Tag: SpecSavers

Specsavers Named as One of the Best Places to Work in the World

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Specsavers_WorldsBestWorkplace_2024

Fortune Magazine and Great Place to Work® selected the optical and audiology business from a list of organizations that took part in the Great Place to Work’s employee survey process, with 7.4 million responses received, representing 20 million employees worldwide.

“This is an incredible achievement, and it is a credit to all our colleagues and partners who work hard to make Specsavers such a great place to work. I could not be prouder. Our ranking among so many other brilliant organizations on this list continues to drive our ambition in making life at Specsavers truly special,” says John Perkins, Specsavers CEO.

To be considered for the list, companies must be identified as outstanding global employers with recognition on at least five Best WorkplacesTM lists from across the world in 2023 or early 2024.

Colleagues said the opportunities offered to develop and grow as well as the culture and level of care for employees were the main reasons for rating the business so highly.

 

“We’re very proud to be named as one of the world’s best workplaces,” said Bill Moir, Managing Director, Specsavers Canada. “This global recognition reflects Specsavers’ commitment to putting its people first, which has been the foundation of our successful growth in Canada. People have, and always will be, at the heart of everything we do at Specsavers.”

Specsavers was recognized in Canada’s Best Workplaces™ List for 2024, including additional awards for best workplace in retail/hospitality, for women and for giving back. Since arriving in Canada in late 2021, the company continues its rapid growth across the country, providing career and business ownership opportunities in Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, and British Columbia.

With over 135 locally owned Specsavers locations in Canada, the company employs more than 1,500 people and has more than 300 independent optometrists in its network.

Organizations like Specsavers are assessed on their efforts to create great workplaces and positively impact people and communities across multiple countries around the world.

 

Start your business with the support of Specsavers. Search available locations.

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I’m able to run my clinic in the way I’d like to

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Dr. Thomas Jay Yung, an optometry partner with Specsavers

“With Specsavers taking care of a lot of the background business aspects, I can spend my effort on delivering a good patient experience.”  – Dr. Thomas Jay Yung, Optometry Partner

 

Since graduating from the University of Waterloo in 2019, Dr. Thomas Jay Yung has been practicing optometry full time in Calgary. In 2023, Dr. Yung took the plunge into partnership with Specsavers and clinic ownership. Now that he’s celebrated one year at his clinic located in Specsavers at Marlborough Mall, Dr. Yung shares how he’s finding business ownership and how Specsavers marketing is helping to bring in new patients.

 

Why did you choose partnership with Specsavers?

When I decided to become an optometrist, I had also decided that I would want to own my own practice as well. After I graduated, I began looking for opportunities to own a clinic but circumstances such as cost, and a lack of good opportunities prevented me from realizing that goal.

I heard about Specsavers from colleagues and co-workers around mid-2022. I decided to look further into partnership because I heard positive feedback from those who were already in the partnership process. When I learned more, it only reinforced the positives I had previously heard. I was convinced by the reasonable $25,000 entrance fee for the amount of help that I would get in starting up the Specsavers store. Not having to worry about those aspects really helped to minimize the stress that comes with opening a new independent clinic.

 

How’s business at Specsavers Marlborough Mall and your clinic?

So far, so good! I think collaborations with someone like Col. Chris Hadfield are worthwhile since it helps promote the importance of eye health from someone who is highly respected. The best results for my clinic have been from Specsavers’ marketing support prioritizing eye health, eye exams, and OCT messaging. That’s what seems to get people in our clinic. This past August was a record month for us, and it was a combination of reaching our one-year recalls, the summer being a busier time, and the great promotions Specsavers has for eyewear.

 

We’ve been making our name known throughout the community and have been getting plenty of positive feedback from patients. It’s by the patient experience that I would measure the success of my clinic. Ultimately, the team at Specsavers Marlborough Mall work together so that people can have quality eyecare, which will positively impact their quality of life. So, at the end of the day, if the patient is taken care of, I would call that a success. And judging by the feedback we have received over the past year – I would say that we’ve been very successful.

