04 February 2026
For Meg Lazenby, her role at Yorkshire Eyewear is all about striking that initial connection with a patient.
Yorkshire Eyewear is family-run, with two practices in Knaresborough and Howden, and Lazenby celebrates the community-feel of the practices.
Lazenby is passionate about the design side of eyewear, and describes one of her favourite moments of the day as when patients visit to collect their new glasses.
Read on for an insight into Lazenby’s role at Yorkshire Eyewear.
What is your role?
I am a double agent: optical assistant and media and marketing manager.
What do you recall from your first week in practice?
I remember my first week in practice being so eye-opening (excuse the pun). Before working in optics, I always saw going to the opticians as something really clinical. Obviously, there is a lot of science that goes into the healthcare side of optics, but there is so much more to choosing a pair of glasses. The fashion side really excited me – we hand-select every single frame we sell, and it’s always so exciting when a frame delivery comes in. The whole team really enjoys helping to style our patients. I had no idea optics was such a fashion-conscious industry on my first day.
How do you see your role in the patient’s journey?
I handle all the marketing and advertising, so I think my role is that initial connection with the patient that makes them want to know more about our practice. Whether it’s a post that jumps out to them on social media, or one of the eye-catching posters in our windows, my job is to showcase Yorkshire Eyewear’s ethos and capture a new patient’s attention through design.
I also think I play a role in maintaining the community feel our practice has, by actively sharing content on social media that allows our existing patient base to feel connected to our team and our work.
What is one thing you love most about the practice?
The thing I love most about our practice is the fact that we are truly independent and family-run. The relationship our team has with one another is so positive, we all want Yorkshire Eyewear to flourish, and we all want the best for our patients.
What is your favourite moment of the day?
I would be lying if I didn’t say lunchtime – we are so lucky to have such amazing cafés and delis surrounding both our practices! Other than lunch, it would have to be when patients collect their new glasses. It is so rewarding to see someone love a frame that you helped them choose, and be excited about their clear vision.
Four
years at Yorkshire Eyewear
What is one lesson you have learnt from someone in your team?
A lesson I have learnt from a team member is resilience. Lots of our team have studied for additional qualifications. Whilst I’ve been here, two colleagues have qualified as dispensing opticians (DO). There is so much work and studying that goes into becoming a DO, and from what I’ve seen, it requires a lot of resilience and self-motivation. It’s truly inspiring to see my colleagues excel and achieve their qualifications after lots of hard work.
If you could have one wish for the practice, what would it be?
My one wish for the practice would be to always keep our independent spirit. It’s so important in today’s world.
If you could help your community understand one thing about eye care, what would you say?
Getting your children’s sight tested is so important. We are huge advocates for myopia management, and having your child’s eye regularly tested is fundamental, even if you think they can see clearly.
What is one thing you are excited about?
I am excited about the future of our practice. There is a lot planned for Yorkshire Eyewear in 2026, and it’s really going to level up the patient’s journey.
It’s truly inspiring to see my colleagues excel and achieve their qualifications after lots of hard work
How does your practice support each other’s wellbeing?
Because of the amazing bond our team has across both practices, we know we can always talk to each other. Team morale is fundamental for sustaining a successful work environment, and the team is constantly encouraging and supporting each other.
If you had an unofficial title in the practice, what would it be?
My unofficial title would probably be something like ‘optical aesthetics assistant.’ Whether we have an event on, or a new window display that needs a graphic design, I’m the first port of call.
Comments (0)
You must be logged in to join the discussion. Log in