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: Richard Horvat
Current position: Dispensing partner
Location: Fountain Gate East and West, Victoria
Years within the business: 15
How did you come to work at Specsavers?
I came to Specsavers originally for more career opportunity. At the time I was working for another company mainly edging and fitting lenses but it was hard to see myself doing much more than these everyday tasks. At Specsavers I saw there would be more opportunities for progression within stores and also the option to become a partner in my own store which was really what attracted me to the business.
What was your first role within the business?
My first role with Specsavers was at the Cranbourne store as a dispenser. There was a wealth of knowledge across the team when I began, as most staff at the store had worked in optics for years so it was a great environment to fill any knowledge gaps I had. My original tasks were mainly dispensing glasses to patients, fitting glasses to patients on collection, as well as other everyday tasks including unpacking deliveries, calling customers and other general customer service activities.
What growth opportunities have presented themselves?
I have been given amazing opportunities to learn and grow throughout my journey with Specsavers. At my first store, I had an amazing mentor who allowed me to take on responsibilities and trained me up to eventually move into a management role. He also allowed me to take part in the Pathway Program which gave me the skills and tools to be a successful partner in my own business. Since taking on my own store, I have completed my Cert IV in optical dispensing and have also taken part in numerous leadership development programs which are all made available through Specsavers.
Why did you pursue a dispensing career?
I pursued a career as a dispenser mainly due to my own eye condition. I was diagnosed with keratoconus at age 11 and that sparked my initial interest in the optical field. This interest grew as I got older.
What is your most interesting dispensing case?
There’s been so many interesting cases over the years but one that stands out is a patient who required +21.00 lenticular lenses. The prescription made frame selection a challenge, but we were able to find something that the patient was really happy with.
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as an optical dispenser?
Do it. It is such a rewarding, dynamic job where you can genuinely change peoples’ lives for the better. One of the best feelings is seeing the excitement patients get when we fit them with their new spectacles. It can sometimes feel like it’s not significant, but the truth is we make a huge difference to all of our patients’ day to day lives. At Specsavers, we have the expertise, systems, and brand presence that allows us to care for a high volume of patients which means the impact you can have is huge.
What excites you most about turning up for work each day?
The team environment we have with our team, the people I work with and knowing the difference we make to people’s lives. I really love developing my team to hopefully create our next set of leaders within the industry.
More reading
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