“My hardest day at Specsavers is still better than my best day anywhere else I have worked”
Rachel Perez, retail partner at Specsavers CF Lime Ridge, discovered her passion for opticianry through a friend’s enthusiasm of her career in the industry. After that, she decided to pursue it wholeheartedly and took the steps to become an optician. Here, Rachel reflects on her time so far as a business owner with Specsavers.
Q: Did you always want to be a business owner? What inspired you to feel ready to make this change?
Ever since I became an optician, I was interested in owning my own business. But after working alongside the owner of a private optometric practice in a previous role, my desire for ownership increased. When I heard about Specsavers, I instantly knew ownership with them was the right move for me.
Q: Since opening Specsavers CF Lime Ridge, how would you describe how business is going?
Being the second store in Ontario, the volume of eager shoppers exceeded our expectations. We take pride in our high-quality service score (NPS) of 86.6%. Specsavers strives to meet a platinum standard of service by delivering an enhanced experience, personal gestures and happy moments. Our team is dedicated to meeting this standard, and our customers are recognizing it.
Q: What are you hearing from patients and customers at your location?
I had a woman who came in during my first week at Specsavers who hadn’t had new glasses in 12 years because she wasn’t able to afford them. She was so thankful that she was now able to buy not only one, but two pairs at Specsavers. When she thanked me for helping her with tears in her eyes, I nearly started to cry myself. This is the Specsavers difference.
Q: Is there anything about partnering with Specsavers that you didn’t expect?
For me, it was the amazing team at support office, who is always willing to step in to provide guidance. I’m also so pleased with how my partnership turned out, as well. My relationship with my partner, Dr. Kwan, is so strong and we enjoy working together.
The future looks greener on this side. I’m so excited to be part of the change in our industry and provide help to everyone, regardless of their budget.
Q: What words of encouragement do you have for someone considering joining Specsavers CF Lime Ridge or elsewhere in the Specsavers network?
Specsavers is an amazing company that recognizes the importance of treating their teams and customers the right way. There are so many opportunities within the organization, not just partnership, and they have the best training and encouragement. I always say, “My hardest day at Specsavers is still better than my best day anywhere else I have worked."
If you’re interested in starting a business for yourself, start a conversation with our partnerships team at enquiries.ca@specsavers.com. Or join the fastest growing network of opticians at join.specsavers.com/ca.