 

What’s been a highlight about opening your independent clinic?

Opening up my own clinic means that I’m able to run it the way I’d like to. My focus has always been on the patient experience and being in full control of that means that I have the freedom to do my best in that area.

My favourite part of being an optometrist is that I can make a positive difference in the lives of people every day. Seeing satisfied patients is what makes this job and the schooling I did all worth it. I believe in providing the best clinical care, giving honest recommendations, and doing it all for an affordable cost.

With Specsavers helping with a lot of the background business aspects, I can spend my effort on delivering a good patient experience.

 

Make the next move in your optometry career

Whether you have an existing business or you’re looking to start out, we have partnership options that could work for you. Our partnership team can tell you how.

Visit specsaverspartnership.ca

 

 

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Partnering for Success: Dr. Theodor Buzea’s Story with Specsavers

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Specsavers Dr. Theodor Buzea featured image

Dr. Theodor Buzea always had a clear vision for his future – he wanted to be an optometrist and a business owner. With his path set, he oriented his education towards becoming an optometrist, completing both his undergraduate and optometric degree at the University of Waterloo. After years in the optical industry, Dr. Buzea took the early leap to become an optometry partner with Specsavers. Today, Dr. Buzea has achieved both of his goals and owns an independent clinic located in Specsavers Southcentre in Calgary.

Dr. Theodor Buzea

Dr. Theodor Buzea always had a clear vision for his future – he wanted to be an optometrist and a business owner. With his path set, he oriented his education towards becoming an optometrist, completing both his undergraduate and optometric degree at the University of Waterloo. After years in the optical industry, Dr. Buzea took the early leap to become an optometry partner with Specsavers. Today, Dr. Buzea has achieved both of his goals and owns an independent clinic located in Specsavers Southcentre in Calgary.

 

Q: What inspired you to become a business owner?

I strongly believe that business ownership is one of the best ways to create change in the world. The desire to try and create an amazing work environment where people can come to learn and progress their careers is what inspired me the most, but opening a business holds a certain level of risk. I wanted to get hands-on experience in the field to understand the growth opportunities and needs before jumping into ownership.

 

Q: What initially drew you into partnership?

Specsavers are pioneers in how they provide eyecare support to optometrists. I really appreciate and value the way they put patients first and how they’ve been able to maintain that throughout the years.

They also hold the same values as I do when it comes to fostering a healthy work environment and making quality eyecare accessible. This encouraged me because I wanted to partner with a company that would help facilitate my goals for both my patients and team.

Dr. Buzea at the opening of his Specsavers store and independent clinic at Southcentre Mall in Calgary, AB.Dr. Buzea at the opening of his Specsavers store and independent clinic at Southcentre Mall in Calgary, AB.

Q: What has surprised you about partnering with Specsavers?

The sense of community is absolutely amazing. I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many talented individuals and it’s been great to work with like-minded people. Everyone at Specsavers approaches situations with a team mentality, we’re all working towards the same goal to provide great care for our patients and customers. Working with the people here is truly a breath of fresh air.

Q: How have things been going since opening your independent clinic?

We’re happy to see the community appreciating us for being here to help them. I believe that patient volume grows when your end goal is to provide patients with the best care and service possible. We’re seeing exam bookings fill up quickly and we always do our best to help anyone who drops by the clinic. I was very open-minded coming into this and mainly wanted to make a difference in the community.

 

Search for associate and partnership opportunities at join.specsavers.com/ca.

 

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Career and Ownership Paths in Optometry: Find Your Fit

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Specsavers Sarnia

Since arriving in Canada less than three years ago, over 250 optometrists and 300 opticians have joined the Specsavers network.

Why have so many have chosen to partner or join an independent clinic in the Specsavers network?

