Raj joined Specsavers in 1988, having studied at City of East London College, qualifying as a dispensing optician in 1982. Subsequently he gained a contact lens diploma while still in London. Raj then relocated to Derby to launch the Specsavers store where he has been working ever since.
Raj has since been joined by sons Uan and Glyn Gohil. As fellow directors they have also launched and now run Derby Audiology and sister sites to Derby across the region in Normanton, Oakwood and Allestree.
Having first opened its doors more than 35 years ago with just five staff, today the busy family-run store, situated in the Derbion, has a team of almost 100 colleagues taking care of both the optical and audiology needs of the community to look after an ever-increasing customer base.
Over the last three decades Raj has helped drive the business forward, so much so that the store has grown (and moved location) to keep up with customer demand, with the latest expansion in early 2023 seeing the team take on an additional unit next door. This means the store is now 50% bigger than it was two years ago with ten optical consulting rooms, five dedicated audiology rooms and four contact lens areas.
‘Over the years a lot of people have asked me what the secret to success is and I genuinely believe it’s because we always focus on the happiness of both the team and our customers,’ explains Raj.
‘The team, our customers and the local community make working here so special, and I’ve been extremely lucky to be surrounded by such wonderful people. I’m looking forward to seeing what the future brings but for the time being I am savouring every moment here,’ he continues.
‘I can’t believe I’ve been with Specsavers for more than three decades. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Mary and Doug Perkins, the founders of Specsavers, for giving me the opportunity as a sole director of the Derby store all those years ago,’ concludes Raj. ‘It’s led to an amazing career I’m really proud of, working with my family every day and building a business together that continues to flourish.’
Although retiring from his role as director, Raj plans to remain in a dispensing optician role for three days a week for now, much to the delight of his many long-standing customers. He will also be continuing his support of the team and specifically two trainee contact lens opticians as they complete their studies.
As Raj departs as director, brothers Uan and Glyn have been joined by fellow director Andrew Wells who is no stranger to the Derby store. Andrew first joined the team as an optometrist ten years ago before becoming a director and launching the Ashbourne store in 2018.
Andrew, a qualified optometrist for 30 years, brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise and industry experience to the team spanning a variety of roles including those with a specific focus on training. He is also an examiner for the College of Optometrists. To date he has supported 13 colleagues on their journey to becoming fully qualified opticians and his mentorship will continue to be an integral part of his role. Andrew also holds a Masters in Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Science and qualifications in Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS) and glaucoma.
‘It feels like a full circle moment. A decade ago, Raj, Uan and Glyn gave me invaluable support during my time at the Derby store as I prepared to open Specsavers in Ashbourne and now, I’m re-joining the team as director,’ says Andrew.
‘There’s no doubt Raj will leave a lasting legacy here but for the time being I will enjoy working alongside him as he eases into the prospect of retirement,’ concludes Andrew. ‘His professionalism and his caring nature not only helped nurture and build a dedicated and committed team, but also built a wonderful loyal customer following that continues to grow. I can’t wait to be part of the continued development of both the team and the store as it moves into the next chapter and phase of growth.’
For more information or to book an appointment, visit https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/derby or call 01332 294939.