Specsavers has welcomed 214 new graduates into its business in the most recent recruitment cycle, with the majority commencing their optometry careers in clinics across Australia and New Zealand in early February.
Of the 214 graduates, 189 have joined Specsavers stores across metropolitan and regional Australia, while 25 have commenced roles within the New Zealand business.
In a media release, Specsavers professional recruitment director Raj Sundarjee said the 2026 cohort reflected the continued strength of the Specsavers Graduate Program and its reputation for delivering industry-leading clinical development.
“The Specsavers Graduate Program remains an unrivalled development pathway for early-career optometrists,” Sundarjee said.
“Year after year, we continue to attract exceptional graduates who want the very best start to their careers. Being named a Great Place to Work for multiple consecutive years and recognised as the fourth best workplace in Australia and second-best workplace in New Zealand demonstrates the commitment we have to supporting our people, and graduates recognise that.”
He said this year’s cohort reflected the increasing desire of new graduates to work in evidence-based, patient-centred clinical environments.
“This generation is deeply committed to delivering high-quality, data-driven care, and our mission – to change lives through better sight and hearing – resonates strongly with them,” he said.
The graduates were welcomed at the annual Specsavers Graduate Induction event, held on 16–17 February at the Crown Conference Centre in Melbourne.
This year’s event introduced graduates to Specsavers’ mission, vision, and values, alongside key clinical partners and stakeholders including RANZCO, Glaucoma Australia, Diabetes Australia, government agencies, and the suite of diagnostic technology available in-store.
Across the two days, graduates participated in a series of small-group workshops covering topics such as professional communication, therapeutic confidence, professional billing, product knowledge, and graduate wellbeing.
Head of graduate development ANZ Dr Natasha Fernandes said the induction event continued to be a highlight of the graduate program.
“Our graduate induction really focuses on providing our graduates with the tools and support for the best possible start to their careers,” Dr Fernandes said.
She said the program ensured every new optometrist was fully supported throughout the first two years of their career, with structured clinical and commercial training, dedicated mentoring, and ongoing development.