It started 40 years ago with two optometrists, Doug and Mary Perkins, who had the vision to make quality eyecare and eyewear accessible to all. Globally, Specsavers supports over 2,700 healthcare businesses, passionately caring for more than 44 million patients and customers worldwide.

Wherever you are in your career, there are many pathways to join the fastest growing network of optometrists in Canada.* There are even flexible options for existing business owners to convert their business to a Specsavers store.

Here’s a detailed look at the unique opportunities and benefits each career path offers you and how they can shape your future in optometry.

Which path is right for you?

Associate Optometrist

Overview: As an associate optometrist, you’ll be a crucial part of an independent optometric practice, focusing on delivering quality eyecare.

Key benefits:

  • Clinical excellence: Get access to the NIDEK Tonoref 3, NIDEK automated lensometer, Topcon Maestro2, NIDEK intelligent refract RT-6100, NIDEK slit lamp SL-1800, Marco M2 Ultra Slit Lamp, and Zeiss HFA3 with SITA Faster visual field.
  • Culture of dedication: Work with a team committed to community eyecare and monitoring the eye health of patients for preventable vision loss, which is why OCT is available for all your patients.
  • Pre-test support: Trained eyecare consultants welcome and take your patients through pre-testing so you have reports sent directly to your exam room for your consultations.
  • Professional development: Benefit from mentorship from a network of peers dedicated to delivering exceptional patient care.

Signing bonus: You can also qualify for a sign-on bonus. Connect with a recruiter about the forgivable loan of up to $100k for recent graduates, relocation bonus, and more.

Ideal for: Optometrists who seek flexibility with clear pathways for career growth, professional development, and work-life balance.

 

Optometry Partnership: Ownership with no/low financial barriers

Overview: Optometry partnership is a unique opportunity for optometrists to start their own independent clinic within a Specsavers location and earn 100% of clinical billings while receiving 40% share of dividends from the retail store. Starting your business in partnership with Specsavers offers a chance to run your own business while benefiting from the support and resources of a global optical retail leader. What’s exciting for many optometrists is the opportunity to have your location start-up costs covered.

Key benefits:

  • Low barrier to entry: With only a $25,000 entrance fee, your location start-up costs are covered – removing what can be a significant financial barrier to starting your own business.
  • Clinic ownership with autonomy: As a partner, you will have an independent clinic fitted with advanced clinical technology within the Specsavers location to manage and grow your own practice.
  • Paired with a retail partner: Be matched with a retail partner who is an experienced optician and/or retail professional to manage the day-to-day retail operations.
  • Comprehensive business support: Receive payroll, accounting, supply chain, marketing, IT support, and more, to free your time so you can focus on your patients.
  • An asset for the future: With 40% share of the retail store, you can benefit from dividends while growing a valuable asset for your future.

Ideal for: Optometrists who have an entrepreneurial spirit and are ready for the rewards of owning an optical retail store with a retail partner, as well as their own independent clinic.

 

Convert your existing business to become a Specsavers partner

Overview: Specsavers optometry partners come to us from all kinds of backgrounds. The key to our partnerships is flexibility – it doesn’t matter how you’re starting out with us, we can find a way to make it work. So, if you have an existing business and you’re looking to join up for more business support or to receive the backing of an established brand, this might be the right opportunity for you.

Key benefits:

  • Location build out costs are covered: Have the cost of design, construction, displays, and much more covered to convert your business to a Specsavers store.
  • Clinic ownership with autonomy: Have an opportunity to further the direction of optometry with advanced clinical technology and OCT for all your patients.
  • Paired with a retail partner: Be matched with a retail partner who is an experienced optician and/or retail professional to manage the day-to-day retail operations.
  • Comprehensive business support: Receive payroll, accounting, supply chain, marketing, IT support, and more, to free your time so you can focus on your patients.
  • An asset for the future: With 40% share of the retail store, you can benefit from dividends while growing a valuable asset for the future.

Ideal for: Optometrists who are looking for more business support with an established brand and to enjoy the benefits of being part of a larger network of doctors.

