've got you covered. We'll guide you through the process specific to each region, ensuring you meet all necessary criteria to practise as an optometrist. Here is a brief overview:
England: You need to be registered with the General Optical Council (GOC). If you currently have a CORU registration, we can signpost you to resources that will help you to transfer your qualification seamlessly.
Scotland: If you haven't practised in Scotland before or haven't provided services in Scotland for over 2 years, you must complete the 'GOS Training and Competency Assessment' through Turas. Visit the Turas website and search for 'GOS Training and Competency Assessment' for instructions.
Wales: With the new Welsh GOS (WGOS) scheme, you’ll have access to advanced eye care services. Follow the easy registration process outlined here to get listed on the Ophthalmic Performers List (OPL) and accredited for WGOS.
Republic of Ireland: Register with CORU (Health and Social Care Professionals Council). If you currently have a GOC registration, we can point you in the direction of resources to guide you through the steps to transfer your qualification.
Full terms can be found here. Alternatively you can email: uk.resourcing@specsavers.com
