So much more than talking about jobs

Become a Bright Star with Specsavers

Thinking about a medical career? Take a look at this.

Optometry is more than just glasses. It’s detecting and diagnosing abnormalities and diseases using the latest technology. It’s identifying problems with health - think high blood pressure and diabetes. It’s about changing and saving lives.

Our exclusive university scholarship offers future optometry students like you the chance to receive £10,000 (or €10,000 in the Republic or Ireland) over four years (or five years in Scotland), towards the cost of your university experience. It’s aimed at STEM students, with only 40 spots available. The scholarship includes paid part-time work at one of our practices, with protected clinical time and mentorship from store colleagues.

And that’s not all – you’ll join in a cohort, so you’ll have the support of your peers, plus there’ll be social events and community activities to get involved with, as well as the chance to be selected for placements abroad and to secure a place on our business owner development programme. This truly is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to begin a promising career as an optometrist.

Register your interest

How does it work?

Register your interest and, once you've applied for an optometry degree, you'll be invited to apply for the Bright Stars Scholarship. You'll need a recommendation from a teacher, tutor or someone who can speak about your potential and commitment.

If you're successful, we'll aim to match you with a local Specsavers practice where you can gain valuable part-time experience alongside your studies. You'll also receive financial support throughout your degree, up to a total of £10,000 (€10,000 in the Republic of Ireland). If you're studying a four-year degree, you'll receive £2,500 per year (€2,500 in the Republic of Ireland). But if you're studying a five-year degree in Scotland, you'll receive £2,000 per year, paid in annual instalments over the duration of your course. By the time you graduate, you'll have both the qualifications and real-world experience to help kick-start your career in optometry.

Find out more

A future career in optometry

The eyes are incredible organs that not only help us see the world around us but can also reveal signs of wider health conditions. Optometrists are the healthcare professionals who look after our eye health, examining eyes, diagnosing conditions and giving expert clinical advice.

At Specsavers, our optometrists use the latest technology to care for patients of all ages and make a real difference every day. From helping to detect glaucoma, diabetes and high blood pressure, to protecting people's sight, it's a career that combines science, healthcare and people skills. And the opportunities don't stop there. You could develop specialist expertise, gain higher qualifications, provide care in patients' homes, or even become a Partner and co-own your own Specsavers business.


More than a university scholarship

Financial help - Get £10,000 (or €10,000 in the Republic or Ireland) each year, across four years (five years in Scotland), to help towards the costs of university. You’ll also benefit from paid part-time work in one of our practices.

Store experience - With your part-time work, you’ll build a working understanding of optometry, gain real business experience and get clinical exposure before you even do your final year CLiP placement.

Team support - Both our practice teams and the Early Careers team will be there for anything you need. You’ll have support and mentorship throughout to help you get the most out of your experience.

Events and networking - We organise social events for both Year 1 and 2 of your course, as well as offering a community event (working with Big Issue or Crisis for example) for Year 2 students. In year 3, the top 25% of students on the programme will gain a place on an exclusive event, likely to be overseas.

Valuing Careers

  • Individuals: Career development can support individuals throughout their education and career; facilitating positive transitions, building career management skills and fostering career wellbeing.
  • The economy: Career development can support the economy by improving the efficiency of the labour market and promoting effective skills/knowledge development. 
  • Society: Career development can benefit society by promoting social justice and equity in education and work for all members of the community.

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do you need advice

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to arrange a careers interview or require further information. Mrs S Beeton, Head of Careers sbeeton@sphs.uk.com