A SPECSAVERS staff member has celebrated a major milestone while working in Glasgow.

Orla Gray has marked 10 years in her role as an optometrist after spending a decade helping people in the Southside look after their eye health.

The 30-year-old independent prescribing optometrist at Specsavers in Newlands joined the branch in 2013 when she was a student at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU).

Now the mum-of-two, who is originally from Cathcart, has marked the milestone with her colleagues at the store.

Glasgow Times: Orla Gray is celebrating 10 years at the branchOrla Gray is celebrating 10 years at the branch (Image: Specsavers)

Orla says: “I started my career with Specsavers Newlands when I was in my third year of studying optometry at GCU.

“During the last decade, my role has changed several times.

“I’ve worked my way up from optical consultant to pre-registration optometrist, to fully qualified optometrist and to my current role as an independent prescribing optometrist.

“The support of my colleagues at Specsavers Newlands over the years has been fantastic.

“They have celebrated every milestone with me, whether it be personal or professional.

“I feel like a very valued member of the team, and that is something really special.”

The Newlands store has marked a number of significant milestones over the last 10 years, including being named Best Small Store for Specsavers UK and Ireland in 2014.

The premises also underwent a complete refurbishment in 2018 which saw testing capacity double with the introduction of a new test room following an increase in demand.

But despite numerous changes and accolades, Orla says: "It’s difficult to identify just one highlight from my time working at Specsavers in Newlands so far.

"Knowing I help people from my home city look after their eye care needs is extremely rewarding.

"I feel very fortunate that this is my job."

Qamar Iqbal, optometrist at Specsavers in Newlands, adds: "Orla is an integral member of our team and an absolute delight to work alongside.

"She always goes the extra mile to help our customers and is a real role model to our newer team members who are right at the beginning of their careers with Specsavers."