Vision Care Pioneer, Mr Spex, to Begin Training in 2025, Committing Resources to Advancements in Optometry
Mister Spex Bolsters Optometry Industry with Comprehensive Training Initiative
Mister Spex, a leading German optician, is taking a proactive stance in addressing the shortage of skilled professionals in the optometry industry by investing in apprenticeship programs. The company's long-term strategy, launched in 2025, focuses on cultivating a pipeline of well-trained optometry professionals for the future [1].
Since 2016, Mister Spex has taken on a total of 257 apprentices, with an average employment rate of 75% after successful completion [2]. This year, the company will welcome 45 new apprentices in the field of optometry, along with 223 who have already joined Mister Spex in this capacity [4].
The training concept at Mister Spex is built on three interconnected pillars: practical experience in the store, intensive training in the company's own workshop, and solid theoretical knowledge from vocational school [3]. Apprentices spend around 14 weeks in the workshop each year, focusing solely on craftsmanship without sales pressure [8].
Mister Spex's commitment to talent development is not limited to the apprenticeship phase. The company also values continuous professional development, offering targeted training and further education for opticians up to the master's level [9].
In addition to its focus on talent development, Mister Spex is also a trailblazer in technological innovation within the optics industry. With advanced technologies such as digital 2D-to-3D tools for frame fitting to intelligent browsing functionalities, Mister Spex sets new standards [5].
Mister Spex operates five training workshops in Berlin, Münster, Reutlingen, Mannheim, and Cologne [7]. Heinzpeter Mandl, Executive Vice President Retail at Mister Spex, stated that these training workshops are a central part of the company's long-term strategy to secure and promote qualified professionals [6].
By combining talent development with technological advancement, Mister Spex is positioning itself as a leader in digital optometry solutions, aiming to make the spectacle purchase an unique shopping experience that is simple, transparent, and enjoyable [10]. This holistic strategy ensures that Mister Spex continues to foster the necessary skills internally, rather than relying solely on external hiring.
In the pursuit of expanding the optometry industry's talent pool, Mister Spex invests in apprenticeship programs, focusing on personal growth and learning during their comprehensive education-and-self-development journey. Beyond the apprenticeship phase, Mister Spex also prioritizes continuous professional development, offering opticians targeted training and further education opportunities, fostering their personal growth and continued learning within the field.
