Kim marks milestone of caring for Exmouth people’s sight

HARD-working optician Kim Swinbourne has celebrated 25 years of looking after people of all ages in Exmouth.

Her colleagues marked her quarter of a century at the Exmouth Specsavers store with balloons and gave her flowers and presents in recognition of her commitment to the community.

Kim began life at the Exeter Road site in 2001 as an optical receptionist, before going on to be an instore trainer, contact lens supervisor, assistant manager, an ophthalmic manager, and now a dispensing optician.

She says: ‘I’m very grateful for the generosity of my colleagues. We have the most fantastic team here who have a genuine care and passion for the service they provide.

‘The training, development and technology this store has invested in for its staff is second to none. This has resulted in us having a myriad of expertise across the whole team, including our inhouse glazing lab.

‘I adore my job, from dispensing for young children who have now grown up and now bring their own children in, to helping customers with complex eyecare.

‘Exmouth is very important to us, and in my time here we’ve supported the community in so many ways – arranging collections for the local food bank, raising money for Exeter Neonatal Care and Kidney Research UK, and even sponsoring local teams, including the town’s under-16s darts team.

‘I’ve seen many changes in this industry in the past 25 years, particularly in terms of technology. The benefits have been huge, speeding things up for the customers and making everything far more efficient. I’m excited to see what the coming years bring.’

Ria Heskins, retail director at Exmouth Specsavers, was full of praise for Kim and her work during the past two and a half decades.

She says: ‘Over the years Kim has consistently shown what it means to be truly committed. She’s incredibly hard-working, kind and always professional, setting the standard not just through her results but through the way that she supports and inspires those around her.

‘Kim is exceptionally good at what she does – trusted by customers, respected by colleagues, and genuinely valued by everyone she works with. I’m very grateful to her for 25 years of outstanding contribution. She really is simply the best.’

Specsavers Exmouth is open seven days a week. To book a eye test or hearing check, visit the store or call 01395 277107.