 

Ready to explore these opportunities?

Start a conversation with the Specsavers Partnership Team at enquiries.ca@specsavers.com or learn more at  .

 

Whichever path you choose, you can have a fulfilling and dynamic career ahead of you within the Specsavers network.

 

* Based on LinkedIn reports. Data on file.

 

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Canadian Seniors at Risk of Vision Loss Due to Financial Barriers, According to Specsavers Survey

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A new survey by Specsavers, conducted by Leger, reveals that almost half (41%) of Canadian seniors are not up-to-date on their annual eye exam. Despite provincial insurance coverage for seniors, the cost of eyewear has been found to be a barrier for some, causing them to delay their exam. These findings are concerning as this can lead to undiagnosed eye conditions that can cause significant damage to vision.

“Eye exams are not just about getting a new prescription for glasses. Optometrists are equipped to detect the earliest signs of eye diseases. The advice an optometrist gives can be anything from helping with daily eye discomforts, to the detection of eye diseases, to ensuring that new glasses work for an individuals’ daily tasks. All of these are important for the preservation of quality of life, through better sight.”

Naomi Barber, Clinical Services Director, Specsavers

When examining the factors putting seniors’ vision at risk, half do not have vision health benefits and one-in-four have skipped or delayed updating their eyewear prescriptions due to financial barriers.

Due to their risk for potential health complications and more incidence of eye health issues, seniors should be getting regular eye exams. One-in-five do not know their family eye health history and may not be aware of their increased risk of vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

“The number of Canadians living with vision loss is growing every day, and it’s critical that we continue to bring to light the factors that may be putting one’s vision at risk. Diagnosing conditions early is integral to the conservation of sight, and it’s incomprehensible that someone should have to delay potentially sight-saving treatment due to financial concerns.”

Jim Tokos, National President of the Canadian Council of the Blind

Specsavers partners with a network of participating independent optometrists who conduct eye exams – available at no-cost to seniors. These exams always include Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), which creates a 3D eye scan that helps optometrists detect sight-threatening diseases at the earliest point of detection. Regular eye exams are important as 75% of vision loss is preventable and treatable.1

“We believe that Canadian seniors deserve better. Specsavers has a mission to help change the lives of Canadians through better sight,” says Bill Moir, Managing Director, Specsavers Canada. “It is important to break down the barriers to access eyecare and eyewear in Canada so that seniors are coming in for important eye exams.”

One of the ways to overcome these challenges is by implementing a national strategy for eyecare, through the proposed Bill C-284, to ensure better health outcomes for Canadians. This is particularly important for senior populations who are more likely to be diagnosed with eye diseases such as glaucoma and AMD.

“A national eyecare strategy is the next important step in making healthcare accessible and affordable for all Canadians, and it aligns strongly with Specsavers own vision of making eyecare and eyewear accessible to all,” says Moir. “Financially, eye exams and eyewear purchases go hand-in-hand. Recognizing the cost barrier for eyewear is important, particularly for our senior population, many of whom are on a fixed income.”

Specsavers has launched an ongoing seniors’ eyewear offer that is available at every location across Canada to make eyewear more affordable for seniors and prevent delaying eye exams.

1 A Report Card on Vision Health in Canada, The Canadian Council of the Blind and Fighting Blindness Canada. October 2022.

Methodology – Specsavers survey, conducted by Leger, Canadians 65+

An online survey of 2,012 Canadians, 65+ was completed between April 11th-16th, 2024, using Leger’s online panel. No margin of error can be associated with a non-probability sample (i.e. a web panel in this case). For comparative purposes, a probability sample of 2,012 respondents would have a margin of error of ±2.2%, 19 times out of 20. Leger is the largest Canadian-owned full-service market research firm.

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Enhancing Vision and Changing Lives Through a Partnership-based Business Model

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Dr. Stephanie Kwan, optometry partner, and Rachel Perez, retail partner, reflect on their partnership and experiences in changing lives through better sight with Specsavers.

