Exeter professionals inspire the next generation

AMBITIOUS students with an eye on the future got invaluable insights into the varied worlds of optometry and audiology when they attended UCAS Discovery Exeter.

Representatives from the locally owned and run Specsavers Exeter were on hand at the Westpoint Centre event to discuss with students the wide range of opportunities their industry offers, including optician roles, audiologist jobs and management positions.

Specsavers Exeter optometrist Farhan Ahmed took along a range of optical equipment and a camera so he could demonstrate what various parts of the human eye look like under special microscopes that are used during sight tests.

The students also got hands on with some artificial heads and eyes that Farhan took along, enabling them to better understand different examination techniques and learn about eye anatomy.

Emma Ginger, a director at Specsavers Exeter, says: ‘Getting involved with young people is incredibly important to us, so we were delighted to attend UCAS Discovery Exeter.

‘Optics and audiology are rewarding, skilled professions, but many students simply aren’t aware of the range of career opportunities available or the different routes into these industries.

‘By engaging with students, we can help open their eyes to those possibilities, share real-life experiences from our teams and, hopefully, by supporting the young people in our community, inspire the next generation of opticians and audiologists.’

The aim of UCAS Discovery Exeter was to bring together everything young people need to make informed decisions about their future, giving them clearer ideas, useful contacts and practical next steps towards their future careers.

Laura Field, Specsavers Early Engagement manager, says: ‘As an Early Talent team, we are always exploring new and impactful ways to promote optometry and audiology as exciting career paths.

‘In 2024, we began attending UCAS events after recognising the incredible opportunity they offer to engage directly with A-level students before they make their university choices.

‘Connecting with young people at such a pivotal stage allows us to raise awareness of the rewarding, meaningful and truly viable career opportunities available at Specsavers.

‘Being able to inspire the next generation and showcase the impact they can make in our professions is not only important – it’s incredibly rewarding for our whole team.'

The Specsavers Exeter store is open seven days a week, or customers can call 01392 210604.