In a major internal shift and ANZ industry first, Specsavers has combined its optometry and dispensing functions to create a ‘clinical services’ team that will be rolled out to its global business.
Led by newly-titled ANZ clinical services director Dr Ben Ashby, the change will see more collaboration between Specsavers’ optometry and dispensing functions.
“The internal move is a testament to the value and importance of dispensing professionals and their optometry peers working together to provide great patient care. Combining the strengths and successes of both Specsavers professional teams will improve the sight and lives of people across Australia and Aotearoa,” Ashby said.
As part of the change, the company confirmed that Mr Richard Couch, outgoing head of dispensing advancement and ophthalmic lenses, has been promoted to head of dispensing advancement in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Ms Amy Kenefeck will be taking on the newly created role of head of dispensing advancement for Specsavers ANZ.
In her new role, Kenefeck will be leading Specsavers’ dispensing strategy and driving continuous improvement to customer experience through enhancing the quality and consistency of dispensing capabilities within the store network.
“A qualified Cert IV dispenser, Amy has nearly 20 years’ experience in the optics industry. Her career spans roles as a senior optical dispenser, regional training manager and senior retail operations manager, giving her a wonderful breadth of experience across optics. Amy’s passion for customer service and expertise in dispensing is the ideal combination to support great product solutions for all our customers,” Ashby said.
Kenefeck is optimistic about the opportunities that working closely with optometry will bring to dispensing in Australia and New Zealand.
“Specsavers has led the charge and brought about so many transformations to the industry that have changed lives through better sight. Now that dispensing and optometry is united, I’m ready to elevate our professions even further,” Kenefeck said.
“In the past year, we have had a focus on increasing our use of data to enhance patient experiences and outcomes. In the year ahead, we’ll be looking even more closely at this and will be developing an evidence-led strategy to support dispensers to help their customers. In this new unified approach, the world is our oyster.”
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