Optical team raise their glasses to Raj and welcome new practice director

Optical team raise their glasses to Raj and welcome new practice director

The team at a Derby practice raised their glasses to store director, Raj Gohil who has retired as director of Specsavers Derby after more than four decades in the optics industry.

Raj joined Specsavers in 1988, having studied at City of East London College, qualifying as a dispensing optician in 1982. Subsequently he gained a contact lens diploma while still in London. Raj then relocated to Derby to launch the Specsavers practice where he has been working ever since.

Raj has since been joined by sons Uan and Glyn Gohil. As fellow directors they have also launched and now run Derby Audiology and sister sites to Derby across the region in Normanton, Oakwood and Allestree.

Having first opened its doors more than 35 years ago with just five staff, today the busy family-run practice, situated in the Derbion, has a team of almost 100 colleagues taking care of both the optical and audiology needs of the community to look after an ever-increasing patient base.

Over the last three decades Raj has helped drive the practice forward, so much so that it has grown (and moved location) to keep up with patient demand, with the latest expansion in early 2023 seeing the team take on an additional unit next door. This means the practice is now 50% bigger than it was two years ago with 10 optical consulting rooms, five dedicated audiology rooms and four contact lens areas.

‘Over the years a lot of people have asked me what the secret to success is and I genuinely believe it’s because we always focus on the happiness of both the team and our patients,’ explains Raj.

‘The team, our patients and the local community make working here so special, and I’ve been extremely lucky to be surrounded by such wonderful people. I’m looking forward to seeing what the future brings but for the time being I am savouring every moment here,’ he continues.

‘I can’t believe I’ve been with Specsavers for more than three decades. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Mary and Doug Perkins, the founders of Specsavers, for giving me the opportunity as a sole director of the Derby practice all those years ago,’ concludes Raj. ‘It’s led to an amazing career I’m really proud of, working with my family every day and building a business together that continues to flourish.’

Although retiring from his role as director, Raj plans to remain in a dispensing optician role for three days a week for now, much to the delight of his many long-standing patients. He will also be continuing his support of the team and specifically two trainee contact lens opticians as they complete their studies.

As Raj departs as director, brothers Uan and Glyn have been joined by fellow director Andrew Wells who is no stranger to the Derby practice. Andrew first joined the team as an optometrist 10 years ago before becoming a director and launching the Ashbourne store in 2018.

Andrew, a qualified optometrist for 30 years, brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise and industry experience to the team spanning a variety of roles including those with a specific focus on training. He is also an examiner for the College of Optometrists. To date he has supported 13 colleagues on their journey to becoming fully qualified opticians and his mentorship will continue to be an integral part of his role. Andrew also holds a Masters in Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Science and qualifications in Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS) and glaucoma.

‘It feels like a full circle moment. A decade ago, Raj, Uan and Glyn gave me invaluable support during my time at the Derby practice as I prepared to open Specsavers in Ashbourne and now, I’m re-joining the team as director,’ says Andrew.

‘There’s no doubt Raj will leave a lasting legacy here but for the time being I will enjoy working alongside him as he eases into the prospect of retirement,’ concludes Andrew. ‘His professionalism and his caring nature not only helped nurture and build a dedicated and committed team, but also built a wonderful loyal patient following that continues to grow. I can’t wait to be part of the continued development of both the team and the practice as it moves into the next chapter and phase of growth.’