From Auckland to Ashburton: Rishabh Baptista on joining Specsavers

I began my journey with Specsavers in 2019 as an Optical Assistant. That role gave me valuable insight into the day-to-day operations of the store and the meaningful impact our clinic had on the local community—from the front-of-house perspective.

During my final year at university, I completed placements with both Specsavers and a large corporate provider. The mentorship I received during my Specsavers placement, along with the experience of working within such a well-run and supportive team, ultimately convinced me to join the company after graduation.

I’d long felt the pull to leave Auckland and explore life in the South Island. So, when the opportunity arose to join the Ashburton team, I didn’t hesitate. It offered the best of both worlds—rural living with the convenience of being close to Christchurch, making travel and city visits easy.

Describing a “typical” day in Ashburton is difficult because of the sheer variety of patients and clinical presentations we see. On any given day, I might conduct routine eye exams for younger patients, independently manage or co-manage ocular pathology, or assess and treat acute eye conditions. The diversity keeps the work engaging and continually challenges me to refine my optometric skills—especially in my area of interest, ocular pathology. Everyone in the store knows I’ll never say no to a gnarly red eye—or my personal favourite: the classic grinding spark injury!

The Specsavers Graduate Program was instrumental in supporting my transition from student to practicing optometrist. While you do hit the ground running, having accessible and supportive mentors made all the difference. Their guidance helped flatten the learning curve and gave me the confidence to grow into my role.

What truly sets our store apart is the strong sense of mutual respect and trust across the entire team. Everyone, from the retail team to the clinicians, has a voice, and there’s a shared commitment to collaboration. Knowing you’re backed by a skilled and supportive team empowers you to deliver the best care possible. I believe our patients sense that too – many travel from several towns over just to return to our store.

Early on, my mentorship focused heavily on clinical development. We observed each other in practice, visited external clinics, and regularly discussed interesting cases, critiquing and learning from one another. Over time, that naturally evolved into broader professional development and career planning.

Living in Ashburton has been fantastic. I often describe it as a “big small town”, you get that close-knit community feel while still being relatively close to a city. The Southern Alps are practically on your doorstep, making hiking, hunting, and photography easily accessible. I’ve made great friends – some unexpected, like local dairy farmers – and we often head out on hunts together. Building friendships with people in completely different fields has been incredibly enriching. It offers a broader perspective on life, what matters to people, and how different kinds of work and community all connect.

Working in Ashburton has delivered exactly what I hoped a rural practice would offer. For any new grads considering a regional move – do it. You’ll gain invaluable experience, make a real difference in people’s lives, and collect some unforgettable patient stories. You might even help save a life!