Making a difference as a dispensing optician at Specsavers

At 16 years old, she went to work in her local optometry practice and, having never left the sector, she’s now heading into her 33rd year of practice as a dispensing optician. 

Rachel previously worked in another High Street opticians for 18 years. However, following a change to the way the practice was operated, she decided she was ready to move on. 

Having spotted a Specsavers being built around the corner from her home, Rachel applied for a new job. The practice had already filled the dispensing optician vacancy, but were open to her joining the team due to her extensive experience and enthusiasm – and she’s still there now, nine years later, at Specsavers Llanishen, in the very same building. 

Putting the patient first

Discussing her role, Rachel says: “The patient is always the most important thing when it comes to doing my job.” 

“I needed to work somewhere where the business aligned with me on that. I wanted to spend more time with patients – and find the solution that works best for them, not necessarily the most expensive solution,” she adds. 

Rachel enjoys working at Specsavers because she is trusted to work in a way that benefits the team and the individual patients. “I’ve got an exceptionally good working relationship with the optometrists. I can bounce things off them when I’m stuck and likewise, they will come to me and ask questions too,” she says. 

That goes for the wider team as well. Rachel’s branch is part of a larger cluster, with dispensing opticians and optometrists who work at different stores. “You need a good rapport with your team – and it doesn’t matter if you’re answering the phones or you’re treating the most complicated patients, you’re all part of one team. We all work together at Specsavers.”

Specsavers

Dispensing optician Rachel Clarke with Specsavers co-founder, Doug Perkins

Day-to-day, colleagues are encouraged to recognise the work of others. “You’re not just a number here, you’re part of a team and you’re recognised as a human being who helps people,” says Rachel. 

There is a “shelf of praise,” so if you’ve done a great job, you can choose something as a reward, plus employees have customer recognition through a feedback form too, Rachel shares. 

Specsavers also delivers the Doug and Mary award annually, named after the legendary Specsavers founders Mary and Doug Perkins. This award is given to employees who have gone above and beyond in their commitment to clinical care. Rachel was awarded the Dispensing Optician Award in November 2024.

“I was absolutely stunned into silence when I heard I’d won,” says Rachel. “It’s a phenomenal achievement. I went up to Birmingham for the award ceremony and there was a meal with Doug and Mary the night before and a beautiful hotel stay. It was really lovely, and my husband was able to join me to see me receive the award. It means so much.”

Looking to the future

Throughout her dispensing optician career, Rachel has continued to learn and grow. She regularly hosts training sessions to impart her valuable knowledge to the rest of her team and she tailors the sessions so that her colleagues aren’t just listening to her but interacting and really understanding what they are learning about. 

“I want them to question me, because that means they’ve processed it. It’s a far better way of learning. And there are different levels of learning needs, so I’ll do different things with different people. Some learn better one-to-one, and others visually,” explains Rachel. “The main thing is the sessions have to be fun!”

Join the Specsavers team

Rachel’s advice to anyone considering a career at Specsavers? “Go for it. If it’s something you’re interested in, let us help you – let’s get you to the best you can be. If you need training, you’ve got the option. There’s always an option at Specsavers.”

Find out more

If you’re inspired by Rachel’s story and want to find out more about being a dispensing optician, take a look at everything you need to know.