STORE manager Abby Lewis has set her sights on a bright future after qualifying as a dispensing optician at Specsavers’ Minehead store.

A popular figure with customers and colleagues since 2012, and after training for three years to be a dispensing optician, Ms Lewis recently attended a graduation ceremony at the Guildhall in Canterbury.

Ms Lewis now has a professional qualification with the Federation of British Dispensing Opticians and is registered with the General Optical Council.

She said: “‘Completing the qualification has been a challenging yet rewarding experience.

“Being able to lead the team, alongside assisting patients with complex prescriptions and dispensing, is very fulfilling.

“Graduation was a fantastic day to mark the culmination of all the hard work and I look forward to the next chapter of my professional career.”

Dispensing opticians are trained specifically to interpret prescriptions, as well as advising on fitting and dispensing glasses.

They do not perform eye tests but work from prescriptions provided by optometrists or ophthalmologists to create suitable eyewear.

Specsavers Minehead ophthalmic director Simon Simmonds said: “During her time here, Abby has been a key part of the store’s development and career progression programme.

“Abby is the leader of our team, and I am so pleased she can add this professional qualification to her role.

“This qualification is a big achievement and a huge asset to our team.

“I am proud of her achievement and she is an inspiration for other members of our team who are looking for career progression and development through our store programmes.”

Fellow ophthalmic director Paul Bradford also applauded Abby’s enthusiasm and commitment to her job.

He said: “I have worked with Abby for the past seven years and she thoroughly deserves this recognition.

“She is amazing, and this qualification helps continue our professionalism from the test room to the shop floor.”