Specsavers has celebrated the 50th intake of its Pathway program – an Australian and New Zealand initiative designed to prepare optometrists and retailers for partnership.
Since launching in 2012, the program has produced more than 800 graduates, with Pathway alumni representing more than half of Specsavers’ partner base.
“Opening Pathway intake 50 was a humbling milestone that reflects our long-term commitment to developing future partners,” said Raj Sundarjee, Specsavers Director of Professional Recruitment ANZ.
“It continues to be one of our strongest engines for frontline leadership and long‑term retention, a testament to creating a workplace where people want to be.”
The Pathway program is a six-month course combining in-person and online learning, focused on self-leadership, team leadership, commercial acumen, and operational excellence.
The milestone intake included 25 people from across Australia and New Zealand. Eleven are optometrists and 14 are described as retail leaders. Specsavers said participants have been identified through development programs such as the Specsavers Graduate program, and the Manager Ascent program, talent planning, and via partner nominations.
It continues to be one of our strongest engines for frontline leadership and long‑term retention
Kimberley Forbes, Partnership Recruitment Manager ANZ, described the intake as a significant moment. “Seeing the next 25 future partners begin their journey highlights how far the program has come, and the strength of the team who deliver it.”
Deanna Borello, now an optometrist partner at Specsavers Rundle Mall in Adelaide, said the program reshaped her career direction.
“As an optometrist, Pathway introduced a business mindset that fundamentally changed how I view running a store,” she said. “It gave me the confidence and capability to step into partnership.”
Retail partner Tom Byrnes, Specsavers Toowong, highlighted the mindset shift required when moving into ownership.
“The biggest change was moving from retail manager to business owner,” he said. “I had long-standing relationships with my team, but stepping into partnership meant leading with clearer expectations while staying authentic. It’s the same role, just with broader accountability.”
With more than half of Specsavers’ partners now developed internally, Pathway remains a central pillar of succession planning and network growth across ANZ, the company said.
“Pathway is one of our strongest opportunities to invest in our people and continue to provide leadership opportunities,” said Ms Forbes. “It ensures we continue to develop partners who can deliver high-quality patient care while leading successful, sustainable businesses.”
