An opticians in Glasgow is celebrating a long-service milestone as contact lens optician Martin Sievwright celebrates three decades at the local retailer, describing his time there in three words - ‘learning, love and laughter.’
Martin, a contact lens optician at the Specsavers Trongate store, has been a familiar face since joining the business in 1995, progressing through the ranks from optical assistant to his advanced role now, advising customers on lenses and their benefits.
He says: ‘When I first started, I was watching my new team members cope well with the busy customer footfall, and it was so uplifting to see them greet customers with smiling resignation. So, I knew then and there as employment goes, I'd picked a winner.’
The role of a contact lens optician is highly technical, requiring deep knowledge of ocular autonomy and complex physics of light and lenses. And since 1995, technology has greatly progressed from Martin’s early days at the Trongate store.
Martin continues: ‘Thirty years ago, the pre-test, sight test and frame dispensing procedures were all recorded on the same page of a triple sheeted carbon paper format. A completed form would include two thirds of the page providing the sight test details, with the lower third containing the frame choice and dispense details.’
Whereas the tech of today covers multiple areas, in both software and hardware. The pre-test rooms encompass OCT scans, and the test room screen enables access to better recording and retrieving of customer’s records, even from our partner stores across the UK.’
After five day weeks in store, Martin’s evenings were spent studying while the Trongate store sponsored his optical education. Consequently, Martin soon became a dispensing optician and later, a contact lens optician, which he reflects on as rewarding years.
‘When customers can see better than expected with their contact lenses, their gratitude and sheer glee still feels as much as an achievement as ever. Compliments on my skillset still surprise me’, Martin says.
Sean Connolly, Specsavers Trongate store director, says: ‘We are incredibly proud of Martin and honoured to have longstanding colleagues in store that our customers trust. With his experience and dedication, he is boosting our reputation as experts. His knowledge is an invaluable asset to our customers.’
Martin adds: ‘When we achieve beyond patient's expectations, we can make a profound difference to how the patient feels about their vision and how that newfound clarity translates into their day to day. And for me personally, after 30 years, it's still a joy to say hello to the same customers I've been privileged to look after for more than 20 plus years. As well as their children, and in some cases, grandchildren.’
Not only are his colleagues proud, but his granddaughters who often visit the Trongate store, often brag that both their grandparents work for Specsavers as Martin’s wife, Marie, also works in the team.
Specsavers offers a wide range of career paths, from retail and customer service to clinical roles in optics. With ongoing training and development opportunities, Specsavers is committed to investing in its teams and helping people progress.
For more information or to book an eye examination or hearing check, call Specsavers Trongate on 0141 552 2776 or go to https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/glasgow.
Issued by Tigerbond on behalf of Specsavers Trongate
For more information, please contact:
E: nicole.starrs@tigerbond.com
T: 07730812631