Q: What are you hearing from patients and customers at your location?

Dr. Kwan: We’ve had some incredibly meaningful interactions with our patients. One had come in with her daughter and was looking for help with her sight to do her hobbies like crosswords. She had already experienced some vision loss due to age-related macular degeneration. I gave her high plus readers to help her do what she enjoyed most, and she grabbed my hand in thanks and told me how much I changed her life.

Rachel: I had a woman who came in during my first week at Specsavers who hadn’t had new glasses in 12 years because she wasn’t able to afford them. She was so thankful that she was now able to buy not only one, but two pairs at Specsavers. When she thanked me for helping her with tears in her eyes, I nearly started to cry myself. This is the Specsavers difference.

Q: What has inspired your journey within the optical industry?

Dr. Kwan: A part-time job at a local clinic during university sparked my interest in optometry. Coincidently, my great-aunt and great-uncle were patients, and I thought to myself, ‘how great would it be to be the one examining their eyes?’ After a few months, I took steps to pursue a career in optometry. Today, I am a graduate of the Illinois College of Optometry.

Rachel: After graduating with a degree in human resources, I felt uninspired and disheartened in the job market. I discovered my passion for opticianry through a friend’s enthusiasm of her own career in the industry. I decided at that point that I would pursue it wholeheartedly and took the necessary steps to become an optician.

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself outside of the clinic or business.

Dr. Kwan: I am passionate about continued education and self-learning. As a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, I stay up to date with the latest advancements in the field. I have also participated in two clinic mission trips to Belize and Colombia in the outskirts of the cities where we provided care for those who do not have easy access to eyecare.

Rachel: Working with food banks has always been very near and dear to my heart, so I have always loved supporting local food drives. I have also volunteered with the Canadian National Institute of the Blind and their Special Olympics. Outside of work, my 8-year-old daughter is really my world.

Q: Since opening Specsavers CF Lime Ridge, how would you describe how business is going?

Rachel: Being the second store in Ontario, the volume of eager shoppers exceeded our expectations. We take pride in our high-quality service score (NPS) of 86.6%. Specsavers strives to meet a platinum standard of service by delivering an enhanced experience, personal gestures and happy moments. Our team is dedicated to meeting this standard, and our customers are recognizing it.

Dr. Kwan: The first few weeks after opening my independent clinic at Specsavers CF Lime Ridge happened so fast. It felt like starting a new job with feelings of nervousness, excitement, joy and adrenaline – but multiplied. I was thrilled at how fast the schedules were being booked up and how many patients wanted to give us a try. Soon, marketing was kicking in and the word of mouth was spreading. There are so many people who were eager to come try us out. It’s been a fantastic journey so far.

Q: Is there anything about partnering with Specsavers that you didn’t expect?

Dr. Kwan: What has surprised me since partnering with Specsavers was the level of camaraderie amongst all the retail and optometry partners, the support staff, and the team who helped with commissioning week. Everyone is here to help, and there is always someone to turn to when needed. I am seeing this first-hand given my position on the Optometry Steering Group committee, where we collaborate as a network of independent doctors. Specsavers has been actively listening to support the direction we want to take eyecare.

Rachel: For me, it was the amazing team at support office, who is always willing to step in to provide guidance. I’m also so pleased with how my partnership turned out, as well. My relationship with my partner, Dr. Kwan, is so strong and we enjoy working together.

Q: Did you always want to be a business owner? What inspired you to feel ready to make this change?

Rachel: Ever since I became an optician, I was interested in owning my own business, but after working alongside the owner of a private optometric practice in a previous role, my desire for ownership increased. When I heard about Specsavers, I instantly knew ownership with them was the right move for me.

Dr. Kwan: I was initially inspired by a coworker of mine who introduced me to Specsavers and shared more about the partnership model and the support available. I didn’t think much about ownership before that, but my coworker gave me the little push I needed. After looking further into Specsavers, I was motivated by their unique offering, particularly access to advanced clinical equipment, such as OCT, for all patients.

