Interview: Searching for a spark

Andrew McClean: Who inspired you to go into dispensing?

Toby Baverstock: Like many colleagues I have met in optics since starting with Leightons Opticians in 2019, I fell into dispensing. Previously, I qualified as a teacher. Although I enjoyed many aspects of teaching, it was not my perfect fit and I sought something different. I joined Leightons as an optical assistant in 2019 and enjoyed working in optics. When Leightons offered me the chance to train as a dispensing optician (DO), I leapt at it and have not looked back. Becoming a DO had not been the plan at the start, but dispensing is now a passion and I continue to be inspired each day by the excellent colleagues, tutors and patients who help me become better.