What began as a six-month job became a career spanning more than two decades. From qualifying as a Dispensing Optician to working across Australia and eventually making Norfolk home, Lee’s story is one of curiosity, commitment and a genuine passion for helping people find spectacles they love.
A six-month job that became a career
When Lee began working as an Optical Assistant in 2005, he did not expect it to become a lifelong career.
His original plan was to stay for just six months before beginning an apprenticeship with British Telecom. However, as Lee learned more about optics, patient care and the work that goes into running a successful practice, those plans quickly changed.
“When I first entered the industry, I was young and fairly naive,” Lee explains. “I quickly grew to appreciate the immense effort required to ensure a practice runs smoothly—from the detailed administrative work to delivering the highest level of care throughout the patient journey.”
It did not take long for Lee to fall in love with the optical profession.
A qualification worth celebrating
Lee progressed from Optical Assistant to qualified Dispensing Optician, achieving his professional qualification in 2014.
Reaching that milestone required years of studying, revision and travelling alongside his normal working hours and personal commitments. For Lee, graduation represented far more than passing a set of examinations.
“Having my family with me on graduation day will always be a fond memory and a moment I’m incredibly proud of.”
That experience helped shape Lee’s appreciation for professional development and the many different career opportunities available within optics.
A global perspective on optics
After qualifying, Lee embarked on a working holiday in Australia. He lived and worked in Sydney, Melbourne and Cairns, travelling between roles and experiencing life in very different parts of the country.
His travels also took him through Malaysia, Bali and Thailand, as well as California and Arizona in the United States.
Working overseas exposed Lee to a wide range of personalities, cultures and approaches. It is an experience he believes still influences the way he works today.
“Experiencing different cultural styles and personalities was incredibly valuable. It broadened my perspective and made me much more open-minded in the way I approach challenges and collaboration.”
After returning to the UK, Lee spent two and a half years working for himself before moving to Norfolk and beginning the next chapter of his career with Cecil Amey.
Finding his place at Cecil Amey
Lee remembers having a positive feeling about Cecil Amey from his very first interview.
Although he might normally have considered several opportunities, his conversations with Emma Amey and Cristina Amey convinced him that this was the right company for him.
“I chose to follow my gut instinct, and it’s a decision I’m still very glad I made,” he says. “Cecil Amey has given me opportunities I had never received before. I genuinely feel included, seen and valued as an individual.”
Today, Lee combines his position as Norwich Practice Manager with his wider responsibilities as a Senior Manager.
Listening first, styling second
Although spectacle styles, lenses and technology have changed considerably during Lee’s career, his central philosophy has remained consistent: listen carefully, build trust and treat every patient as an individual.
“Every patient interaction is unique,” Lee explains. “Some people are comfortable putting their full trust in our professional judgement, while others arrive with a very clear vision or specific ideas.”
When someone already knows what they want, Lee sees his role as helping to bring those ideas together. When they are unsure, he and the team can guide them through the shapes, colours and designs that complement their appearance, personality and everyday life.
“Active listening is crucial. It is the most effective way to understand the styles and designs that genuinely align with someone’s preferences—and ultimately ensure a successful result.”
Advice for a career in optics
For anyone considering entering the profession, Lee’s advice is simple: explore the possibilities and do not be afraid to take the first step.
“There is such a wide variety of pathways and roles within optics that you’re likely to find an area that fits your interests and skills,” he says.
Those opportunities range from the welcoming, patient-facing work of an Optical Assistant to clinical careers as an Optometrist or Contact Lens Optician, and the specialist frame and lens knowledge of a Dispensing Optician.
“If you have a feeling that optics could be something you’re interested in, don’t hesitate—go for it.”
One word: rewarding
Asked to describe his career in just one word, Lee’s answer is immediate: rewarding.
It is a fitting summary of a journey that began unexpectedly, led to a proud professional qualification, opened the door to international experiences and ultimately brought him to Cecil Amey and the Norwich community.
Through every stage, the motivation has remained the same: earning patients’ trust and helping them discover spectacles they can wear with confidence.
Book an appointment with Cecil Amey
Whether you need an eye examination, help choosing new spectacles or advice from one of our experienced teams, you can select your preferred Cecil Amey practice and book online.
Lee Acland BSc (Hons), FBDO
Senior Manager / Norwich Practice Manager
Cecil Amey Opticians & Hearing Care
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