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Meet James May

Optical technician

James is an Optical Technician at Specsavers

What I do

I work in a laboratory which makes prescription glasses and sunglasses for Specsavers’ customers. I make glasses and sunglasses, cutting lenses to fit people’s frames using special machines, and adding tints to lenses. I make sure each pair of glasses is made so it’s a perfect fit for the customer.

How I became a technician

I didn’t enjoy school much and found it hard to sit still and learn in a classroom. After my GCSEs, I did a BTEC in graphic design at college. That was more practical, and I liked being on my feet and making things.

How I became a technician

After college, I tried to study graphic design at university, but I found it too much like school again. It wasn’t for me, so I didn’t finish the course, but I did get a Higher National Diploma because I passed the first two years.

How I became a technician

I did lots of different jobs after that, like coffee shops, supermarkets and a bakery. After a while I knew I needed to learn a skill and find a career that was right for me.

How I became a technician

I applied for an apprenticeship at Specsavers. I thought I’d be working in a high street branch, but during the interview they mentioned a role in the laboratory. That was perfect for me. I’ve now been working here for over two years and I love it.

A typical day in my working life

I start at 9am by switching on all the machines and cleaning them. After that, I get to work cutting lenses for glasses. My main tools are a blocker, which marks where the lens needs to be cut, and an edger, which cuts the lens to fit the frames.

A typical day in my working life

As a team, we usually cut between 150 to 200 lenses a day. Once we’ve fitted the lenses into the frames, we pop them in cases with the paperwork and send them to the opticians. The machines run non-stop until 5:30pm, and when the day’s done, we tidy up and get ready for the next day.

What I love about my job

There’s a surprising amount of variation in my job. The steps we follow are always the same, but every pair of glasses is different, with different shapes, lens types and tints. I have to adapt each job for different prescriptions.

I like that my job is doing something that really matters. Glasses aren’t just fashion, they help people see. Without them, you can’t read a menu or cross the street safely. It’s good to know I’m making a difference for people.

The skills I use most

Time management is a big one. Some jobs need to be done quickly, so we’ve got to plan what gets cut and when. You need a good eye for detail too. There are strict rules about how precise glasses have to be. A small mistake can mean starting the job all over again. I also need to be confident using machines and computers, and I sometimes talk to the shop team or suppliers, so communication is important too.

Glasses aren’t just fashion, they help people see. It’s good to know I’m making a difference for people.
Don’t worry if you don’t know what you want to do. Sometimes your path finds you when you’re not even looking.

A little more about my everyday role

The best part of working in a team

There are five of us in the lab, and we all work really well together. Everyone knows each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and we help each other out. If someone’s not confident with a certain task, someone else will step in without any fuss. We all keep things running smoothly, and there’s no pressure to be perfect at everything. It’s a really supportive team.

My favourite piece of equipment

I enjoy using the cutter. It’s the machine that trims the lens into the right shape to fit into the frame. We’ve got two of them, so while one is running, I can be setting up the next job. You really get into a rhythm and before you know it, you’ve done loads. I like that sense of flow - it makes the day go quickly.

What I like to do in my spare time

My dog keeps me busy! I’ve got a sprocker (that’s a springer spaniel crossed with a cocker spaniel), and he needs a lot of walks. Luckily, I live just 10 minutes from the beach! I also enjoy a bit of gaming, watching films and baking.

My school days

At school I chose PE, geography and ICT for my GCSE options. I didn’t do brilliantly, I just scraped through, really. I found it hard to learn by sitting down and listening all day. I’m much happier doing things with my hands, moving around and being practical.

What’s the most exciting thing you’ve achieved in your job?

Passing my apprenticeship with a distinction meant a lot to me. I pushed myself to study hard and prove that I could do it. It felt like a big achievement, especially after struggling so much with school. It showed me I can succeed when I put my mind to it.

The next steps in my career journey

I’ve already finished my Level 3 apprenticeship and now I’m doing a Level 4 BTEC in Optical Dispensing. That means taking some exams, but I’m enjoying learning new things and improving my skills. I’m not sure what comes next, but I’m happy to keep progressing and see where it leads.

The advice I’d give to someone younger

Don’t worry if you don’t know what you want to do. Just keep going and stay open to new ideas. I had no clue this job even existed until I stumbled across it. Now I love it. Sometimes your path finds you when you’re not even looking.

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