Richard Hodgson visits people in their own homes to provide optical care. He shows apprenticeships aren’t just for school leavers.
Richard is the first domiciliary (home visits) optical assistant to complete his apprenticeship with Specsavers – with distinction, too. He tells us why he had his sights set on the home-visits team and how his qualification has helped him achieve the role he really wanted.
Life before my apprenticeship
I was working in a different world of glass – double-glazing, doors and windows. I worked mostly in the office doing admin but helped with deliveries in the factory from time-to-time as well.
My sister-in-law was working for Specsavers in one of the domiciliary teams and always spoke so positively and passionately about her work and her colleagues. It sounded great, and the thought of being out and about on the road visiting patients and delivering care really appealed to me. After 10 years in my role, I was ready for a change.
I found a role in the team as an administrator. In the office, I was scheduling eye tests, arranging fittings, organising clinics, and speaking to customers. I knew I still wanted to be the one to be out on the road, visiting customers in their homes.
Seizing the opportunity
I was open and honest about what I really wanted to do. I’m a very chatty, friendly, curious person, so being able to go out to see people and provide them with an excellent eyecare service was something I felt passionately about. It was my director who brought the apprenticeship opportunity to me. This was my chance to upskill and gain the necessary qualification.
I had some reservations, such as “I’m 45, can I really be an apprentice now?” And “is this the right opportunity for me?”. But I took the plunge, and I’ve honestly never looked back.
I was 45 when I started my apprenticeship – I’m living proof that these things have no age. You just have to keep at it. Keep going, keep learning, keep building your confidence and you will land on your feet.
The people
Our patients vary – they could be older people, suffering from mental health issues, or have physical disabilities that affect their ability to make it into a store for their eye test.
I always get a warm glow when I leave their home, knowing I was able to give them eye care whereas they wouldn’t normally be able to access it. They’re always so appreciative and grateful, and it makes me feel fulfilled.
Lots of support
I continued my role in admin but was given time each week to study. It could be tricky at times, especially during busy periods when people were absent. But I was always provided with enough time and space to be able to study in the office, so I never went without.
My director, line manager, and colleagues were all incredible with the support, help, and guidance they gave me throughout. I also had two fantastic apprenticeship coaches who showed me patience, direction, and encouragement – they were vital to my success.
Learning resources
There were some fantastic resources available, such as digital learning modules and live-chat classrooms. If I could go back and change one thing, it’d be to take part in the live-chat classrooms much sooner – they were incredibly helpful for my learning.
I also had some shadowing opportunities with experienced domiciliary optical assistants. I really enjoyed the hands-on practical experience I was given. And was grateful that someone would always be with me to make sure things were done correctly. Not just for my learning, but for the customers too, meaning they were getting the best possible care.
Success!
I recently completed my apprenticeship and achieved a distinction – I’m so proud of this, and it feels great to have gained a recognised qualification that allows me to work as an optical assistant in communities and homes. I didn’t set out to be the first for anything. But it feels pretty good to be a trailblazer!
Hitting the road, travelling round, meeting new patients – it’s what makes me happy. It’s lovely to see people in their comfort zone within their own home and be able to have a good chat with them. We could be the only people they see that day.
What’s next?
It’s common for people to complete one qualification and rush into the next. And at Specsavers there are so many routes you can go down to further your career. But I’m happy doing what I’m doing. A domi optical assistant is what I set out to be, and I want the chance to enjoy doing the role for a while longer yet.
More information
Find out more about Specsavers’ apprenticeship scheme
National Apprenticeship Week
- Apprenticeship webinars at ABDO College
- Level 6 apprenticeships for dispensing opticians
- Looking for work? Find out more about National Apprenticeship Week
- National Apprenticeship Week for employers