Workplace Guide: Making a difference

Gill Thorp was working at a children’s clothing franchise in Keighley, West Yorkshire, 13 years ago, when she caught sight of an advert for an optical assistant role in the window of Airedale Opticians. The position looked far more interesting than her retail job, plus it had a chance for progression and the opportunity to help people, so she decided to apply.

Not only did Thorp land the job, she also opened the door to a career that would enable her to build lasting patient and colleague relationships, gain a range of qualifications, interact with children at local schools and scoop the 2023 Dispensing Optician of the Year Optician Award.