Optometrist appointed to national role shaping eye care across the UK

An experienced optometrist has joined Specsavers’ professional advancement leadership team, bringing frontline clinical insight to decisions affecting clinicians and patients across the UK.

John McGuinness, who qualified as an optometrist in 2010, has been appointed head of professional advancement. His career spans patient care, clinical supervision, practice leadership, operational management and professional development.

He has worked as an optometrist, pre-registration supervisor, practice manager and area manager, giving him direct experience of the clinical and operational demands faced by optical practices.

‘I studied to be an optometrist because I care about looking after the health of people’s eyes. Whether that’s helping one person sitting in front of me or influencing how thousands of people receive care, that’s always been my motivation,’ says John.

After qualifying, John spent 14 years with Boots Opticians in a range of clinical and leadership positions. He joined Specsavers in 2022 and has since held senior roles including regional relationship manager for Northern Ireland and head of operations for Specsavers Home Visits. He has also worked within retail advancement.

His new role focuses on advancing clinical scope, professional services, standards and strategy across the group. He will help represent the needs and experiences of clinicians as Specsavers develops its clinical services, technology and future ways of working.

The appointment is intended to keep practical clinical experience closely connected to decisions that affect the test room. This includes considering how changes to clinical practice can support patient outcomes while improving the working experience of clinicians.

‘What excites me about this role is the opportunity to influence what happens in the test room and help deliver the best possible experience for patients and clinicians alike,’ adds John.

He has worked with practices, teams and clinicians in a variety of settings. His experience includes direct patient care, supporting pre-registration optometrists, managing individual practices and working across regional and national operations.

‘Throughout my career I’ve enjoyed working with different practices, different teams and different people. This role gives me the opportunity to make a positive difference on a much wider scale while staying close to the profession that inspired me to become an optometrist in the first place.’

Paul Morris, director of professional advancement, Specsavers, adds: ‘John combines extensive clinical experience with a deep understanding of the operational and professional challenges facing practices today. He is passionate about supporting colleagues and improving patient care, making him a natural fit for this important role.’