Specsavers Rotorua welcomes new ownership team to continue to care for the community
Great oaks from little acorns grow
After serving the community for 28 years, Specsavers Optometrists in Eruera Street, Scott and Celeste Raisbeck, will be handing over to the new management team of Jason Langdon, Shona Taylor, Nicole Douthett, Gareth Shinkfield and Kris Frimesta.
Beginning as an independent Optometrist, the store has been with Specsavers for 13 years, and never looked back after joining the group in 2009.
“We knew Specsavers was going to shake up the New Zealand optical market by providing quality and well-priced eyecare, and we wanted to be the people to provide that to our Rotorua community,” says Scott.
After coming on board in 2016, Retail Partner Jason Langdon will continue the legacy of the store as it moves into a new era.
“Jason’s 25 years in retail and HR meant he was a great fit to come into the business back in 2016, and he will continue to manage the retail needs of our customers. He’s a great support to the team and is committed to excellent customer experience,” says Scott.
Also leading the team will be Shona Taylor, one of the current Optometrists. Shona was examined by Celeste for her very first eye exam and became so interested in eye care, that she then went on to study Optometry at Auckland University and has returned to the store to be part of the team.
“A great benefit of being at the store for 28 years is that we have been able to see our team members really grow and mature as individuals, helping them achieve their potential. We’re very committed to professional development within our team and Shona is such a great example of that. We are so excited to welcome her as one of our new Optometry partners,” Scott says.
The same goes for new Retail Manager, Nicole Douthett. Nicole has worked in Specsavers practices across country and in Australia for many years and has now gone on to continue her professional development to return to her hometown to be one of our leaders. “It is so special for both Shona and Nicole to be able to provide continuity of care to the local Rotorua community, especially with it being where they grew up,” says Scott.
Completing the new optical leadership team is Optometrist Gareth Shinkfield. Gareth brings with him a wealth of experience from South Australia where he was the Optometrist Partner in two Specsavers Practices. Now returning to New Zealand with his family to settle into Rotorua, Gareth is now looking forward to serving the community.
“We are so happy to have Gareth on board and for him to bring a huge amount of knowledge to the team. He is committed to providing quality eye care, and creating genuine partnerships with members of the community,” Scott says.
And to complete the leadership team of Specsavers Rotorua is Audiologist Kris Frimesta, allowing the store to provide both Optometry and Audiology services.
“Having Kris and her Audiology skills on board has been of great benefit to lots of our clients. Especially in a challenging time of COVID-19, so many people have become aware of a hearing issue, which we are so happy to be able to help them with,” Scott.
“Serving one community for 28 years has been a real privilege. Celeste and I have had the chance to experience genuine whanaungatanga, serving three or four generations of extended whanau has been a real privilege. Now is the right time for us to have a break - before grandchildren come along! We are very grateful to the Rotorua Community for supporting our business when we started in 1994 and we know you will all be well looked after by Jason, Shona, Nicole, Gareth and Kris well into the future,”
Scott says.