Tipperary man recognised for outstanding customer care to local community

The founders of Specsavers have honoured a Tipperary Hearing Aid Dispenser.

Brian Maher, a Hearing Aid Dispenser at Specsavers Clonmel, has received a medal in recognition of his outstanding customer care by Doug and Dame Mary Perkins.

Brian is one of 14 colleagues from across the UK and the Republic of Ireland to receive a Doug and Dame Mary medal for clinical excellence and outstanding customer care. Recipients also received €1,000 in prize money. 

Nominated by his colleagues for outstanding customer service in audiology care, Brian is renowned for his excellent interpersonal skills and his infectious enthusiasm, which infiltrates the entire team. He takes great pride in solving problems and finding new ways to improve the service for customers. 

It was Brian’s late father who encouraged him to join Specsavers back in 2017 and it has been an upward journey for him since.

In addition to his role in store, Brian has earned a degree from Queen Margaret University, which is both a personal and professional achievement, and he paid tribute to David Hughes, Specsavers Audiologist, who has supported him throughout his development.

Brian is often praised by his colleagues and customers. One example of his dedication to his job was when he went above and beyond for a patient who was suffering hearing loss following the removal of an acoustic neuroma brain tumour. The patient came to him and was treated with compassion and empathy while they were in his care. 

Brian understands the personal adjustment involved with hearing loss and his level of care sees patients beyond the initial appointment. He says he has stopped seeing this as a job and more of a passion.

Karen Dunlea, Retail Director at Specsavers Clonmel says: "Brian recognises that hearing should be available to all and for those who cannot access our stores, he reaches out to them through his domiciliary service. He goes above and beyond with this service and one day per month he runs a clinic in the local prison".

"To be recognised on a national level is very special. We are all extremely proud of him". 

Specsavers founder Doug Perkins says: "These awards celebrate and recognise colleagues' professionalism, and passion, in the areas of clinical and customer care. The winners are outstanding, and all go above and beyond to deliver exceptional clinical customer care".

On receiving the award Brian says: "I’m so grateful to my colleagues for nominating me. The whole team works incredibly hard supporting our customers and each other and I’m thrilled to receive this prestigious award".