“From the moment I stepped into the role and met the optometrist, I thought: ‘I’m going to do that job one day’”

On meeting the optometrist, Sharpe said she immediately knew this was the role for her.

Now a qualified dispensing optician, Sharpe has completed the University of Lancashire (formerly known at the University of Central Lancashire) conversion course to become an optometrist.

Sharpe began her pre-registration period with Leightons in Hempstead Valley in March 2025, and is the first pre-reg optometrist with the practice group for some time.

Describing the opportunity, Sharpe said: “It’s been an amazing environment – supportive, professional, and full of learning opportunities. I feel very fortunate to be part of such a dedicated and supportive team.”

Sharpe told OT about her motivations for studying optometry, the resilience she has learnt along the way, and her ultimate goal of owning a practice.

What motivated you to study optometry?

I was drawn to optometry because it combines science, healthcare, and the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives. Vision is such a vital part of everyday wellbeing, and being able to protect and improve it is incredibly rewarding.

What were the main reasons you wanted to become an optometrist?

Like many, I stumbled into the world of optics by chance. I was working as a checkout assistant at Tesco when an opportunity arose to join their optician’s department. From the moment I stepped into the role and met the optometrist, I thought: “I’m going to do that job one day.”

What is your favourite aspect of optometry?

What I love most about optometry is how multifaceted it is. It is a profession that blends clinical expertise, problem solving, patient care, and even elements of technology and fashion. No two days are ever the same – you could be managing a dry eye care one moment, detecting signs of systemic disease the next, and helping someone choose frames that boost their confidence. That variety keeps the role exciting.

Do you have a career path in mind?

My long-term goal is to own my own independent practice. I’ve worked in a variety of settings; supermarket opticians, high-end independents, and everything in between, and I’ve come to truly value personalised customer care and the freedom to focus on clinical excellence.

In the short-term, I want to continue building my clinical expertise and pass my pre-registration period.

What further qualifications have you taken?

I am a qualified dispensing optician and, along the way, I completed an eye styling course and earned a Level 5 Management Certificate in Continuous Improvement. While I quickly realised that management wasn’t my main passion, it confirmed how much I enjoy the clinical side to optics.

To others interested in pursuing additional qualifications, I would say don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Some of the most valuable experiences and learning opportunities come from taking on challenges that feel unfamiliar or even a little intimidating at first. Oh, and you are never too old to learn.

Resilience, support, and rest as an essential

What have you learned from your experience of optometry so far?

Resilience, without a doubt. I didn’t pass my final exams the first time around, and that was a tough experience. But it also taught me so much about perseverance, about learning from setbacks, and about the importance of having a strong support network. Also, never underestimate the value of great mentorship – it can make all the difference.

How do you approach balancing studying and work with making time for yourself?

It’s definitely a challenge, especially right now as I juggle my dissertation alongside the demands of pre-registration period. There is no sugar-coating it: it can feel overwhelming at times. But I’ve learned that making time to rest and recharge isn’t just a luxury – it's essential.

What has the pre-reg process been like with Leightons?

The pre-reg process with Leightons has been incredibly supportive. I’ve felt truly valued and encouraged, not only be my two supervisors and the amazing team at Hempstead Valley but also by the wider Leightons community. Their collective support has helped me grow both professionally and personally, and I feel fortunate to be part of such a nurturing environment.

Honestly, it’s been a huge compliment to be chosen as the first pre-reg with Leightons in some time. I’m aware they took a chance by bringing me on, which makes me even more grateful for the opportunity. I was very intentional about where I wanted to complete my placement – I've always been passionate about working within an independent practice that aligns with my values and Leightons has truly lived up to that vision.

“I find supervising hugely rewarding”

Jennifer Wilson, optometrist at Leightons and Sarah’s joint-pre-registration supervisor, shares her reflections on the experience

After qualifying as an optometrist, I was eager to support others on their journey to registration. As soon as I was eligible, I took the opportunity to become a secondary supervisor. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of supervising at least nine pre-reg optometrists with a wide range of backgrounds, from those entering their first role in optics, to former optical business owners completing conversion courses.

Over the past year, I’ve supported Sarah during her university clinical placement. She shadowed my clinics and carried out elements of the eye examination under my direct supervision, all while continuing her work as a dispensing optician. This early exposure laid a strong foundation for her pre-registration year, boosting her confidence and building familiarity with the team, the practice systems, and our working style.

I now share the role of joint supervisor with a colleague, offering Sarah a broader range of experience and support as she began her pre-registration year in March 2025. We’ve found that planning regular meetings is key to staying on top of assessments and keeping the wider team informed of case study requirements. Within the Leightons group, we are fortunate to have access to colleagues with specialist expertise who can contribute to her learning throughout the year.

I find supervising hugely rewarding. It encourages me to reflect on my own clinical practice and decision-making daily. Watching pre-regs grow in confidence and ability, and then working alongside them post-qualification, is a real privilege.