My Wonderful Optical Express Journey So Far by Claire

I began my career with Optical Express in 2007, where I joined the company as an optical assistant in our East Kilbride branch. I was able to work there at weekends whilst I completed my final year of Optometry at Glasgow Caledonian University. After graduating, I was offered my pre-registration placement with Optical Express to complete my final year of training. The company was a great support during this training year, and these days I enjoy supervising new students who are at the start of their career journey with us.

When I qualified, I was delighted to be offered a full time optometrist role with the company. Initially I was as a mobile optometrist and worked in and around central Glasgow. This role was invaluable in building my clinical knowledge of eye conditions, spectacles and contact lenses. I was then offered my own store placement back in East Kilbride, and I’ve have been here ever since. The move has allowed me to build my own patient base, and our patients enjoy the consistency of seeing the same optometrist each time they visit.

3 years after returning to East Kilbride I started my refractive training within the company, which means that I can carry out post-operative examinations on surgery patients who have undergone one of our many refractive procedures. I now have the role of Senior Refractive optometrist, so I can assess patients’ suitability for surgery. Day to day my role still involves eye examinations, contact lens appointments, but now it also includes refractive consultations and post-surgery check-ups. For optometrists who enjoy variety, Optical Express is definitely the place to be.

The business offers a full range of eye care solutions, which means that I can offer the best possible care for my patients – something that I’m very passionate about. We have an extensive network of ophthalmologists and specialist optometrists on hand to offer the best possible clinical care. Optical Express has played a fundamental role in my development and career as an optometrist, and has allowed me to further my knowledge in so many different areas of this job.

I recently received my 10 year service award after returning from maternity leave earlier this year. The company’s been so flexible with me on my return to work, and it continues to support me which helps me enjoy a fantastic work-life balance.


If you are interested in joining Optical Express and gaining access to our industry leading training, then contact our Recruitment team who’ll be happy to let you know what opportunities we have across the UK and what other development opportunities we can offer you. You can contact us at careers@opticalexpress.com or 01236 795146.

Optometry Careers

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