A LUDLOW optician’s has a new store director, but with a familiar face, as Sophie Wragg comes on board as an optometrist partner.

The 28-year-old has lived just outside the town her whole life and completed her placement at Specsavers on Bull Ring during the second year of her optometry degree at Cardiff University before returning to complete her mandatory pre-registration qualification.

After qualifying in 2017, Ms Wragg continued to work at the store as well as doing some locum work.

In 2021 she started working at the store full time as well as taking on Pathway, an internal development programme designed to set employees on a path to becoming a store partner.

“I am absolutely delighted to now be a store director at Specsavers Ludlow,’ said Ms Wragg.

“I’ll be working closely with my co-director, Nicola Aubrey, who has been so supportive throughout my time at the store. In fact it was her who suggested I go on Pathway.

“Once I’d completed my degree and training year, I knew I wanted to become more than just an employee, so the idea of being a store partner has been something I’ve had for a while. We have a great team and I’m looking forward to the challenge of a new role at what is an exciting time with the store relocating to bigger and better premises in the summer.

“As well as helping to develop and support the team, we’re also passionate about getting involved with the local community. Having lived locally for so long, I know that there are so many great causes and initiatives that we can support, so that’s something I’m hoping to do more of.”

In line with guidance from the NHS, Specsavers is keeping safety measures in place, including the wearing of face coverings, unless there is a medical exemption. This includes maintaining social distancing in stores, continuing to use PPE and sanitising all testing equipment and frames before and after each use.

Doors will be kept open whenever possible to improve ventilation and although card payments are still preferred, cash payments will be accepted too.