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Did you know every Specsavers store is locally owned and run by optometrists and audiologists who have a deep investment in their communities and a commitment to providing excellent care?
Stores serve as community champions, encouraging support for local causes and actively participating in community life.
Meet the team at Kirkstall Bridge Retail Park:
Nick Ainley, Retail Director
The longest standing member of the team, Nick has been serving community for 31 years – 20 of those have been spent in Kirkstall.
“After more than two decades, it’s amazing to be working with new partners to make a difference for customers and staff experiences at Specsavers Kirkstall.”
Most rewarding part of the job: The colleagues I work with.
Interesting fact about your work people might not know: Our spectacles are hand made by local staff members at our store.
Fun fact about yourself: Achieved a golf handicap of 6.1.
Josh Brough-Ali, Hearing Director
Josh has been part of the Specsavers team since 2011, starting out as a shop floor assistant. He now oversees the Kirkstall branch’s audiology services, which he launched in early 2020, just two months before the first Covid lockdown, building the department from the ground up.
“It was definitely a challenging time to step into leadership, but I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved since then and the care we continue to provide.”
Most rewarding part of the job: Helping people to hear again – it’s so rewarding knowing you’ve made a real difference to someone’s life.
Interesting fact about your work people might not know: Hearing loss is linked to cognitive decline, but treating it can help protect your brain. Hearing aids don’t just improve hearing – they can support long-term mental and emotional wellbeing.
Fun fact about yourself: Lived in Lanzarote for 12 months before joining Specsavers.
Summer-Leigh Sykes, Optical Assistant
Summer joined Specsavers Kirkstall three years ago, initially working on the shop floor for the optical team. She is now training in otoscopy and working toward becoming a qualified wax removal clinician.
“I feel so honoured to play a part in make hearing care more accessible to our local community. I’ve been based at the Kirkstall store throughout my time at Specsavers – it’s a fantastic team and a really welcoming environment for both staff and customers.
Most rewarding part of the job: Helping people feel seen, heard, and cared for.
Every day brings a new opportunity to make a difference.
Interesting fact about your work people might not know: Too much earwax can affect overall wellbeing. Something as simple as wax removal can restore clarity, reduce discomfort, and even improve balance. It’s a small procedure with a big impact.
What do you like to do outside of work: I’ve been helping launch free audiology clinics for the homeless, offering wax removal and hearing aid support. It’s a project I’m really passionate about, and I’m excited to see how it grows and helps those who need it most.
Fun fact about yourself: Has 20 tattoos.
Jennie Long, Optometrist Director
Jennie has been part of the Specsavers team for two decades, but she only joined the Kirkstall branch at the beginning of the year.
“It’s amazing being part of the long-standing team at Kirkstall. I hope by bringing new ideas to the table I can help the team continue to deliver exceptional service to our customers.”
Most rewarding part of the job: Teaching people something they didn’t know about their eye or ear health!
Interesting fact about your work people might not know: We are at the forefront of innovation at Specsavers and are now able to offer lenses to prevent young children becoming short sighted. Having had spectacles since I was 12, I wish this had been available when I started out.
Fun fact about yourself: Has worked in the circus.
