02 October 2025
When Holly Jones started her first job as an optical assistant, she had little idea that by the time she was 35 she would be a director of three established optometry practices.
“Owning my own part of an opticians group was a million miles away from where my 19-year-old self thought I would be,” she told OT.
Jones worked in a series of jobs for High Street multiple practices before she was recruited by Wheeldon Opticians director, James Wheeldon, in 2014.
While Jones could not have predicted her own career trajectory, from the beginning, Wheeldon observed strong leadership potential in Jones.
“James had recognised something in me that I didn’t know was there,” Jones said.
After joining Hakim Group in 2021, Wheeldon began to search for a manager for his West Didsbury practice.
When Jones sent him a list of potential candidates, Wheeldon questioned whether she had considered putting herself forward for the role.
“He highlighted areas in which I was already taking on some leadership roles without realising. A chance to turn the job I love into a career felt incredible,” she said.
After a successful interview, Jones helped the practice to thrive and began taking on more responsibility at other branches of Wheeldon Opticians.
As her career developed, alongside her role on the practice floor, Jones acquired a broad range of skills necessary for running a business – from organising rotas to budget strategies and marketing.
She highlighted that being an effective leader means caring for the people you work alongside.
“You need to appreciate the work the team puts in, show an interest in their lives outside of work, provide support and when possible, be the solution when the team has a problem,” Jones emphasised.
“I hope our industry isn’t missing out on vibrant leaders because they think they don’t fit the criteria”
When a joint venture partnership opportunity came up within Wheeldon Opticians, Jones initially had doubts about whether she had the necessary skillset for this next step in her career.
During her career, Jones had generally observed dispensing opticians and optometrists take on this level of responsibility.
“I only had experience and passion for the company I work for, my concern was – was it enough?” she told OT.
Jones shared that Wheeldon continued to be a strong source of support during this time.
“He was telling everyone who would listen that I was the right person for the job and that he didn’t want to partner with anyone else,” she said.
In September 2024, Jones became a joint venture partner of Wheeldon Opticians’ three branches in West Didsbury, Wilmslow and Cheadle.
She told OT that in achieving this milestone, she is grateful for the backing she received from Wheeldon and other colleagues along the way.
“I hope our industry isn’t missing out on vibrant leaders because they think they don’t fit the criteria and my path hopefully proves that,” Jones reflected.
A tailored leadership style
Independent prescribing (IP) optometrist, Rebecca Troughton, has held a range of leadership roles during her career.
She is the ophthalmic director of Specsavers in Northallerton & Thirsk and director of Specsavers Hearcare in Thirsk.
Troughton is a supervisor for pre-registration optometrists, trainee dispensing opticians and trainee contact lens opticians. In her role as a specialist optometrist for the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, she trains allied health professionals as part of the national diabetic eye screening programme.
Troughton highlighted that an effective leader has the ability to recognise individuals for their strengths and unique contributions.
“I adapt my leadership style to suit individual needs to bring out the best in people I work with. I lead a cohesive team that celebrates individuality while working towards a common goal,” she shared.
Troughton reflected that the greatest compliment she can receive as a leader is to know that her influence has shaped the career of those she works with.
Her personal ‘optics hero’ is Steve Thomas – an optometrist Troughton first worked alongside when she was in her pre-registration year.
“He inspired me to never stop learning and embrace every opportunity the career offers as a champion of our profession and the future of optometry,” Troughton said.
“My varied role in primary and secondary care would not have been possible without his guidance and support. In a full circle moment, I am now the director of Specsavers Northallerton which Steve founded 25 years ago,” she added.
Lessons between generations
Many optical professionals will be familiar with days in practice where things do not go to plan – from unexpected absences to equipment failure.
These situations can act as a litmus test for the strength of the bonds between team members.
Steve Smith, a retail partner at Specsavers Hillcrest Mall in Ontario, Canada, outlined how the dynamic between two team members transformed what could have been a difficult day in practice.
With a full clinic and only three staff on the practice floor due to illness and annual leave, dispensing optician, Linda Wong, and eye care consultant, Kiana Zareian, worked together to assist those coming through the practice.
“I am proud to work alongside people who support each other not just commercially, but personally too,” Smith emphasised.
“Somehow, what started as the most challenging day of the week ended up being the strongest,” he recalled.
Wong has four decades of experience working as a dispensing optician, while Zareian has been working in optics for less than a year.
Zareian described Wong as one of the most caring and thoughtful people she has ever met.
“The most important lesson that Linda has taught me is the importance of kindness and patience in the workplace,” she said.
“No matter how busy the store is or how many tasks she is handling all at once, she always still finds the time to help others,” Zareian said.
When she first started working at Specsavers, Zareian shared that Wong would always be available to answer her questions or lend a hand.
“She brings a warm and inviting energy to the team that makes work something to look forward to,” Zareian said.
Wong told OT that she appreciates the chance to work alongside Zareian – who she has nicknamed ‘peanut.’
“From the very beginning Kiana was incredibly easy to bond with due to her friendly and caring nature,” she said.
“Kiana to me is a role model. She is trustworthy and someone I admire very much,” Wong added.
Smith, who has previously worked for Specsavers branches in Dorchester, Weymouth and Bournemouth, highlighted that building strong professional and personal connections is key to creating a positive and supportive work environment.
“When people feel comfortable and valued, they are more likely to support one another, take initiative and enjoy coming to work,” he said.
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