ASPIRING opticians in Cornwall have set their sights on a bright future after gaining essential qualifications.

Chloe Butler and Scott Nicholls have been popular figures at the Specsavers Redruth store in recent years, having begun as optical assistants.

Scott, 33, and 26-year-old Chloe have now passed their Certificate 3 and Certificate 4 qualifications in optics, and they have also completed a bridging course as they work towards their diplomas to become a dispensing opticians.

Chloe said: “Completing the Certificate 3 and 4 courses through the Specsavers training programme has allowed me to gain the knowledge I need to join the second year of the three-year dispensing optician apprenticeship.

“I enjoy this style of learning over the traditional route because I find it easier to learn when I’m using the skills every day that I have gained. I also have peers around me who are in the job role that I’m working towards and who are always happy to help and cheer me on.

“I love interacting with the public and feeling that I have made a real difference to their day-to-day life by being able to help them improve their vision.”

Scott’s long-term aim is to be a fully qualified contact lens optician.

He said: “The Specsavers training programme has been fantastic for me because it got me to focus on my career, and it made me think about what I really want to do with my life in the future.

“Throughout my Cert 4 course there was lots of coursework to get through, which opened by eyes to the depth of knowledge required to progress in optic, although this only furthered my interest in what I was doing.

“I have now recently passed my entry exams into the Eye Clinic at the University of Bradford and will be starting in year 2 of the Dispensing Optician course. I consider myself very lucky for having these opportunities available to me through Specsavers.”

Lucy Eva applauded Scott and Chloe’s enthusiasm and commitment to their jobs at Specsavers Redruth.

She adds: “It’s a pleasure to have Chloe and Scott here in the Redruth store. Many of our customers have seen Chloe and Scott develop and grow into the professionals they are now. We’re all really proud of them and know they have a very bright future in this industry.”