Cleveleys opticians celebrates team achievements as colleague marks 25 years with Specsavers

A Fylde coast opticians is celebrating a year of career milestones and professional achievements, including one colleague reaching an impressive 25 years with Specsavers.

Specsavers Cleveleys, on Victoria Road West, is shining a spotlight on the dedication and development of its team after several colleagues completed new professional qualifications, embarked on training programmes and taken the next step in their optics careers.

Among those celebrating is Amanda Holmes, the store’s contact lens supervisor, who has reached an impressive 25 years with Specsavers, including 19 years at the Cleveleys store.

Amanda has become a valued member of the team over the years, using her experience and expertise to support both customers and colleagues.

Amanda said: “It’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years since I first joined Specsavers. So much has changed in that time, but what’s kept me here is the people, both the colleagues I work alongside and the customers I’ve got to know over the years.

“I've been lucky to work with some fantastic teams, and it's been lovely to see so many colleagues develop their skills and progress in their careers. Reaching this milestone is something I'm really proud of, and I'm looking forward to many more years at Cleveleys.”

The past year has also seen several other members of the team celebrate new qualifications and career progression.

Kate Cartwright, who began her career as an optical assistant before moving into dispensing, has successfully completed her contact lens qualification this year.

Meanwhile, Scarlett Taylor has recently qualified as a dispensing optician, marking an important step forward in her career.

Christian Taylor is continuing his own professional development through the Specsavers Bright Starts programme, having begun an optometry degree after previously qualifying as a dispensing optician. Christian originally joined the business as an apprentice, demonstrating the opportunities available for colleagues to progress into specialist clinical roles.

Further achievements include Sanaa Patel, who has started a dispensing optician course through the University of Central Lancashire, and Dean Taylor, who has embarked on dispensing optician studies with the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO).

Megan Scruton has begun her Cert 3 qualification, while Andre Livingstone is undertaking leadership development training to build his skills for future career progression.

The store is also celebrating the success of store manager Rebecca Calderwood, who has completed the Specsavers Pathway programme and achieved Partner Approved status, an important milestone in her leadership development.

Dr Laika Essa, optometrist director at Specsavers Cleveleys, says: ”We’re incredibly proud of everything our colleagues have achieved this year. It’s wonderful to see so many members of the team developing their skills, gaining new qualifications and taking the next steps in their careers.

”One of the things that makes Specsavers such a rewarding place to work is the opportunity to grow. Whether someone joins us as an apprentice, an optical assistant or in another role, there are so many different paths they can take, and we’re committed to supporting them along the way.

”Amanda’s 25-year milestone is particularly special. To dedicate a quarter of a century to Specsavers, including 19 years here in Cleveleys, is a fantastic achievement and a real reflection of the commitment and experience she brings to the team.

”All of these achievements are worth celebrating and we’re looking forward to seeing what our colleagues accomplish next.”

The store hopes the success of its colleagues will inspire others in the local community to explore a career in optics and discover the wide range of opportunities available within the profession.