Optical team in Melton Mowbray celebrate colleague’s long service milestone

Michelle Shields, who grew up in the town, started her career at Specsavers working as a receptionist at the store using an A4 hardback book with a blue pen to record eye examination bookings, and a red pen to write down contact lens appointments.

'In my early days at Specsavers at the end of every day, we would manually input customer details using a monitor that looked like something from the 1980s film Electric Dreams,’ explains Michelle.

‘The introduction of technology means times have changed since Michelle started but her dedication to customer service remains the same,’ adds store director, Dilraj Gumber. ‘She has been an integral part of the team since she joined and is now serving three generations from the same local families which is a testament to how much our customers value her.’

For the past 15 years Michelle has worked as a merchandising optical assistant and will often be the person who meets and greets customers when they first come into the store. Prior to that she passed all her optical assistant courses including customer service and dispensing and has also been a contact lens supervisor.

‘I’ve built a library full of wonderful memories from the last three decades that I will never forget and I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support my colleagues have shown me over the years,’ says Michelle. ‘I am really passionate about my job; I love being able to offer a personal experience and follow the customer journey from start to finish when I dispense their glasses. I love merchandising too, ensuring the store and the displays are the best they can be so it’s welcoming and at the same time easier for customers to browse the wide range of frames available.’

Ruth Moore was also initially front of house having previously worked as an exams officer at a local secondary school. She subsequently moved to a lab technician role then returned to the shop floor, completing her Cert 4 qualification.

‘I’ve been lucky enough to work with some fantastic people and experienced so many great things over the years including learning more about optics, customer service and the changes in fashion and style and how that’s influenced frame shapes – we’re back to bigger frames again at the moment!

‘I love our team fundraising and events too – it’s great to see us all come together for a cause close to our hearts – and there have been some great fancy dress outfits over the years as well! The team, our customers and the local community make working here so special, and I’m extremely lucky to be surrounded by such wonderful people.’

Dilraj concludes: ‘We are delighted to be able to celebrate Michelle and Ruth, honour this significant milestone and say a huge thank you for all they do for our customers, our team and our business. They are both a real asset to us, are incredible colleagues and our customers are very fond of them. Their commitment and hard work have contributed so much over the years. We are very lucky to have them both as an integral part of our team.’