Richard Spencer: “Optics offered far more opportunities than I had ever imagined”

Back then, a degree was a prerequisite, so I enrolled and completed a BSc in Sport Science. Alongside my studies, I worked part-time at Asda, stacking shelves and earning some extra money. I also qualified as a personal trainer. However, life doesn’t always follow the plan you imagine, and when my application to the Air Force didn’t work out, I found myself wondering what came next.

At the time, my sister-in-law worked in optics and suggested it to me. There was a position for an optical assistant in the Asda I was working in, so I applied and got the job.

I remember being fascinated almost immediately. Within a couple of weeks, I was learning how to use an autorefractor and carrying out pre-screening tests. It might sound strange, but being trusted with technology that could help assess someone’s vision felt incredible. I’ve always been a bit of a geek, and I found myself fascinated by the equipment, the science and the healthcare aspects of the role.

I was lucky that the people who worked at the store, the dispensing opticians and the optometrists, didn’t just teach me how to do a job, they helped me understand things and invested time in my development, encouraging me to learn more. Very quickly, I realised that optics offered far more opportunities than I had ever imagined.

Richard Spencer

Richard Spencer, director of David Burghardt Vision Care

I remember being fascinated almost immediately. Within a couple of weeks, I was learning how to use an autorefractor and carrying out pre-screening tests. It might sound strange, but being trusted with technology that could help assess someone’s vision felt incredible

Craving a challenge

I’ve always been someone who focuses intensely on a goal once I know what I want to achieve. As a result, after a couple of years with Asda, I applied for a role in one of Vision Express’ largest practices – Meadowhall in Sheffield.

At the interview I was clear about the direction that I wanted to take into management, and learnt that there was support and training available. I worked my way through to team leader, assistant manager and store manager roles over the following years. I embraced every training opportunity available and volunteered for responsibilities that would help me develop.

Eventually, I reached a point where I started asking myself what came next. Coinciding with this I was approached by a recruitment agency about a role for a practice manager at David Burghardt Vision Care. It felt like the opportunity I was looking for, but it was an hour and a half drive away.

After speaking with the practice, I knew it was the right opportunity for me. Initially I commuted, but eventually, we relocated closer to the practice.

Richard Spencer

Richard Spencer graduating as a dispensing optician

While working as practice manager, I was encouraged to complete my dispensing optics qualification and later began studying to become a contact lens optician. During that period, my wife and I welcomed two children, moved house and juggled all the usual demands of family life. Looking back, I’m not entirely sure how we managed it all.

I’ve always enjoyed learning. As soon as I finish one challenge, I tend to start looking for the next. It’s not because I’m chasing qualifications, but because I genuinely enjoy developing new skills and understanding more about the profession.

Becoming an optometrist wasn’t originally part of the plan. As the practice owner began discussing succession planning, I knew becoming an optometrist would support me and allow me to drive the business forward as a practice owner.

While I initially jokingly said “I’ll do it,” we quickly realised there was an opportunity to apply for a place on the University of Lancashire’s conversion course, but the deadline was fast approaching. It was a now or never moment, so I took the leap and over the last three years I have been studying on the Masters/MOptom course at the University of Lancashire and was part of the first cohort to complete the College of Optometrists’ CLiP programme. I’m proud to say I’ve now passed all assessments and am waiting on registration.

Richard Spencer

Richard Spencer at Lincoln City FC. Richard and the practice provides annual eye health and vision screening for the first men and first women teams, as well as emergency appointments

I think the experiences I gained as an optical assistant, manager, dispensing optician and contact lens optician have shaped the practitioner I am becoming today

Creating a career

Some people know exactly what they want to do from school and follow a direct path. Others won’t or their intended paths will change. I think the experiences I gained as an optical assistant, practice manager and dispensing optician have shaped the practitioner I am becoming today.

If I could offer one piece of advice to anyone considering further study or a new direction within optics, it would be not to let fear of timing hold you back.

What excites me most about optometry is how much the profession continues to evolve. From dry eye management and paediatrics to enhanced clinical services and community-based healthcare, the opportunities are growing all the time.

For me, that’s what makes this profession so special. Twenty years ago, I accidentally walked through the door of an optical practice looking for a job. Today, I’m qualifying as an optometrist, helping to lead a practice, and discovering new opportunities.

I may not have ended up where I originally planned, but I feel I have ended up where I was meant to be.