Meet Izzy
Profile
Job Role:
Regional Optical Lead
Years of experience:
16
Education:
BSc Optometry - City University
Favourite part of the job:
For me, it’s all about knowing I’m making a difference to people’s lives - every single day. That’s real job satisfaction.
For an Optometrist, it makes a big difference knowing you’re providing the best possible eye test. And, in return, being given the best possible career opportunities."
My Career Journey
Follow Izzy's career
2002
Pre-Reg Optometrist
Vision Express Romford
2003
Newly-qualified Optometrist
Vision Express London stores
2006
Optometrist and Pre-reg Supervisor
Vision Express Oxford Street
2010
Senior Optometrist and Professional Development Tutor
Vision Express Oxford Street
2015
Lead Optometrist
Vision Express Oxford Street
2016
Regional Optical Lead
based Vision Express Oxford Street
Meet Anna
Profile
Job Role:
Learning and Development Manager - Retail
Years of experience:
Eleven
Education:
A-Levels, Vision Express-sponsored CIPD qualification
Favourite part of the job:
It has to be seeing how people develop within the business. It’s so satisfying when someone with potential makes the most of the career opportunities available.
There are lots of opportunities to express your potential. I’ve managed to develop a career I hadn’t even imagined doing."
My Career Journey
Follow Anna's career
2006
Optical Assistant
Joined Vision Express from school. Completed Steps to Success internal training programme in four years at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels.
2010
Regional Development Officer
Joined the Learning and Development Team and completed CIPD qualification, sponsored by Vision Express.
2012
Learning and Development Team Leader
2015
Recruitment Manager - Future Talent
2016
Learning and Development Manager
Meet Vicki
Profile
Job Role:
Top 20 Store Manager
Years of experience:
Seven
Education:
GCSEs and A-levels
Favourite part of the job:
As the Manager of a top 20 store, I work with a large team. And the most rewarding part of my role is engaging and inspiring all team members while helping with their ongoing development.
Joining Vision Express is the best thing I’ve ever done. I’ve met some fantastic people and it’s opened up a world of opportunity for me."
My Career Journey
Follow Vicki's career
2007
Optical Assistant
Specsavers
2010
Optical Assistant
Joined Vision Express in Leeds
2013
Team Leader
Vision Express Leeds
2013
Assistant Manager
Vision Express Leeds
2015
Store Manager
Vicki is now the Manager of a top 20 Vision Express store
Meet Sarah
Profile
Job Role:
Store Manager
Years of experience:
Fifteen
Education:
GCSEs, NVQ in Business Administration
Favourite part of the job:
I love watching people in my team progress and all the customer interaction the job involves. It’s always a real buzz when you get positive customer feedback.
I want to be the best store manager I can possibly be. And Vision Express will support me to do this."
My Career Journey
Follow Sarah's career
1994
Sales Assistant
Stena Line ferries
1996
Practice Manager
Alton Murphy Opticians
2001
Air hostess
First Choice
2002
Assistant Store Manager
Vision Express Trafford Park
2004
Store Manager
Vision Express Liverpool
2012
Store Manager
Vision Express Trafford Park
2015
Store Manager
Vision Express Liverpool
Meet Jamie
Profile
Job Role:
Regional Manager
Years of experience:
Seventeen
Education:
GCSEs
Favourite part of the job:
It’s great when you’re able to identify someone with talent, and then help them to realise their potential.
Vision Express really encourages internal promotion, which I’ve embraced it. That’s how I’ve progressed from Lab Technician to Regional Manager."
My Career Journey
Follow Jamie's career
2000
Lab Technician
Joined Vision Express at the Nottingham store
2002
Retail Associate
Vision Express Leicester
2004
Assistant Store Manager
Vision Express Leicester
2006
Store Manager
Vision Express Leicester
2011
Store Manager
Vision Express Milton Keynes
2012
Regional Manager
South East England
2014
Regional Manager
Midlands
2017
Regional Manager
Central London
2018
Integration Support Project
Meet Rachel
Vision Express
Apprentice
September 2016 - November 2017
Why an apprenticeship?
I liked the idea that I could carry on learning while having a job. And it’s a nice stepping stone into the world of work.
What did you gain from the programme?
A lot of new skills, a useful qualification and an insight into an interesting area of retail. Plus, I learnt so much about customer service and how to communicate with the public.
I liked the idea that I could carry on learning while having a job. And it’s a nice stepping stone into the world of work.”"
What did you enjoy most?
Meeting new people, learning new skills and discovering I became more confident in myself.
What are you doing now?
After the apprenticeship, I became an Optical Assistant. I'm now on the Trainee Dispensing Optician course.
What are your plans for the future?
I'd love to become an Optometrist for Vision Express.
What would you say to someone considering an apprenticeship?
It's a great opportunity. Go for it!