Specsavers appoints head of professional advancement

Optometrist John McGuiness has been appointed head of professional advancement at Specsavers.

McGuiness, who qualified in 2010, joins the multiple’s professional advancement leadership team with experience across patient care, clinical supervision, practice leadership, operational management and professional development. He brings clinical insight on decisions affecting clinicians and patients across the UK.

McGuiness has previously worked as an optometrist, pre-registration supervisor, practice manager and area manager. He joined Specsavers in 2022, following 14 years at Boots Opticians in a range of clinical and leadership positions. At Specsavers he has held roles as regional relationship manager for Northern Ireland and head of operations for Specsavers Home Visits.

In the optometrist’s new position, McGuiness will help represent the needs and experiences of clinicians as Specsavers develops its clinical services, technology and future ways of working, the multiple explained.

“What excites me about this role is the opportunity to influence what happens in the test room and help deliver the best possible experience for patients and clinicians alike,” McGuiness said.

He shared: “Throughout my career, I’ve enjoyed working with different practices, different teams and different people. This role gives me the opportunity to make a positive difference on a much wider scale while staying close to the profession that inspired me to become an optometrist in the first place.”

Commenting on the appointment, Paul Morris, director of professional advancement at Specsavers, said: “John combines extensive clinical experience with a deep understanding of the operational and professional challenges facing practices today. He is passionate about supporting colleagues and improving patient care, making him a natural fit for this important role.”