23 July 2026
A £10,000 scholarship and a targeted partnership established by Specsavers with UCAS is said to have supported a 16% growth in optometry degree applications year-on-year.
Optometry applications increased from 4845 in September 2024 to 5610 in September 2025.
The campaign utilised UCAS’ applicant insight tools and a multi-channel approach from social, emails and adviser outreach to physical events, reaching medically aligned students at key moments. It also promoted Specsavers’ Bright Stars scholarship programme.
“Students interest in optometry careers was piqued by the Specsavers Bright Stars scholarship,” said early talent lead at Specsavers, Lucy Knock.
The initiative, which was launched by the multiple in 2024 to support the next generation of optometrists, “has been a game changer,” she added.
In addition to £10,000 financial support, through the scholarship students work in their local Specsavers optometry practice, and have the opportunity to attend development events.
On the UCAS partnership, Knock explained that it was about being visible and engaging with students “at the right moments in their decision-making journey,” not relying on traditional outreach alone.
“UCAS provides that trusted gateway into informed choice at scale. It’s helped us to build awareness of optometry careers among young people exploring their next steps,” Knock said.
She highlighted that a key learning was that awareness, not interest, was the barrier.
“When students understand the scope of optometry, applications follow,” she said.
“This is about building a sustainable profession as part of Specsavers’ commitment to meet the needs of the communities that we serve by helping train the next generation of our experts who care,” she added.
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