Alison Graham
Taunton,Somerset
Summary
Accomplished professional with expertise in performance reviews, KPI monitoring, and clinic management. Demonstrates strong skills in recruitment and onboarding, external liaison, and data reporting. Adept at pre-registration, DO, CLO training and supervision, with a focus on customer education and onboarding. Possesses excellent written communication abilities and proficiency in phone and email etiquette. Committed to leveraging skills for organisational growth and efficiency.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Contact Lens Optician
Boots Opticians
Taunton, Somerset
2024.10 - 2025.07
- Working in busy practices ensuring all CL appointments are seen on time and with professionalism.
- Supervising student Dos to pass their exams, as well as training the entire region on CLs.
- During the 25 min test time: Ordering lenses, set up DDs, organize appointments, as well as liaising with managers about training.
- Offered troubleshooting solutions for common issues related to wearing contact lenses such as dryness or discomfort.
- Assessed suitability for various types of contact lenses based on ocular health examination results.
- Maintained strict hygiene standards during contact lens fittings to prevent infection or discomfort.
- Educated patients about different types of contact lenses available so patients could make informed decisions regarding their eye health.
Advance Technology Manager
Alcon
Remote, South West
2024.04 - 2024.10
- Managing over 200 accounts over South and West of England ensuring training is completed.
- Producing effective and memorable training sessions on contact lens technology.
- Increasing sales using Salesforce, increasing market share as well as in practice visibility with Alcon’s lenses.
- I enjoyed working with Alcon; however, my expertise is within practice, customer service and creative training sessions.
- Identified opportunities to boost training to aid practices as well as the bottom line
Contact Lens Optician Manager
Specsavers
Taunton, Somerset
2022.04 - 2024.04
- Managed department generating 20% gross profit for entire store.
- Educated patients on various contact lens options to support informed decisions.
- Assessed suitability for different contact lenses based on ocular health evaluations.
- Trained students for academic degrees, enhancing educational outcomes.
- Introduced interactive learning strategies to boost team productivity.
- Fostered continuous professional development through regular feedback sessions.
Locum Work
Multiple Practices
Multiple, Devon/Somerset
2020.10 - 2022.04
- Operated as locum DO/CLO during pandemic, supporting multiple practices and independents.
- Provided efficient customer service while effectively resolving challenging situations.
- Ensured impeccable hygiene standards by cleaning work areas and equipment regularly.
- Delivered exceptional customer service through active listening and addressing client concerns.
- Developed new ways of CL practice through pandemic and still utilise them today.
CLO Contact Lens Manager
Specsavers
Taunton/Exeter/Tiverton, Devon/Somerset
2017.06 - 2020.07
- Ensured timely clinic operations and managed complex contact lens reporting.
- Created 'First Fit' CL list to optimise patient outcomes and profitability.
- Developed precise sales forecasts to enhance strategic planning.
- Led performance reviews and identified improvement areas for team development.
- Implemented cost reduction measures, resulting in decreased overhead expenses.
- Delegated tasks effectively to maximise productivity across teams.
- Coordinated cross-departmental collaboration, enhancing workflow efficiency.
DO/Supervisor
Specsavers
Camberley/Wokingham, Surrey
2012.05 - 2017.07
- Qualified as DO during this time.
- Demonstrated responsibility and commitment by maintaining good academic standing while balancing full-time job and extracurricular activities.
- Tailored training modules for improved staff productivity.
- Collaborated with management to create personalised journey for customers.
- Achieved 100% Mystery Shop
Store Manager/Dispensing Optician
Eyesite
Weybridge, Surrey
2016.11 - 2017.06
- Oversaw staff rosters to ensure optimal coverage during peak periods.
- Conducted training sessions for new employees, enhancing essential skills and knowledge.
- Coached underperforming employees, resulting in significant performance improvements.
- Relocated to Devon to pursue CLO course completion.
- Educated patients on eye health and eyewear maintenance, fostering better understanding and adherence to guidelines.
- Assisted patients with eyewear selection, resulting in high customer satisfaction and sales.
- Highest sale was over £5000 for one pair of spectacles.
Education
Masters Certificate - Optics
Association of British Dispensing Opticians College
Canterbury 2017.09 - 2019.03
Dispensing Optician Diploma - Optics
City and Islington College
London 2012.09 - 2015.05
NVQ Level 4 - Diabetic Retinopathy Screener/Grader
City and Guilds
Surrey 2010.01 - 2011.12
Skills
- Performance reviews
- KPI monitoring
- Recruitment and onboarding
- External liaison
- Clinic management
- Pre-registration, DO, CLO training and supervision
- Data reporting
- Strong written communication
- Customer education and onboarding
- Phone & Email etiquette
Certification
Full automatic driving licence
Affiliations
Theatre. Singing. Gardening. Board Games.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Contact Lens Optician
Boots Opticians
2024.10 - 2025.07
Advance Technology Manager
Alcon
2024.04 - 2024.10
Contact Lens Optician Manager
Specsavers
2022.04 - 2024.04
Locum Work
Multiple Practices
2020.10 - 2022.04
Masters Certificate - Optics
Association of British Dispensing Opticians College
2017.09 - 2019.03
CLO Contact Lens Manager
Specsavers
2017.06 - 2020.07
Store Manager/Dispensing Optician
Eyesite
2016.11 - 2017.06
Dispensing Optician Diploma - Optics
City and Islington College
2012.09 - 2015.05
DO/Supervisor
Specsavers
2012.05 - 2017.07
NVQ Level 4 - Diabetic Retinopathy Screener/Grader
City and Guilds
2010.01 - 2011.12