Q: What, if any, barriers stopped you from starting your own business sooner?

Dr. Kwan: At Specsavers, I know there will always be help and support when I need it. Before joining as a partner and clinic owner, I was most concerned about not having help or given guidance when opening my own business. The thought alone was quite daunting and learning about the business side while trying to give quality care to my patients at the same time seemed overwhelming. Specsavers makes it easy to do both seamlessly.

Q: What words of encouragement do you have for someone considering joining Specsavers CF Lime Ridge or elsewhere in the Specsavers network?

Rachel: Specsavers is an amazing company that recognizes the importance of treating their teams and customers the right way. There are so many opportunities within the organization, not just partnership, and they have the best training and encouragement. I always say, “My hardest day at Specsavers is still better than my best day anywhere else I have worked”.

Dr. Kwan: If you are looking for camaraderie in a professional setting where there is always someone to turn to for assistance or direction when you need it, this is the place to be.

Q: Is there anything we haven’t asked you that you would like to add? 

Rachel: The future looks greener on this side. I’m so excited to be part of the change in our industry and the help to all patients, regardless of their financial position.

 

Learn more about new and upcoming ownership opportunities with Specsavers by reaching out to the Partnerships Team. 

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New, Optometrist-led Steering Groups Drive Clinical Direction at Specsavers

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OSG at Specsavers

In order to develop the clinical strategies to support better patient care, Specsavers draws upon the clinical expertise and experience of their network of independent optometrists. That’s where their Optometry Steering Groups (OSG) comes in – committees in each province made up of a clinically-diverse mix of optometry partners who collaborate to trial, refine, and implement initiatives.

When optometrists within the Specsavers network raised an interest in making myopia management available to their patients, Specsavers engaged the OSG to develop a training program for interested independent optometrists in the network to introduce it to their practice.

The program was designed alongside industry leaders to provide optometrists, opticians and their teams with comprehensive training in myopia management care and products.

We interviewed Dr. Ramandeep Toor about her involvement on the OSG and the implementation of myopia management.

Why was introducing myopia management into your clinic important?

After the pandemic, with work-from-home and more screen time, I was noticing that there was a significant increase in myopia. I grew up very myopic and I don’t want my patients to have that struggle. That’s why it was very important for me to have myopia management care. I want my patients to be able to experience the little things with clearer vision and I want parents to be able to have options for their children. By implementing these kinds of strategies early on, you can make a big difference for your patients.

Can you describe the purpose of the Optometry Steering Group?

We’re a group of optometrists who specialize in constantly evolving the scope of practice. The group shares best practices and discusses developments, how we can make further advances in our clinics, and the trajectory of optometry. This group allows me to have a voice and be part of the advancement we can create in our practice collectively for our patients.

What have the Optometry Steering Group doctors done so far?

Since we’ve started, we’ve been able to discuss and implement clinical care strategies, pilot new programs and explore new technologies. Specsavers has been very supportive of our vision – listening and hearing ideas that we bring to the table, so we can create a more positive and comprehensive clinical practice for our patients. There’s a lot more to come.

Learn more about the Specsavers optometrist-led steering groups at join.specsavers.com/ca/inside-specsavers/meet-the-specsavers-osg/

 

 

 

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Specsavers and the Canadian Council of the Blind Announce Sponsorship to Champion Vision Health

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Specsavers Partner with Canadian Council of the Blind

Specsavers announces that it has become a Participating Gold Sponsor of the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB), whose mission is to improve the quality of life of people who are blind, deaf-blind or living with low vision through efforts that support individuals and communities.

The Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB) is a membership-based not-for-profit organization that brings together Canadians who are blind, deaf-blind or living with vision loss through chapters within their own local communities to share common interests and social activities.

