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: Esther Ndukwe
Current position: Mobile optometrist
and mobile optometry professional development consultant
Location: Australia-wide
Years within the business: 6
Why did you pursue an optometry career?
Growing up in a household with two passionate GPs for parents, I always knew that I wanted to work in the health field. It wasn’t until I started having issues with headaches and blurry vision in high school, that I went to see my local optometrist. I was instantly fascinated by the sophisticated tools and this practitioner’s warm nature and almost instantly decided optometry would be the career path for me. By the time I had completed my appointment, I already had my year 10 work experience locked in with the clinic.
How did you come to work at Specsavers?
After graduating, the most important thing to me was clinical skill development and some level of support. Not only did Specsavers provide me with the high volume of patients necessary to develop my clinical abilities, but it provided great support through the Graduate Program. I had an experienced mentor who worked closely with me daily and attended graduate events that were both engaging and valuable to my development. I’m still grateful to all the supervisors and mentors along the way that encouraged me to strive for more.
What was your first role within the business?
As an optometry student, I had the opportunity to conduct my optometry placement at Specsavers Spearwood in Perth and Deer Park Specsavers in Melbourne – what an experience that was. Although intimidating at first, I quickly warmed to each team and took the opportunity to absorb as much as I could from those around me. I was able to learn new skills in optometry, optical dispensing and customer service. Placement prepared me for the workforce like nothing else could have.
What growth opportunities have presented themselves?
A lot has changed since being a nervous optometry student. In 2021, the opportunity to work in this hybrid role as a mobile optometrist and mobile optometry development consultant presented itself. Not only do I get to offer clinical support to Specsavers stores all over Australia, but I’m involved with providing professional development for the same mobile optometry team that I’m part of. In this role, I have had the opportunity to work closely with the Graduate Team, supporting new optometrists like I was supported all those year ago. I have also been able to teach clinical skills to Deakin University students. I’ve worked in over 70 clinics, travelled to every state in Australia and can arguably rank each major city by the quality of their chips and gravy. To say the last few years have been rewarding is an understatement. This role has stretched me in more ways than one, and I’m better because of it.
What are your top career highlights since joining Specsavers?
I became an optometrist to help those in the community who need it and working with Specsavers has allowed me to do that. Innovative technology and efficient work processes can help to detect life-altering conditions. Without the Specsavers Mobile Optometry Program specifically, people in regional and rural communities would miss out on necessary eyecare that so many take for granted. I’m proud to help support our most vulnerable communities. Career highlights for me will always be the people that we have helped along the way.
More reading
Specsavers Stories – Jessica Hickey
Specsavers, Vision Australia stepping up for patients with low vision
Specsavers makes golden impression in customer experience award rankings
