An Irvine optometrist who began her career with Specsavers at just 16 years old has been recognised as one of the UK and Ireland’s outstanding eye care professionals.
Chloe Sharp, who works at Specsavers in Irvine, has received the prestigious Doug Perkins Medal for Clinical Excellence in recognition of her exceptional commitment to patient care and her dedication to improving eye health services.
Chloe is one of only five Specsavers optometrists from across the UK and Republic of Ireland to receive the award this year, placing her among a select group of professionals recognised for their clinical achievements.
She was presented with her medal on stage at the Specsavers Professional Advancement Conference (PAC), held at the ICC Birmingham on Sunday, 13 September.
The conference, which has been running for more than 30 years, is one of the largest clinical events for optometry and audiology professionals in the UK and Ireland.
Award recipients are also invited to a special dinner in their honour and receive £1,000 in prize money.
From Saturday Job to Award-Winning Optometrist
Chloe’s achievement is particularly special given her journey with the Irvine store.
Having first joined Specsavers at the age of 16, she developed a passion for optometry that would eventually lead her to pursue a professional career in eye care.
After graduating with a first-class degree, she qualified as an optometrist in 2025, completing her pre-registration training in just 12 months.
Since qualifying, Chloe has continued to develop her clinical expertise while making a significant contribution to both patients and colleagues.
She has enrolled on an independent prescribing course and completed accreditation in diabetic eye screening, including placements alongside a medical retina consultant at Ayr Hospital.
Once fully accredited, she hopes to help increase local capacity for diabetic eye screening, providing an important service for patients across the area.
Her dedication also extends beyond the consulting room.
Chloe has shared specialist knowledge and training with colleagues, helped improve the patient experience at the Irvine store and even visited a local primary school in her own time to teach children about the importance of looking after their eyesight.
Her approach has earned consistently positive feedback from patients, who have praised her professionalism, thorough examinations and ability to explain eye health matters clearly and reassuringly.
One patient described Chloe as friendly and excellent at her job, praising the clear advice she provided and the fact that their appointment never felt rushed.
A Proud Moment for Chloe
Speaking about receiving the award, Chloe said:
“It is such an honour not only to be nominated, but to win such a prestigious award. I have worked at Specsavers for the last seven years and qualified as an optometrist in 2025. Since completing my pre-registration year, I have grown so much as a clinician and developed a deep passion for patient-centred care.
“I feel passionate about providing personalised and thorough care to every patient, and I greatly appreciate this recognition through the Doug Perkins Medal.
“I will use it to continue delivering excellent care, collaborating with and inspiring colleagues, and educating younger generations about the importance of eye health.”
Chloe now hopes to continue developing her career, with ambitions to move into clinical leadership and take on greater responsibilities within the profession.
Her success is a proud achievement for the Irvine store and highlights the talent and dedication of eye care professionals working here in Ayrshire.
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