A local woman who struggled to pass her GCSEs after her mother died says an apprenticeship has opened her eyes to a career in optical care.

Lana Lewis, 21, from Neyland, joined Specsavers in Pembroke Dock in June 2015 as an optical assistant apprentice. Despite never having had an eye test, and lacking any previous experience in optics, she quickly developed an interest in eyecare and a rapport with customers.

Less than two years later, Ms Lewis has gained an NVQ in customer service at Pembrokeshire College, which she attends once a month, and is now on her way to qualifying as a dispensing optician.

“I’m so proud of all I have achieved so far at Specsavers,” Ms Lewis said. “My mum died when I was 14, and getting through my exams after that was difficult, so to now be studying towards professional qualifications in a career I really enjoy feels particularly special.

“My experience at the Pembroke Dock store has been wonderful so far and I’m excited about what the future may hold.”

Store directors, Ellie Thomas-Wigley and Andrew Williams, know how important staff training and development is. Mr. Williams started at Specsavers as an optical assistant when he was 16 and, 12 years and a degree in optometry later, now oversees eye health services at the Dimond Street Store he co-runs with Ms Thomas-Wigley, who was his mentor during the final stages of his training.

Having taken over the store this year, both are determined to provide other staff with the career development opportunities they enjoyed and are also supporting four part-time staff keen to carve out a career in eye care.

Mr. Williams said: “Lana is an ambitious, determined and capable young woman and we feel extremely fortunate to have her on our team. She has achieved so much in such a short period of time and we are excited to be supporting her as she studies towards her dispensing qualifications.

“I know first-hand how important it is to have the support of colleagues and what a difference accessing these training opportunities can make. It’s also great news for our customers, because they know our staff care about what they do and are able to offer a professional and knowledgeable service.”