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: Tina Ngan
Current position: Optometry development consultant – professional development
Location: Specsavers Support Office
Years within the business: 6
Why did you pursue an optometry career?
I spent a lot of my later childhood years immersed in the world of healthcare, serving as a translator for my mother’s medical appointments. I witnessed the meaningful work that health professionals do for their patients every day and felt inspired to pursue a career within healthcare. However, it wasn’t until an encounter with an exceptional optometrist during my final year of high school that my path became clear. That day I went home and rearranged my course preferences to have optometry as my top choice. I was beyond stoked to have received an offer into the optometry course that summer.
How did you come to work at Specsavers?
Like many other final year optometry students, the idea of working for Specsavers came to light when the graduate team hosted an information session. I found myself interested in the vision and mission that Specsavers had and wanted to be part of their initiatives. I also knew I wanted to kickstart my early career by practising full-scope optometry, seeing patients from all backgrounds at all different ages. Specsavers offered all this and more and following my job interview with my inspiring future store partners, there was no hesitation.
What growth opportunities have presented themselves?
Growth opportunities have always presented themselves to me throughout my time in this profession and I have never shied away from them. The opportunity to mentor a graduate, as well as completing the Pathway Program during my third year of practising, began my journey to seek continual professional development. The biggest growth opportunity has been stepping into the corporate space at Specsavers Support Office. My time as a regional training manager allowed me to grow my communication, organisation and influencing skills. Now in my current role as an optometry development consultant, I’m can apply those skills and enhance my ability to think critically and strategically for the business.
Can you outline your top career highlights since joining Specsavers?
There are many but those that sit at the top would be my time travelling on the road to visit all the Specsavers stores in my portfolio in West Victoria. I was able to see firsthand – and support – the work of our store partners. This is in addition to facilitating and presenting in classrooms, workshops and graduate inductions – speaking in front of a large group had been a completely foreign concept prior to joining support office.
The best is always yet to come, and I am excited to add ‘Hosting the Specsavers Clinical Conference 2024’ as a future career highlight.
What excites you most about turning up for work each day?
The people that I get to work and interact with every day. From my team and colleagues across other departments, to ophthalmologists and optometrists in store, my role allows me to tap into my passion for connecting with people. I also get the opportunity to plan CPD events, travel to different regions across the country and hear other people’s unique stories – no two days are ever the same which makes coming to work exciting.
More reading
Specsavers Stories – Hammill Prasawat
Specsavers Stories – Ishmeen Dhaliwal
Specsavers Stories – Adam Chen
