Magdalen Gardens

A dedicated dispensing optician from Specsavers Exeter has received national recognition for her outstanding contribution to customers, colleagues and the community.

Nicola McLeod, who has worked for Specsavers for 24 years, was presented with the Doug Perkins Medal for Dispensing at the Specsavers Professional Advancement Conference in Birmingham.

Nicola was nominated by Emma Denham, retail director at Specsavers Exeter, in recognition of the exceptional care she provides as a dispensing optician, her commitment to developing colleagues and her work to improve access to eye health information for children across the city.

Over the past 18 months, Nicola has combined her clinical role with responsibility as an in-store trainer. She has organised work experience for 10 local pupils, helping them understand the range of clinical careers available within the practice, and supported placements for students from the University of Plymouth.

Her commitment to children’s eye health has also taken her into the community. Nicola has contacted 26 Exeter schools to share information about eye care and myopia management and has delivered assemblies to audiences of up to 400 children. She also created a child-friendly guide explaining how to look after glasses, which is now used across the Exeter practices.

Nicola said: “I’m absolutely thrilled, honoured and just a little bit speechless. Being nominated was amazing in itself, but to win is beyond anything I imagined. My passion for my role is as strong today as it was when I started my Specsavers journey 24 years ago.

“Thank you to everyone at Specsavers Exeter who has supported and encouraged me over the years. This award means so much, and I feel incredibly lucky and proud to be part of such an amazing team.”

Nicola’s practical support extends to people of all ages. During Dementia Action Week, she joined a visit to a local care home, where she adjusted residents’ glasses and spent time speaking with them. In practice, she is known for finding individual solutions for customers, including securing a stand magnifier for a customer with low vision and limited grip strength so she could read her Mother’s Day cards.

She has also helped improve the experience for customers at the Exeter store by coaching colleagues on final fitting, supporting new apprentices and optical assistants, and reviewing the welcome and handover process. These changes have contributed to shorter waiting times and consistently low remake levels.

Emma Denham said: “Nicola’s passion for helping people is clear in everything she does. Whether she is supporting a customer, encouraging a colleague or inspiring children to care for their eyes, she brings warmth, expertise and determination. She is a wonderful role model and thoroughly deserves this recognition.”

Medals were presented on stage at the Specsavers Professional Advancement Conference (PAC), held at the ICC Birmingham on Sunday 13 September. Winners are also invited to a special awards dinner in their honour and receive £1,000 in prize money.

The Professional Advancement Conference has been running for more than 30 years and has grown into one of the largest and most valued clinical conferences for optometry and audiology professionals in the UK and Ireland. The annual event brings clinicians together for continuing professional development, practical learning and opportunities to share best practice.