Read about Megan’s career journey in eyecare and find out what advice she has for other young people interested in eyecare careers.
Megan never planned to become a dispensing optician. Now she’s on course to become fully qualified in a professional career.
She applied for a job at the Fox Valley practice in Sheffield in her year out before going to university. She had planned to study forensic science. “I had no idea what working at an opticians involved as I’d never had an eye test myself,” Megan says.
She quickly realised she’d found her passion. “As I grew more comfortable with my role, I found an interest in contact lenses and the business side. I wanted to create a more streamlined process for current and new contact lens wearers, making sure they got the best service.”
Just 18 months after joining, in 2021, Megan was promoted to contact lens supervisor. The job involves:
- Managing cancellations
- Setting targets and increasing the contact lens business
- Managing easycare schemes and delivering a great customer experience
- Teaching customers how to care for their lenses
- Assessing how quickly different customers need to be seen for contact lens health checks
- Signing up new customers to contact lens care plans.
“It was all in-house training and gaining experience on the job. I also visited a practice in Leeds to see how our colleagues there operated.
In January 2022 the practice directors offered her the opportunity to study ophthalmic dispensing at Bradford college. “Following the pandemic I felt that this opportunity suited me better without the need to go to university full time. “
“I always wanted to further my education and take every opportunity that I can, so I was excited for this next chapter,” says Megan, who is set to become a fully trained dispensing optician by 2025.
Humma Khalid, optometrist director at Fox Valley, says: “Megan is a perfect example of how hard work can pay off and a career in optics can be a rewarding option for those not initially knowing where to take their career. We see potential in so many enthusiastic young people throughout our local community and aim to support them with training, helping them find an area of optics that suits their interest.”
Megan says: “Knowing I was being recognised and supported was amazing and I can’t wait to see where my journey with Specsavers takes me.”
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