Sophia, your Polegate Store Manager, tells us what makes her role enjoyable each day…
What do I love about being a Dispensing Optician? The job never gets boring! There is always something new to learn, new lens technology is released or new equipment. I’m so excited with the new Kudos system we use exclusively at our Polegate store.
We use a VR headset to record a customer’s ‘Unique Gaze Dynamic’, which basically means it records how they look around to focus on objects. Some of us move our heads more to look around, others move their eyes more than their heads. Some use a combination of the two, and the Kudos system records that data in detail.
This means we can produce bespoke lenses which will provide the very best visual comfort, plus there’s much less risk of the customer struggling to adjust to a new prescription. This is just one of lots of new technology that we embrace and invest in. It is great news for eye care and eye health of the future.
“Frames are probably my biggest passion”
FRAMES!!! Frames are probably my biggest passion when it comes to my job. The world of frames is huge! There is so much out there for everyone whether you want a flamboyant frame, a colourful frame, a classic look or something discreet. There is something for everyone.
Suggesting that a customer try something on that they wouldn’t normally try can be really exciting. It helps them to look at their glasses as an extension of their personality and it can be really fun! Our Polegate store is often filled with laughter and people say I’ve never had so much fun at the opticians! That’s what I love. It should be fun, it should be enjoyable. Some customers are spending a lot of money with us and it’s a privilege that they choose to spend it with us. They trust us with their eye care, trust us to help them, not only with how they see the world but how the world sees them. And after all if you’re spending any amount of money you should have fun while doing it.
“When we get that right it’s magic”
Yes, we remain professional but having a more relaxed environment with our lovely customers means they listen to us more and I can find out what they really want. Our job is also to read between the lines and hear what the customer isn’t telling us. To get almost inside their heads and find the perfect combination of frame and lenses. When we get that right it’s magic and you make someone happy. To make people happy is the best! Them being really happy with their new glasses or even contact lenses strengthens that relationship we have with our customers. It also gives me a huge sense of satisfaction in my job.
I’m a great believer in that you never know everything about optics... because the industry is forever changing. It’s fascinating.
Pop in and see Sophia and the team if you’re interested in seeing Kudos in action, or if you’d like to browse the collections on offer!
