“I’ve always said that optometry is a fantastic profession for women”

Having graduated from Cardiff University over 50 years ago, Dame Mary has observed much change across the profession. While she was one of “very few” females studying optometry in her undergraduate years, today females make up 67% of the student optometry cohort. We spoke to Dame Mary about her experiences.

Looking back, what were the demographics of the profession like when you first entered it?

When I attended Cardiff University’s School of Optometry back in the early 60s, optometry was in a very different place. I was one of very few women on the course, however, it turned out well for me – not only did I qualify as an optometrist, but it was also where I met my husband, Doug. We’ve now been married for 58 years.

How have you observed these demographics change during you career?

There are many more women working in our profession these days thanks to women being encouraged to study science subjects at school. I had to absolutely fight to be allowed to do physics – and undertaking further education STEM courses.

I’ve always said that optometry is a fantastic profession for women as it is a mix of fashion and healthcare. That caring side of the business is so crucial to being able to provide the best possible service to patients and customers, but they want to look stylish too.

What impact does this demographic shift have on the profession, and does it need to evolve meet changing requirements?

I have a mantra – put the customer at the heart of everything you do. If you’re doing that always to the best of your ability then it really doesn’t matter what gender you are.

Technological advances, such as teleoptometry, mean that businesses can be more flexible and can better accommodate the needs of patients as well as colleagues

What do you think the key issues for women in optics are in 2025 and why?

Balancing childcare and family responsibilities, especially with an ageing demographic, which means more people of working age are caring for elderly relatives also. This is always going to be difficult. However, technological advances, such as teleoptometry, mean that businesses can be more flexible and can better accommodate the needs of patients as well as colleagues.

Is there any action required from the profession to reduce gender inequality in optics?

We always need to encourage more people into the profession, so anything we can do to make it more attractive for young people to consider as a career is to be welcomed. I also firmly believe in recognising the skills and experience that older women working in optometry bring with them. Many of our customers and patients are older and living longer with more complex conditions. They appreciate being seen by someone who can empathise and understand their needs.

It is so important that women feel listened to

Have you taken any career breaks during your career and if so, what was your experience?

Do you know, it didn’t even really cross my mind when I had my three children to take time off. Obviously, I had a few weeks to recover from childbirth, but as a business owner you just had to get on with it, and none of the family knew any different. I guess I was lucky as, being the owners of a business meant that we could bring the children into work with us. I was also fortunate to have some very good care at home for the children – I’m not sure what I would have done without that to be honest. It must have had an impact on them as all three of my children have worked in the business – my son is now CEO – and four of my seven grandchildren also work for Specsavers and within our ophthalmology business, Newmedica. It remains, and I hope always will, a proper family business.

Having led Specsavers to its position today, are there any key initiatives in Specsavers to support female advancement that you would like to highlight?

As you would expect from an organisation of our size, it is important that we nurture our talent and make working life comfortable for all of our colleagues, men and women. I have been heartened to see the women’s networking groups we have introduced, such as our MenoTalk group, and the fact that we are Menopause Friendly accredited. It is so important that women feel listened to.

Is there anyone who has inspired you in the profession over the years?

My father. He was an optician practising in my hometown of Bristol before he retired and moved to live in Guernsey with my mother. His kind and caring nature, and the time he took with his patients to ensure that they received exactly what they needed and felt respected, had a lasting impact on me. To this day my favourite motto is ‘do as you would be done by.’ Dad lived and breathed that.

What is the one piece of advice you would share for early career optometrists and those entering the profession today?

Put the patient at the heart of everything you do. If you are doing that with authenticity, and recognise that you have the ability and skill to change people’s lives by helping them to see better, it is and will always be an exciting and rewarding career. I wouldn’t want to have done anything else.