Future leaders programme launched

Future leaders programme launched

HIGH-FLYERS from across the optometry sector have joined a programme to develop future leaders of the profession.

The Clinical New Talent programme, launched by Specsavers, has welcomed its first participants who are benefiting from a bespoke package of placements, personal development plans and mentoring.

Participants include high-flyers who have joined Specsavers from other optical businesses alongside colleagues who already work for Specsavers. All have a common aspiration to lead the profession in future and recognise that Specsavers offers world-class continuing professional development and career opportunities that enable life-changing optometry in local communities.

Optometrist Bryony Allen, who is part of the programme, explains why she switched from a competitor optical business to Specsavers.

‘I sought out this role and I am very excited to be part of the first Specsavers Clinical New Talent programme. Why? Because it’s an opportunity to expand my knowledge and have a positive influence at a national level within the optical sector,’ says Bryony who is now part of the Professional Services team at Specsavers.

Fellow programme participant Michael Bradbury, who had his own independent practice, says joining Specsavers has been a great career move.

‘Specsavers is a huge national brand but cares about its people and is committed to support their careers. I have been amazed by how bespoke that support is and would recommend everybody considers Specsavers when it comes to looking at their career options,’ he says.

At its core, the 18-month programme focuses on the development of clinical, commercial and leadership skills to enable clinicians to successfully face the industry’s challenges and opportunities now and in the future – and become tomorrow’s senior leaders. Participants must have three to seven years post registration with the General Optical Council.

Underlining the importance of the initiative, the programme’s overall sponsor is Specsavers co-founder Doug Perkins. Specsavers board members Peter Bainbridge, general manager – optics, and clinical services director Giles Edmonds are also sponsoring the initiative.

‘Developing our clinical talent is of critical importance, not just to Specsavers but for the optometry profession as a whole,’ says Mr Edmonds. ‘The Specsavers Clinical New Talent programme has been specially designed to equip participants with the skills, knowledge and experience to become future leaders at Specsavers and the wider industry.

‘It is heartening to see that the value of the programme has been recognised with incredible high-flyers joining it, both from outside and within Specsavers.’

With Specsavers passionate about training and development, he says the business is always looking at ways to support the wider industry.

‘We believe our talent and CPD programmes across different roles and functions assist in providing trained and externally accredited colleagues to deliver for patients and our partners, such as the NHS,’ adds Mr Edmonds.