RECENTLY promoted to Assistant Store Manager, Olga Cotterill has been a valuable member of the Specsavers Hampton St Clare’s Sainsbury’s team since March 2022. Originally from Tallinn, Estonia she moved to the UK seeking better opportunities for herself and her family in 2002.

During the last twelve months, Olga has been highly dedicated in furthering her knowledge and qualifications within the optical healthcare sector at Specsavers and is today a shining example of someone who has re-located to the UK and is carving herself a career within a progressive organisation.

Acknowledging her achievements today, which is International Women’s Day, Olga said; ‘What initially attracted me to working at Specsavers Hampton was my long time interest in the medical and healthcare sectors, plus I really enjoy learning new skills. Specsavers offer staff the opportunity to learn and obtain qualifications whilst working, which appealed to me.’

During her time at home in Estonia, Olga studied at Tallinn Retail College gaining qualifications in Retail Operations and Consumer Services. Over the years she has gained insight and experience of a variety of different retail sectors within a managerial capacity, including fashion, footwear and a wine merchant. Building on the knowledge gained from working with different suppliers and customer bases, Olga prides herself on delivering exemplary customer service and ensuring customers receive the best service care.

As an organisation Specsavers encourage their staff to further their qualifications and progress their careers within the group. Specsavers Hampton St Clare’s Sainsbury’s located on the Uxbridge Road, Hampton is supporting this initiative with four staff members currently being trained in a variety of roles which include Optician, Dispensing Optician, Optical Assistant and a Cert 3 Supervisor. Also because it is a small, tight knit team of six, the opportunity to have more responsibility and learn new skills is increased.

The Specsavers Career Pathway offers staff the opportunity to study for industry recognised qualifications. Being ambitious and committed to learning more about the optical healthcare arena, Olga decided to train to become an Optical Assistant after starting her role in March 2022. It took around four months to gain the qualification, during which time she learned about the pre-screen testing eye examinations, dispensing glasses, running daily sight clinics and providing support to the clinical team.

Now fully qualified as an Optical Assistant, Olga recently gained the Clinical Technician qualification and the Silver In-Store Trainer module. Currently studying for the Gold level, Olga will be a fully certified In-Store Trainer once completed. In addition further adding to her skill set, Olga is studying for the Level 3 Certificate for Ophthalmic Dispensing Assistants.

Thriving on the learning and development opportunities, and the increased responsibility, Olga said; ‘I enjoy the variety that Specsavers offer, and especially at Specsavers Hampton, no two days are the same. Ultimately, I see my role as ensuring I provide excellent customer service at all times, and playing a valuable part in the customer journey, within a successful retail team. I find this very rewarding, plus making a positive change to people’s lives is one of the most enjoyable aspects of my role.

If you are passionate about healthcare, as well as working in a customer service environment, Specsavers is a great choice. It offers a structured learning pathway and the opportunity to enhance your career.’

Palvinder Sidhu, Specsavers Hampton St Clare’s Sainsbury’s Store Manager said; ‘We are very fortunate to have Olga in the team, she is a real asset and has done really well in achieving her promotion. Olga provides invaluable support to both the clinical services team, including the optometrists and the customer service team. Plus she has a great can-do, positive attitude and an energetic personality. The customers relate well to her. I wish her every success with her current studies and continued career with the store.’

To discuss your eyesight or hearing you can call the store team at Specsavers Hampton St Clare’s Sainsbury’s on 020 8941 0852 or you can book an appointment online.