Specsavers has inducted 214 new graduates into its business in the most recent recruitment cycle, with the majority commencing their optometry careers in clinics across Australia and New Zealand in early February.
Of the 214 graduates, 189 have joined Specsavers stores across metropolitan and regional Australia, while 25 have commenced roles within the New Zealand business.
The graduates will each undertake the Specsavers Graduate Program, which the company’s Professional Recruitment Director, Raj Sundarjee, described as “an unrivalled development pathway for early-career optometrists”.
It’s an incredible experience for our graduates – being surrounded by almost 200 peers at the same stage of their professional journeys – building networks, confidence, and a shared sense of purpose
Mr Sundarjee said this year’s cohort “is deeply committed to delivering high-quality, data-driven care”, and aligned with Specsavers’ mission “to change lives through better sight and hearing”.
“They recognise that Specsavers offers not only cutting-edge diagnostic technology, including OCT (optical coherence tomography) for every patient as standard, but also a clear pathway for ongoing professional growth. Knowing they will be supported throughout their first two years and well beyond gives them the confidence that they can build a truly rewarding and sustainable career with Specsavers.”
The graduates were officially welcomed to the company at the annual Specsavers Graduate Induction event, held on 16–17 February at the Crown Conference Centre in Melbourne.
This year’s event introduced graduates to Specsavers’ mission, vision, and values, alongside key clinical partners and stakeholders including the Royla Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO), Glaucoma Australia, Diabetes Australia, government agencies, and the suite of diagnostic technology available in-store.
Across the two days, graduates participated in a series of small-group workshops facilitated by Specsavers specialists, covering topics such as professional communication, therapeutic confidence, professional billing, product knowledge, and graduate wellbeing.
Head of Graduate Development ANZ, Dr Natasha Fernandes, said the induction event is a highlight of the Graduate Program.
“Our Graduate Induction really focuses on providing our graduates with the tools and support for the best possible start to their careers,” Dr Fernandes said.
“It’s an incredible experience for our graduates – being surrounded by almost 200 peers at the same stage of their professional journeys – building networks, confidence, and a shared sense of purpose.”
Dr Fernandes said the Specsavers Graduate Program ensures every new optometrist is fully supported throughout the first two years of their career, with structured clinical and commercial training, dedicated mentoring, and ongoing development.
“The program enriches those early career years and equips graduates with the skills, support, and confidence they need to grow personally and professionally,” she said.
“And beyond the Graduate Program, our Early Career Optometry (ECO) program, and Pathway Program continue to offer a lifelong professional development journey for Specsavers optometrists.”
