We’d like to extend a very warm Optical Express welcome to the newest member of the Optical Express family - Nikki

Pamela is studying for a Certificate in Human Resources Practice whilst continuing her role as Recruitment Team Leader at Optical Express. If you’ve considered studying for a qualification whilst working, Pamela has some great advice.

For a number of years, the OCULUS Pentacam has become an indispensable tool in providing precise, dependable diagnostics. In fact, it's often held up as the "Gold Standard" in anterior eye segment technology. Within a matter of a few seconds, the Pentacam supplies precise data relating to the entire anterior segment.

The role that optometrists play in primary eye care is changing due to the increasing need to support the requirements of community shared-care and minor eye conditions programmes.

When carrying out routine sight tests on behalf of a large high street optical chain became just a bit too routine for optometrist Bhavik, he knew exactly where his next role should be.

“I’d never considered Optical Express previously, but in the months prior to joining I’d seen more and more on Linkedin and in industry publications about the direction in which the company was headed. It looked to be a very positive and proactive business, so when the opportunity to become part of it came up I was pretty receptive to the idea.”

Professional development and patient care are central to life at Optical Express, so it’s no surprise to find that the company funds the IP qualification for its optometrists

He's celebrating more than 10 years at Optical Express - James tells us about his career to date, and his plans for the future

In his previous role at a large high street optician, Raymond was frustrated when his contact lens patients asked about laser eye surgery and he was not able to to help them. We caught up with Raymond in his 4th week after joining Optical Express to see how he’s getting on.

Hours spent on the road, and a work/life balance that was most definitely more work than life, led Megan to reconsider what was important to her in her career. She was surprised by all that was on offer at Optical Express for optometrists, and by how straightforward the application process was.

We spoke to Catherine, optometrist at the new Optical Express consultation clinic in Hull, about her team’s recent move to new premises in the city.

When Juneid (Senior Refractive Optometrist) was asked if he’d like to be one of the first Optical Express optometrists to go on the Independent Prescribing (IP) course, he didn’t have to think twice. He grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

We have an excellent clinical support team who are available to offer any further guidance we may require throughout the day, and I get to work alongside our experienced ophthalmologists and see a range of patients.

Having started out in research before moving on to nuclear physics, Paul made a complete career change to work in optics. A store director for a large optical multiple’s domiciliary division for 2½ years, his recent move to Optical Express had to be delayed for several months when he moved house and his wife had a baby in quick succession

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.

I started my Optical Express career in 2011 as a part time inbound advisor whilst working toward a bachelor’s degree in Media and Communications. Working in the contact centre in Glasgow was perfect

For me, the process for joining Optical Express was speedy and streamlined. The initial discussions were worked over 2 stages

After 6 years of high street optometry, I was starting to get a little bored. My days merged into one auto-pilot script of "Better one, or two?" I felt like I needed a new challenge.

I started in 2012 as a second year Optometry student, completing summer placement in the Liverpool store

I’ve always had a focus on bettering my clinical skills. As an Optometrist, being able to help patients with all kinds of issues is incredibly important to me.