If you are interested in a Management position at Lynne Fernandes Optometrists, please contact Kerri in confidence at [email protected]. In the meantime, read on to find out more about what its like to be a Manager in our team.
Manon, Beth and Adam are practice managers for Lynne Fernandes Optometrists. Read on to find out what it's like!!
What led you to a position at Lynne Fernandes Optometrists?
Manon - After nearly a decade working for multiples, I was thinking about a change. From the moment I walked through the door at interview, the vibe just felt great. It was apparent it was a busy practice and company visions and values that matched mine with inspiring, logical and customer centric ideas for the future of optics.
Adam - I was working as lead dispenser at a well-known high-street chain store during the height of the pandemic. I enjoyed my work but increasingly felt I’d outgrown the chain’s limited product catalogue and wished I could take more time and care with individual patients than the high-volume output allowed for.
A former colleague reached out and encouraged me to interview for the position of Manager at the Wells Road practice. Though I’d not held a management position before, LFO prides itself on personnel development and tailored my induction to allow me to assume the role with confidence.
Beth - I have spent much of my working life working for independent opticians. However, at the time I was working for one of the largest optical companies, and I was just a number to them. I looked to return to employers that I knew would look out for me as much as I would work extra hard for them. Lynne was looking for a manager at the time and the rest is history.
Describe a perfect day working at LFO?
Adam -
Dispensing beautiful and stylish frames made from the best materials from all over the world that fit perfectly and give our visitors the best vision possible. My greatest pleasure on the shopfloor is to give recommendations that empower people to look in the mirror and feel great about what they see, whether that means standing out from the crowd or elegantly blending in.
Beth - Seeing people who I know coming through the door. We are a part of the community and we know generations of the same family and often the patients know one another and have a good old chat. We often have great reviews which makes us feel great. It's easy to give in this job!
Tom - A great week is one which is busy and varied. I meet all sorts of people during my week with a variety of needs. I love being able to offer a great combination of stylish frames combined with high quality lenses.
Are there any specific areas where you feel LFO look after routine patients beyond normal high street opticians?
Beth - Yes, we pre-select frames knowing our patients needs and desires. We can then tailor make their lenses because we have connections with a range of suppliers that can meet the needs and expectations of our patients.
Manon - The clinical care and dispensing advice. We aim to offer the best possible advice to every patient... with personality!
Adam - The care taken at every stage of the journey is far in advance of the high street. We offer the best in OCT scanning technology, Dry Eye monitoring, clinical time with our superstar optometrists and spectacle dispensing. The thing that most distinguishes us is the personal touch – we take the time to get to know our visitors as people to get them the best outcome for their eyes and their eyewear.
Tom - Being able to build up a rapport with patients to explore their needs. I love having the time available to work with patients & offer a range of solutions to suit them. Our Eyesense plan helps us achieve that.
What are your next steps? What are your ambitions for the future at LFO?
Manon - I'm enjoying my role as manager at the Gloucester Road practice. There has been a gorgeous refit, we have a great team and with so much more to achieve.... it really is an exciting time to continue be at the helm of Gloucester Road.
Meanwhile, I've started a business and management degree in order to continue to develop and expand my knowledge.
Adam - After the top-to-bottom refurbishment of our practice in 2023, our goal for the coming year is to become a place patients will make a point of travelling to from across the wider Bristol area, while continuing to provide excellence in service to the Knowle community this site has served for generations.
What tips would you give to others who want to work at LFO?
Manon - If your ready to develop and push yourself but have fun, then you should definitely apply. It won't always be easy but that's what makes it great. The sense of achievement is like no other and you will likely have not experienced it before!
Adam -Our team is growing all the time, go ahead and send that application!
Have Lynne, Gerard or Kerri given any specific advice or opportunities that you feel you may not have received elsewhere?
Manon - Absolutely, in my previous role as manager, I was never really developed or supported. Being thrown into the deep end taught me many things but I've learnt so much more since joining LFO.
Beth - Yes they regularly keep me challenged !!!
Adam - There are truly too many instances to count but the guiding ethos is to always make sure our patients are delighted.
