Specsavers has selected more than 40 STEM (science, engineering, technology and mathematics) students to take part in a programme offering £10,000 to aspiring optometrists for their studies and community practices.
The Bright Stars scholarship programme would provide mentorship, the opportunity to join community activities, paid work plus real-world experience in local Specsavers practices for the students starting their studies this September.
‘The programme supports the next generation of clinicians, helping to change their lives and the lives of patients by training experts who care, and who are dedicated to serving their local communities,’ said Lucy Knock, early talent lead at Specsavers.
Knock said that the programme also provided participating Specsavers practices with a pipeline of future talent, helping to further develop their workforce. ‘Some students have already started working at their local Specsavers practices, gaining valuable experience and adding to the teams there,’ she said.
With the programme running again this year, Specsavers was actively engaging with students considering studying university in September 2026, collaborating with the University and Colleges Admissions Service and local schools.
‘We’ve already had a fantastic response with hundreds of brilliant students across the country expressing an interest,’ said Knock.