Specsavers Stroud Celebrates Staff Milestones and Community Commitment in Eye Care

The team at Specsavers in Stroud is celebrating significant milestones for three of its dedicated staff members, reflecting both personal achievement and the store's commitment to eye care in the community. Supervisors Charlotte Franklin and Lynn Staines are commemorating their five-year anniversaries at the opticians, now located in the bustling Five Valleys Shopping Centre. Their journey at Specsavers has been one filled with growth and accomplishment. Charlotte, who began her career with the store at just 16 as a weekend staff member, found her passion for the profession and decided to continue full-time after completing her A levels. Her dedication has led her to pursue further education, as she is currently studying to become a qualified dispensing optician at Bradford University, having already completed Level 3 and 4 qualifications in dispensing, along with a clinical technician course. Lynn’s path has also been remarkable. After taking a brief hiatus from the company, she returned to Specsavers Stroud and has now marked five additional years since her comeback. Her commitment to professional development is evident as she has achieved a Level 3 qualification in dispensing and has taken on the role of call centre supervisor. Adding to the celebration is Bryce Tidmarsh, who has recently qualified as a registered optometrist, becoming the ninth pre-registration optometrist to complete his training at the Stroud location. This accomplishment highlights the effectiveness of Specsavers' apprenticeship scheme, which is supported enthusiastically by the store’s directors. Store director Cobi Williams expressed immense pride in the achievements of Charlotte, Lynn, and Bryce. “All three are real assets to the team here in Stroud, and we're looking forward to many more years with them on board,” he stated. In addition to celebrating their staff, the store is commemorating its first anniversary since relocating from King Street to the spacious Five Valleys Shopping Centre. The new location boasts expanded facilities, increasing from four to seven clinics and doubling the retail space. Since the move, Specsavers has made a significant impact on local eye health services, performing over 17,000 eye tests and managing thousands of appointments for contact lenses and urgent eye care. Williams noted, “We are delighted we could help so many people in the local community with their eye health care." As the team at Specsavers Stroud raises their glasses to the milestones achieved, it is clear that their commitment to personal growth and community service remains at the forefront of their mission.