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Barnet optician aims to inspire young people

Specsavers Barnet store director Pragna Raghwani has become a STEM Ambassador to encourage the next generation in their career

Pragna Raghwani, store director at Specsavers Barnet, pictured in front of screen showing the store name
Pragna Raghwani at Specsavers Barnet (Credit – Specsavers)

A Barnet optician has taken on a new volunteer role inspiring young people to pursue careers in science and technology.

Pragna Raghwani, store director at Specsavers Barnet, has become a STEM Ambassador joining other volunteers from industry and academia working in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Over the past 20 years, Pragna has regularly attended schools career fairs talking to young people about careers in optical and audiological care – and will continue this work in her Ambassador role. 

She said: “I am very proud to be a STEM ambassador because it enables me to inspire the next generation into optics careers – from becoming clinicians and lab technicians to optometrists – and even having the opportunity to own a store as a Partner.

“I would encourage anyone interested in promoting our profession to get involved.”

Pragna has overcome difficulties with her own vision during her career with Specsavers. She said: “I was diagnosed with normal tension glaucoma in 2010 and lost 30% of my vision. Because of Specsavers, I have been able to work somewhere where people understand my condition and can help me when needed.

“I enjoy being in my store just the same today as I did back in 2003. Specsavers is a brand I am very proud of and one I promote every opportunity I get.”

To book an appointment or learn more about Specsavers, visit https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/Barnet or call 020 8131 6475.


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