Remembering the night of the Optician Awards when he was announced as the winner, Varley remembers his surprise. 'I thought I might be in with a chance, but when my name was read out I was delighted. The evening itself was fantastic and I have to say that Optician does a great job with the awards night - it really does the industry proud,' he adds.
The practice promoted the award in the months following Varley's win, but in way in which he describes as subtle. 'A local practice likes to talk long and loud about their nominations, but we have talked about the win in a much more understated manner. I think our patients appreciate that we go the extra mile and being able to say we have won an award reinforces that.' He also says that he received a number of letters from patients congratulating him on his win, which he describes as an incredibly humbling experience.
Training is a key of Varley's role at the practice and many students have benefited from his practical knowledge for the practical elements of their university courses. He has also trained a lab technician, who had no previous experience of glazing, in the on-site lab he set up in 2006.
On his duties as a dispensing optician at the practice, a role which he has held for 24 years, Varley says: 'I have always wanted to enjoy my day's work, so I want to look after the patients. We try to build a relationship with the patients and that means making jokes and generally being like a friend to them.' Asked what piece of advice he would offer to aspiring dispensing opticians, he says: 'Look after the patient like they're your mother and provide the best post possible service, because that's what separates the multiples and the independents. Put the patient first and you won't go far wrong.' ?