Macclesfield optometrist awarded for Early Career Excellence by Specsavers founders
OPTOMETRIST Rachel Warrington has been honoured by Specsavers founders Doug and Dame Mary Perkins, becoming the first person to be presented with the Judy Lea Award for Early Career Excellence.
The Doug and Dame Mary Perkins Medals for Excellence in Clinical Practice and Customer Care are presented each year at the Specsavers Professional Advancement Conference (PAC), held this year at the ICC in Birmingham on Sunday 14 September. PAC has been running for more than 30 years and has become one of the largest and most valued clinical conferences for Optometry and Audiology professionals in the UK and Ireland.
A new award introduced this year, the Judy Lea Award for Early Career Excellence is presented in memory of much-loved Specsavers colleague Judy Lea, who tragically passed away earlier this year.
Judy was a passionate educator and mentor whose influence shaped the careers of countless optometrists through her work as a Specsavers Partner, as Head of Optometry Development and also her roles at the College of Optometrists. Her legacy lives on through the thousands of professionals she supported – many of whom now deliver exceptional care across the UK and beyond.
The Judy Lea Award for Early Career Excellence award recognises pre-reg and newly qualified Optometrists (within two years of qualification) at the beginning of their careers who are already making a meaningful impact. Whether through community involvement, personal development, or supporting others in optics, nominees should reflect the values Judy championed throughout her life.
Rachel started working at Specsavers Macclesfield at the age of 15 and went on to qualify as an Optometrist graduating from Plymouth University in 2022.
Says Rachel:
“At university I was inspired by the academic team’s passion, which encouraged me to pursue postgraduate qualifications and motivated me to become the best clinician I can for my patients.”
“I’ve grown up within a supportive team in the Macclesfield store and this has helped to shape both my clinical skills and personal development. The whole team fully supports one another and champions everyone’s successes. What I love most about optometry is its variety – there was a day in my pre-registration year where I tested a two-year-old and a 92-year-old in back-to-back appointments. This kind of diversity keeps the role dynamic and rewarding.”
Adds Rachel:
“Being nominated for and winning this award came as a complete surprised as my director put me forward without me knowing. I feel incredibly privileged to be the first recipient of this award for Early Career Excellence. Judy’s legacy will live on through the recognition of newly qualified Optometrists for years to come. It felt very special and exceptionally moving to receive the award from Judy’s family, in her memory.”
Looking to the future, Rachel says:
“I’m aiming to expand my scope of practice through further qualifications, such as Independent Prescribing, and want to contribute to a future where optometrists are recognised as the first point of contact for eye care, reflecting the full extent of our clinical capability.”
Says Doug and Dame Mary Perkins:
“Judy was a deeply respected and much-loved optometrist whose career spanned more than three decades. In her most recent role as Head of Optometry Development at Specsavers, she was instrumental in supporting the growth of pre-registration and newly qualified optometrists, as well as leading professional development initiatives across the business.”
They add:
“Her passion for education and mentorship means her legacy lives on through the countless optometrists she coached and inspired. Her influence continues to elevate the standard of eye care across the UK, and her memory is honoured through this award, which reflects the values she held dear: compassion, excellence, and a passion for helping others grow.”