Sleaford opticians raises its glasses to colleague milestone
To mark National Apprenticeship Week this week an opticians in Sleaford is celebrating the achievements of a former apprentice who has recently qualified as a dispensing optician.
Anjuma Begum joined the team at Specsavers on Southgate in 2017 after finishing her GCSEs. Following the completion of a year-long apprenticeship, Anjuma went on to complete her Cert 3 in dispensing in 2018 and Cert 4 in 2021. She subsequently started her three-year course to become a dispensing optician in 2022.
‘My interest in optics originally began when I was at secondary school and did work experience at the Grantham Specsavers store where one of the directors there let me observe his day-to-day work,’ explains Anjuma. ‘I’m really proud to have started my career as an apprentice at Specsavers Sleaford and I’m thrilled that my hard work over the years has paid off and I’m now a dispensing optician. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me in optometry.’
‘I’ve learnt so much since I joined,’ Anjuma adds. ‘My apprenticeship was a brilliant way to learn on the job, and this enabled me to develop my skillset from the offset. One of my favourite things about being a dispensing optician is the combination of clinical expertise and customer care. I love helping people find eyewear that not only helps with their vision but also suits their lifestyle and personality. Every customer is different, and I enjoy tailoring solutions to meet their needs, whether choosing the right lenses for complex prescriptions or helping someone feel confident in their new frames.
‘I really appreciate the friendly, close-knit team atmosphere at Specsavers Sleaford. Everyone supports one another, and there’s a strong focus on professional development and quality of care,’ continues Anjuma. ‘It’s rewarding to be part of a team that values both the clinical side of optics and the personal relationships we build with our customers.’
‘It only feels like yesterday since Anjuma joined the team,’ James Coleman, store director at Specsavers Sleaford, concludes. ‘Celebrating both her dispensing optician qualification and 8 years of service is a huge achievement and we’re really proud of her. It’s down to Anjuma’s hard work and determination that she has qualified as a dispensing optician, and we’re looking forward to watching her further career progression.’
For more information, or to book an appointment at Specsavers Sleaford, visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/sleaford or call 01529 411160. Alternatively, you can visit the store at 58 Southgate, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 7RR.