JENNIE Williams, 25, started an optometry degree at Cardiff University last month, a journey that began when she joined Specsavers in Merthyr Tydfil as an apprentice at just 17 years old.
Jennie began the one-year apprenticeship in 2016 and, following this, transitioned to a full-time role on the shop floor, where she gained valuable experience in the retail side of the business and fostered strong relationships with local customers.
Alongside her day-to-day duties, she completed Cert 3 and Cert 4 qualifications to boost her skills. She then spent three years completing a dispensing optician course, with the goal of using the qualification as a stepping stone to something bigger.
Jennie is now embarking on a four-year degree in optometry at Cardiff University. The degree, which she started at the end of last month, will provide her with the scientific and clinical knowledge needed to become a registered optometrist.
Speaking about her decision to enroll at Cardiff University, Jennie says: “I’m really looking forward to completing my course, but if it wasn’t for the support of my colleagues and the security of being able to continue working alongside my studies, I would never have applied.”
Joshua Hughes, practice manager at the store adds: “Optometry degrees have evolved significantly in recent years, becoming more medically focused and covering areas like independent prescribing theory and glaucoma care – skills that will be hugely beneficial to Jennie once she qualifies.
“Jennie’s passion for providing top-quality care to our patients already shines through, so we’re confident that she has a very bright future ahead and wish her all the best as she embarks on this exciting new chapter.”
Jennie will continue to work at the Merthyr Tydfil store, located on Market Square, alongside her studies and hopes to return there full-time upon graduating.
Specsavers Merthyr Tydfil is open seven days a week. To find out more information about Specsavers in Merthyr Tydfil, request an appointment or browse the online store, visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/merthyrtydfil.
Additionally, to make eye health accessible to all, the store offers a Home Visits service for those unable to leave their homes unaccompanied due to disability or illness.
