A peek inside... Leightons Opticians and Hearing Care, Farnham

What is your role?

Dispensing optician and student optometrist

What do you recall from your first week in practice?

It was a crazy ensemble of nerves, excitement and learning. I spent the first week familiarising myself with processes and staff whilst also being thrown into the deep end of dispensing new products. I had a great time in my first week learning about the products Leightons offers and the enhanced services I had yet to work with.

How do you see your role in the patient’s journey?

I am at the final stage of the journey and have the most fun helping patients perfect their looks while improving the ease of their viewing. I get to spend time styling and chatting with our engaging patients in Farnham; I feel very similar to a personal shopper. I get to explain my passion to our patients, talking about the rich heritage of the brands we offer and how they will benefit them.

I am at the final stage of the journey and have the most fun helping patients perfect their looks while improving the ease of their viewing

What do you love most about your practice?

It has to be the diverse range of independent eyewear brands like Götti, Blackfin, Moscot and Lunor. We have so many options to suit all face shapes, sizes, and styles.

What is your favourite moment of the day?

Getting to see patient reactions when they choose and collect their new spectacles and seeing their faces light up when they see so much better than previously or get to rejuvenate their look.

What is one thing you have learnt from someone in your team?

I have learnt so much about patient psychology from my manager and how, even if they come to us with a stable prescription, we can better their lives through sunglasses, contact lenses, or multifocal options that they may not have considered or even knew existed previously. My expertise as a dispensing optician allows me to share this knowledge with patients and will enable them to see better.

If you could help your community understand one thing about eye care, what would you say?

The difference between dispensing opticians, optometrists, and salespeople. We both dedicate time and effort to learning what will be best for you and your eyes, and we are not employed just to sell glasses and contact lenses, but to help you see better.

What is your next goal?

I am excited to be studying to become an optometrist. Over the next three years, I will work towards this goal, with the plan to graduate in August 2027. I can’t wait to get more hands-on with the healthcare side of the business, better our community through clinical advancements and the additional services Leightons offers to our patients, and move forward with my own personal expertise.

I am excited to be studying to become an optometrist

How does your practice support colleague wellbeing?

Having a healthy balance of staff, with plenty of optical and hearing assistants to look after the smooth running of the clinics, and working with other experienced professionals (both dispensing opticians and optometrists) who are always there to help and guide. Not working Sundays is a bonus too.

If you could have one wish for the practice, what would it be?

Leightons is a company that gets very involved with its local communities. I would like our branch to participate more in these celebrations and community events.

If you had an unofficial title in practice, what would it be?

Dispensing optician and tech support.