For Essex man Michael Smillie, 35, wishing upon a star has taken him on a magical career journey, from entertaining the crowds at Disneyland Paris, to helping people make the most of the world around them as part of the team at Specsavers Home Visits Essex.
But while the new role might not seem quite as sparkly to some, Michael says it’s definitely a once-upon-a-dream job for him, and one which gives him a great deal of personal and professional satisfaction.
Michael says: ‘Working in Disneyland Paris, I learnt the true meaning of creating memorable experiences for people. Disney taught me that the smallest interaction can completely change someone’s day, and that customer care is about making people feel seen and valued.
‘From there I moved into the optical industry, where I’ve now spent over 15 years helping people improve something that has a huge impact on their lives — their sight. Over time I moved into leadership roles, manager roles, developing teams and focusing on delivering excellent customer care.
‘Today I’m part of the Specsavers Home Visits team, bringing eye care directly to people in their homes. It’s a role that combines everything I’ve learned; service, compassion, and making meaningful connections, but in an even more personal way.’
It was an urge to find a job that felt more personal and meaningful that led Michael into optics.
He explains: ‘With home visits, you’re not just seeing a customer for a quick appointment you’re entering their world. You see the challenges they face and the importance of making eye care accessible for people who might otherwise struggle to leave their homes.
‘It felt like a natural step for me. For many people, leaving their home to attend an appointment simply isn’t possible. Specsavers Home Visits ensures that everyone has access to essential eye care, regardless of their mobility, health, or circumstances.
‘But it’s more than just convenience, it’s about maintaining independence, safety and quality of life. Good vision helps people read, move around safely, recognise loved ones, and stay connected to the world around them.’
Just like his time at Disneyland Paris, Michael’s time with Specsavers Home Visits Essex has been full of highlights – and the odd funny moment too.
He says: ‘One of the highlights of my career has always been the moments where you realise you’ve genuinely made a difference to someone’s life. At Disney it might have been seeing a child’s face light up during a magical moment. In optics, it’s when someone puts on their glasses and says, “I haven’t seen this clearly in years”.
‘But the real highlights in domiciliary care are the human moments, sitting in someone’s living room, hearing their stories, and knowing that the care you’re giving them helps them maintain their independence and dignity.
‘One moment that always makes me smile is when a customer’s dog decided my equipment case looked like the perfect new toy, and proudly dragged it across the living room while we were trying to do the eye test. It was like a sketch from Benny Hill. I even had a parrot wolf-whistle at me once.
‘Working in people’s homes means anything can happen, pets joining the appointment, family members offering you tea and biscuits every five minutes, or patients telling stories that take you completely off track. Those moments make the job incredibly human and remind you that no two days are ever the same.’
Michael admits to still being a Disney nerd to this day – and says that he tries to bring a little bit of the sparkle from his time at Disneyland Paris to his role.
‘Disney taught me the importance of creating memorable experiences, and I try to bring that same mindset into my job now every day’, he says.
‘Whether it’s taking the time to listen, bringing warmth and humour into the appointment, or simply making someone feel comfortable in their own home, I believe that little bit of “magic” can exist anywhere.
‘And if you can bring a little bit of magic, the kindness, the patience, the human touch, into someone’s home, then you’re not just doing a job, you’re changing lives.’
It’s definitely a career change he’d recommend to others. It’s one of the most rewarding roles in optics’, Michael says. ‘You have the time to really connect with customers, understand their lives, and deliver care in a way that feels personal rather than transactional. If you enjoy building relationships, making a genuine difference, and having every day feel unique, a career with Specsavers Home Visits offers an incredible opportunity to do exactly that.’
Specsavers Home Visits Essex has been in business for over a year, and offers essential eye care to people across the county where they live, including private homes, care and residential homes, and sheltered accommodation – and eye tests are free to those who are eligible for free eye tests on the NHS.
To be eligible for a Specsavers Home Visit, you or a loved one need to be unable to visit a Specsavers store unaccompanied due to a physical or mental illness or impairment – and anyone over the age of 18 could be eligible depending on their circumstances.
The fully mobile team at the locally-owned-and-run business provide services including eye tests, prescribing and dispensing glasses, and delivering glasses back to the door within just a few days or weeks. They can also support with specific eye conditions and use specialist equipment and technology – just as a team would in a store.
A new Specsavers Home Visits Audiology service has also just launched in Essex, offering essential hearing care, including hearing checks and hearing device fittings, also to those who cannot visit a store unaccompanied.
To check if you or a loved one are eligible for a Specsavers Home Visit, visit www.specsavers.co.uk/home-visits/ or call 01245 204369 for eye tests or hearing checks.