The CCB was founded in 1944 by blind Canadian war veterans and schools of the blind. The national office is located in Ottawa with over 80 chapters across Canada. The CCB is the largest membership based organization for the blind in Canada and is known as the Voice of the Blind™

“We at Specsavers are delighted to partner with the Canadian Council of the Blind, an organization that shares our values, to support their important work, and encourage Canadians to take care of their eye health,” said Bill Moir, Managing Director of Specsavers Canada.

CCB’s objectives include promoting measures for the conservation of sight and the prevention of blindness for all. Specsavers shares this objective, as demonstrated by its standard of care for patients and the use of advanced technology.

“We are thrilled to announce support from Specsavers as we advocate for better quality of life for those with vision loss,” said Jim Tokos, National President of the Canadian Council of the Blind. “Over 1.2 million Canadians are blind, deaf-blind or partially sighted, and the number of Canadians living with vision loss is growing every day. It is necessary that our community has the support of organizations with shared values, who are at the forefront of eye care and share our commitment to conserve sight for all.”

Front Row (Left to Right): Jim Tokos (CCB National President), Dr. Hiba Mannan (Specsavers), Naomi Barber (Specsavers), Sarah Gardiner (Specsavers), Jim Prowse (CCB Executive Director), Dr. Jestyn Liew (Specsavers), Dr. Jas Nagra (Specsavers) Back Row (Left to Right): Curtis Buckroyd (Specsavers) and Mark Walker (Specsavers)
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Charting an alternative path to entrepreneurship: Two partners share their ownership success story

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A few months after opening their doors as the first Specsavers location in Toronto, Dr. Jestyn Liew, optometry partner, and Rita Charchyan, retail partner, reflect on their entry into the GTA, with the help of their experienced team.

Q: How has business been since opening your doors at Specsavers CF Fairview Mall?

Dr. Liew: Rita and I have been thrilled to see the large rush of people coming from all around the GTA to our store. People are excited to experience Specsavers. I believe that affordable, quality eyewear is an important part of this excitement, especially in our current economic climate.

And since opening my clinic within Specsavers Fairview, the consistency of eye exam bookings has been fantastic – especially considering we are building a brand-new patient base. I’m proud to deliver quality and comprehensive care to my patients.

Rita: Being the first Specsavers location to open in Toronto has been incredibly rewarding, and we’ve had a great start with 30% more traffic than Dr. Liew and I had anticipated.

Q: How has your experience partnering with Specsavers been?

Rita: My experience with Specsavers has been amazing. I’ve always had a goal of owning my own business, but there was concern about the pressures that come with being an entrepreneur. With Specsavers, I feel I have an incredible amount of support behind me, for which I am grateful. I’ve found the best partner in Dr. Liew and working with the Specsavers support office has helped bring us together as a team even more. I consider myself lucky to be in this position.

Dr. Liew: Before exploring partnership, I knew very little about Specsavers other than the tag line “Should’ve Gone to Specsavers” from viral content online. Although the Canadian partnership model is different, I spoke with a lovely Specsavers partner in Australia about the support, culture, and purpose; I felt my questions were answered. I’m truly appreciative of the support I receive from Specsavers, including those who helped lay the foundation for us when we first opened our doors. Being in a partnership means that we’re working together to reach a common goal, so we’re always sharing our feelings and ideas to help us get there.

 

Dr. Liew, OD and Rita Charchyan, RO, partners of Specsavers CF Fairview Mall Toronto

Q: What inspired you to become a business owner?

Rita: I come from a family of entrepreneurs and my father was my role model growing up. What stands out to me about Specsavers is their philosophy and values to make eyecare and eyewear accessible to all, aligned with my own.

Dr. Liew: When I started working as an associate optometrist in Canada, I’d always try to find ways to improve processes in the clinic – whether it was for the patients, doctors, or team. Often, everyone was stuck in their own place, and my changes would not be implemented. My better half was the one who pushed me to consider becoming a clinic owner to conduct business on my own terms.

