When people decide to work at Specsavers, they’re joining a company with a purpose to change lives through better sight and hearing – hence why more Australians and New Zealanders choose the optometry provider over any other.
As one of the largest employers in the ANZ optometry sector, Insight sits down with an employee each month to hear about their growth trajectory within the company.
Specsavers stats
Name: David Tchung
Current position: Mobile optometrist
Location: Nationally
Years within the business: 8
How did you come to work at Specsavers?
I started my journey as an optical assistant while studying for my optometry degree. I wanted to get some hands-on practical experience in the optics field to complement my study. Having a pleasant first eye exam at Specsavers, I was eager to learn from professionals within the network.
What was your first role within the business?
Being an optical assistant involved pre-testing patients before they see the optometrist. I was super excited by the opportunity to put my optometry learnings into practice; seeing a wide array of ocular pathology and liaising with the optometrist on things I wasn’t quite sure of. It benefited both of us as we had the opportunity to briefly discuss rare cases and plan ahead before consulting with patients. Other responsibilities as an optical assistant included arriving customers, three-way handover with the optometry team and the patient, and guiding patients with their frame and lens choices based on their lifestyle needs. There was a huge amount of technical knowledge involved as an optical assistant but I’m grateful for the experience – it continues to benefit me after four years as an optometrist.
What growth opportunities have presented themselves?
Upon graduating as an optometrist at the end of 2019, I relocated to Gippsland and started my full-time optometry role at Specsavers Sale. Occasionally, I’ve provided cover at the Traralgon and Warragul stores, allowing me to cover a range of patient demographics and interesting cases as well as experiencing different styles store processes and cultures.
What are your top career highlights since joining Specsavers?
After three-plus years of practising in Gippsland, I came across a rare opportunity of joining the Specsavers Mobile Optometry Team (MOT). Having a strong interest in clinical optometry coupled with my experience of working across multiple Specsavers stores, I thought this was the perfect opportunity for my career development. It allows me to provide crucial eyecare to communities in need while allowing me to explore this wonderful country.
Another big milestone was the opportunity to join the Pathway Program while being based on the Sunshine Coast. On top of that, I also have the pleasure of being the primary mentor of two excellent graduate optometrists and being directly involved in their early career development.
What excites you most about turning up for work each day?
A bit cliché, but it is the simple things we do on a daily basis that often have the biggest impact on the lives of others.
This may be as simple as prescribing glasses so patients can see and do what they enjoy most, such as reading a newspaper. It may be reassuring them that despite their flashes/floaters, it’s a normal process that happens and nothing of concern was seen today and advising them of symptoms to look out for with close reviews. A bit of reassurance and peace of mind can go a long way in making a big difference to the wellbeing and happiness of our patients.
Specsavers Stories – Acyel Al-Alosi
Specsavers Stories – Virginia Carlton
Specsavers Stories – Jacqueline Bell
