Gavin’s career journey to becoming a Contact Lens Optician at Boots

Tell us about your career journey and how you became a Contact Lens Optician?

I began working for Boots Opticians in 2012, at the age of 21, with little prior knowledge of the optics industry. I was unaware of the distinction between a Contact Lens Optician and a Dispensing Optician and simply assumed that anyone could sell glasses. But I quickly discovered that there were various job roles available and that the career development opportunities were extensive, with numerous paths to management and clinical positions.
career journey to becoming a Contact Lens Optician at Boots

Within a year of working for Boots, I became a fully trained Optical Consultant gaining valuable knowledge and experience in assisting patients with diverse needs, from single vision myopic/hypermetropic patients to presbyopic individuals who wear varifocal spectacles. Over the next few years, I moved from a part-time to full-time colleague and enrolled in the Senior Optical Consultant programme. This enhanced my fundamental knowledge of dispensing and patient care, enabling me to provide exceptional care to every patient.

Driven by my desire to further develop my knowledge and skills, I was accepted into the Ophthalmic Dispensing Diploma program at ABDO College. With Boots’ sponsorship, I qualified as a Dispensing Optician in 2019 after three years of studying.

I have always had a passion for contact lenses, which have had a profound positive impact on my life since I was 10. So, I wanted to further advance my career and become a Contact Lens Optician, hoping to positively influence the lives of others by providing the option of contact lens wear. Once again, I was fortunate enough to be sponsored by Boots Opticians, and I returned to the books to make my dream of becoming a Contact Lens Optician a reality.

In August 2024, I successfully qualified as a Contact Lens Optician. I am incredibly grateful for the positive journey of my career with Boots Opticians. Starting as a 21-year-old with limited knowledge, I have grown into an integral member of the practice team.

What do you enjoy most about your job and working with patients?

I’m thrilled about the fact that every day brings new challenges and opportunities. I get to help new patients, and I love that Boots Opticians are always at the forefront of patient care, pushing the high street forward with new technology and services.

How has Boots Opticians supported you with your career journey?

Boots’ sponsorship for training was a game changer, as I mentioned earlier and the support I received from my colleagues has been pivotal. Every member of staff is always willing to assist. Whether it’s the in-store supervisor taking time out of their day or the Learning and Development team responding to questions via email, everyone has been incredibly supportive and approachable, ensuring I received the help and support I needed to succeed.

What advice would you give to someone starting a career at Boots Opticians?

My advice to someone embarking on their career at Boots Opticians is to seize every chance that comes their way. This job is incredibly rewarding, from witnessing a young child’s face light up with joy when they first put on a pair of spectacles, to assisting a patient with an eye condition. We have the privilege of making a positive impact on a patient’s life, a prospect that never crossed my mind when I first entered the practice on my first day, 12 years ago.

What’s next for you?

I would love to eventually join the Learning & Development Team, where I can contribute to the training and development of the company’s future clinicians. Additionally, I would like to enhance my clinical skills to become the best possible clinician.