Role: Ophthalmic Director
Company: Specsavers Connswater
Track Record:
As an optician and ophthalmic director, Paula Cunningham has to juggle patient care with managing a team of people
Give a brief outline of your career to date.
I stayed in Manchester after university and began work as an optometrist. After a year, I came back to Northern Ireland and spent the next two years working as a locum in a variety of national and independent opticians. Of them all, I really liked the culture in Specsavers and the local ownership of each store. So at the age of 24, I began full-time work with Specsavers and immediately applied for a store of my own. One year later, I became store director of Specsavers Connswater, one of the youngest directors in Northern Ireland.
What was your favourite subject at school?
I’m dyslexic, so I found arts subjects particularly challenging. But maths was my all-time favourite. It made so much sense. In fact, I loved it so much that I used to spread out my maths homework to make it last longer.
Did you go on to further/ higher education, if so what did you study and where?
I studied Optometry and Visual Science at UMIST, now the University of Manchester. It was a three-year BSc (Hons) degree and once graduated, I spent my pre-reg year in Edinburgh, which enabled me to pass the College of Optometrist exams. This year of working under supervision is necessary to allow you to practise independently and was a great opportunity to build skills and knowledge in a practical environment. I also have a diploma in Sports Vision, which was fascinating in terms of how very small prescription changes can enhance sport vision and improve performance.
How did you get into your area of work?
I loved science and maths at school, but didn’t want to be a doctor. I experienced lab work in a hospital, but thought that it was a bit isolated and made me realise that I wanted to work with people. At a school’s careers night, I chanced upon a guy who was promoting careers in eye health. His description of what the job entailed sold it to me.
Is this what you always wanted to do?
No, I actually wanted to be a primary school teacher. Both my parents were teachers and were excellent role models. They also run a summer seasonal business called T-shirt City in Portrush. From an early age, I worked behind the counter and loved the banter with the customers. I suppose I caught the retail bug from that experience.
Are there any alternative routes into the job?
For an optometrist, the route always comprises a degree and the pre-reg year. Then it’s a decision whether you want to work in the NHS in hospitals / clinics or move into community healthcare via the store route. Without a degree, there are opportunities to become a ‘dispensing optician’, where training is a combination of on the job, distance learning and university placements. A dispensing optician doesn’t test eyes, but looks after fitting frames and lenses. In Connswater Specsavers, we have a range of jobs which also include lab staff, optical assistants, audiologists and administrative roles.
Were there any particular essential qualifications or experience needed?
Yes an optometry degree is definitely required as is as much work experience as possible. Whilst the pre-reg year provides placement opportunities, additional work experience during the degree course is also invaluable. And like many other professions, learning never stops. I have just enrolled to do a Glaucoma diploma at Ulster University, Coleraine.
What are the main personal skills your job requires?
For me, it’s all about making a difference to the patients, especially the elderly ones. You really have to like working with people. Resilience and boundless energy are also required as a hands-on director because you’re combining patient work with managing a team of people. Also a desire for learning and improving your skills because products and techniques are continually changing.
What are the best, and most challenging, aspects of the job?
The best aspect is providing care for patients, which really makes a difference. For example, I saw a lady in her 90s for a routine eye test, but discovered she had been suffering eye pain for months. She was clearly worried about it, but didn’t want to bother anyone. I could see immediately that the problem was being caused by ingrown eyelashes and was able to sort it for her there and then. Those stories happen all the time and it is very rewarding to be able to help. I suppose what I find most challenging is juggling patient work with administration, which tends to be fitted in at lunchtime.
What does a typical day entail?
Every day begins by checking emails, then it’s straight into patient appointments. Typically, I would see 15 patients in a day and sometimes up to 22. Specsavers Connswater is open seven days a week, with late nights as well, so my work pattern varies. I also have to attend various Specsavers meetings, both here and in England, which can be either business focused or for training purposes.
Why is what you do important?
Delivering the very best eye and hearing care makes a valuable contribution to the well-being of the local community. In addition, Specsavers Connswater employs 34 staff, which is important for the local economy.
What advice would you give anyone looking to follow a similar career path?
Do your homework, find out as much as you can through work experience and talking to optometrists and then make sure you have the right subject choices at A level.
If you could go back, what is the one piece of advice you would give yourself on your first day.
Enjoy it.
Describe your ideal day off.
That’s a no brainer — Streamvale Farm with a picnic and my three children, Eva (6), Sian (4), Rory (2) and my long-suffering husband, Gary.