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Specsavers now operates over 1,400 optical practices in more than 10 countries worldwide, providing employment for over 25,000 people.
This means that the opportunity to work overseas for optometrists, dispensing opticians, retail managers, lab managers and optical assistants is very real indeed, not to mention support staff in the field and in central support offices that are so important to the success of all Specsavers businesses.
In truth however, the access to these opportunities varies according to the individual country and to the job role itself.
Possibly the most difficult job to relocate is that of the optometrist, due mainly to the lack of a universal qualification. This means that, in the main, optometrists will face some form of re-registration process in any country that is not the one that they originally qualified and registered in.
Optometry in Australia and New Zealand is very similar to the way that it is practised in the UK, however it is necessary for optometrists to pass the examinations demanded by the Australian and New Zealand Authorities (OCANZ). Details of the examinations can be found on www.ocanz.org
Once the examination status is positive, there are different immigration processes to be satisfied for Australia and New Zealand which are dependant on whether a candidate wishes to work temporarily or permanently in the relevant country. Details of immigration processes can be found on relevant websites for the two countries.
Dispensing opticians often find access to Australia and New Zealand easier than optometrists because no separate re-validation is required. Similarly, retail and support office staff have no need to validate separately. Immigration rules however, always apply and applicants should thoroughly research the processes for themselves.
Potential emigrants can contact SRS in Australia on 0061 1300 889 350 for advice on available job roles.
The situation in the Nordic states and Spain is, of course, different. EU residents are free to travel throughout the EU and work accordingly. Again, retail staff, support staff and dispensing opticians can generally find work in European countries without the need for visa or working permits. It is a reasonable assumption however, that candidates will need to be fluent in native languages, where applicable.
Once again, optometrists should check with the GOC for the relevance of their qualification abroad. There is no consistency for example, between Holland and Spain where optometrists are concerned and candidates should check carefully before they proceed.
