Meet our Dispensing Optician, Charlotte…

Our Dispensing Optician Charlotte is here to help you select the best frames and ensure everything stays in focus and fits you perfectly. Here we learn a little more about Charlotte’s role and her interests away from the practice…

What’s your background/experience to date?

I started in optics in 2009 on leaving university (with an entirely unrelated degree in early childhood studies!) and needing a job. Dolland and Aitchison in Cambridge were recruiting for trainee Optical Advisors and I fancied something a bit more involved than your average retail job. I worked my way up through their in-store training and eventually took the ABDO diploma in Ophthalmic Dispensing which qualified me as a Dispensing Optician. I then moved on to Specsavers for a couple of years before joining Eyes of Swavesey in 2023.

What does your job entail?

I help people to try on different frames and find their perfect pair. I discuss lenses and hopefully make sense of what can be an overwhelming amount of options. When glasses arrive in to practice I verify they have been made correctly and on collection adjust the fit and make sure you can see through them as expected. I can also repair damaged frames. Alongside Emma I help order in new frames from suppliers.

What excites you about optics?

I love the fusion of fashion and science. There are constantly new fashions and innovations coming out which keeps the job fresh and interesting.

What trends/innovations are most prominent?

Bright, colourful frames are definitely having their moment! There are also currently a lot of new lenses and technologies coming to the market that are aimed at reducing the progression of myopia (short sightedness) in children, which is a very exciting and positive development.

Why should you use an independent optician?

As an independent practice we are able to give you the time and undivided attention to make sure that you find your perfect pair of glasses. The atmosphere is a lot more relaxed and we have the time to get you know as an individual rather than just a pair of eyes!

And what’s your top tip around optics/eye health?

Make sure you keep up to date with your eye tests! An eye test looks at far more than just your prescription and can even give indications of health conditions outside of the eye.

Away from work, what are your interests/pastimes?

I have two young children, Ava and Freddie, who keep me busy! I like to follow sports, particularly football and athletics. I also enjoy crochet and trying to grow veg on our allotment.