Partnership with Specsavers checks many boxes. I was able to own shares of an optical retail store with a retail partner and start my own independent clinic at the same time. Financially, the opportunity made a lot of sense. Layering this with their excellent technology, investment in their partners and patients, and marketing, makes Specsavers incomparable.

Q: What, if any, barriers stopped you from starting your own business sooner?

Dr. Liew:  Before, my main concern with opening up a clinic of my own was always how it’d affect my family’s quality of life. With Specsavers, the start-up cost contribution and partnership model mean that a lot of the uncertainties and challenges of opening a business reduced. The timing and opportunity were right for me to proceed.

Rita: I always wanted to start my own business, so I was excited by the opportunity to minimize my start-up costs of ownership. It means I can focus on growing my business.

Q: What are you hearing from patients and customers at your location?

Dr. Liew: Our patients love all the technology in the clinic. Very often, we will get comments that certain testing or use of technology in their standard eye exam is new for our patients.

We’ve also seen a large number of Specsavers customers who lived in other markets, such as the UK. They’re so happy to see that Specsavers, a brand they know and trust, is in the Canadian market.

Q: What would you like to tell someone considering joining Specsavers Fairview Mall or elsewhere in the Specsavers network?

Rita: For anyone considering Specsavers, I’d say that you’re not joining a company, you’re joining a big community! When we were first exploring and considering Specsavers, I reached out to a Specsavers partner in Australia, who said ‘just do it!’ It’s a great place to be, it’s very rewarding and you have constant, positive support.

Dr. Liew: For any doctors thinking of starting their own independent clinic and partnership with Specsavers, I’d encourage you to talk to a local partner. We all share a common goal of helping our patients see their best by providing quality eyecare. If you want to join a network of like-minded doctors, pop over and have a chat!

For potential staff, eyecare consultants and opticians, you’ll be joining a hard-working and caring team. Each location is like a community, and we are here for each other.

Find out if partnership with Specsavers is for you. Reach out to the Specsavers Partnerships Team at enquiries.ca@specsavers.com.

 This Post is Sponsored by Specsavers.

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Specsavers Appoints Claudia Rojas as Head of Opticianry with Aim to Hire 400 Opticians by 2024

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SEEING THE VALUE OF LICENSED OPTICIANS AT THE HEART OF SPECSAVERS’ PURPOSE

To ensure clinical excellence, Specsavers has set out to build the largest network of opticians in Canada.

This is because Specsavers believe opticians are crucial to providing high-quality patient care, as they directly and significantly influence a patient’s quality of life.

Claudia Rojas, Head of Opticianry

Leading the charge is Claudia Rojas, Head of Opticianry, Specsavers Canada.

Claudia has over 20 years of experience working as a licensed refracting optician and has made tremendous strides in the optical industry.

With her commitment to promote eyecare and eye health awareness, Claudia has served on the College of Opticians of British Columbia and is currently the Vice President of the Opticians Association of Canada (OAC) and President of the OAC’s British Columbia Chapter.

“In my new role as Head of Opticianry, I am guided by my commitment to promote eyecare and eye health awareness,” said Claudia Rojas, Head of Opticianry at Specsavers Canada. “I look forward to broadening our network and ensuring opticians feel relevant, important and appreciated, as they are integral to the eyecare industry.”

Specsavers aims to have at least one optician present at all optical stores, at all times, to mentor eyecare consultants and optimize patient care.

“Opticians are integral to the delivery of Specsavers’ purpose, which is to provide accessible, quality eyecare and affordable eyewear,” said Bill Moir, General Manager of Specsavers Canada. “With Claudia at the helm, we’ll continue to support, train and mentor opticians to provide the best care possible, for example, using our OCT scans as a standard part of pre-test and our range of quality eyewear and advanced lenses, to best serve their patients.”

Specsavers is committed to offering its retail team career-progression plans to become licensed opticians and contact lens practitioners through a sponsorship program currently in development.

Click HERE for the full press release.

This post is sponsored by Specsavers Canada.

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