"By far the biggest benefit from my point of view is having the ability to talk with and compare ourselves with like-minded practices on a continuous basis. We do this by attending the annual One-Day Conference and the autumn round of Regional Meetings and indeed on a daily basis through the members "blog" SCDialogue."
David Samuel – Eyesite
The challenges of running a successful independent practice in today's market are not insignificant. As a not-for-profit business and product support group it is the group's policy to assist its members in every way it can to ensure member practices are well informed about best practice and ways in which they can differentiate their service offering. As a part of that commitment to members, senior executives of the group are available to make practice visits to discuss and advise on a wide range of business related issues including marketing, PR, promotion, staff performance, leadership and general practice management issues. Practice visits are included in the annual membership fee and are not charged for.
Sight Care pioneered the concept of organising 'business only' meetings for independents in the early 1990s and today is recognised as a leading provider. The group organises evening meetings on a regional basis in October each year covering a wide range of relevant and topical business subjects. Presentations are delivered by practitioners, suppliers and specialist experts.
The group also organises a one-day business conference in the first quarter of each year which is recognised as the largest business conference for independents in Europe.
A third type of meeting is scheduled biennially overseas and involves business presentations and an opportunity to enjoy a leisure programme.
Sight Care's policy is to offer places on its UK meetings programme to both members of the group and non-members, on a free-to-attend basis for all. The group's highly successful meetings and networking programme is generously sponsored by key suppliers that support Sight Care's aims and objectives.
More information on our Regional Meetings »
More information on our One Day Conference »
More information on our Overseas Conference »
The Service Excellence Evaluation (SEE) comprises a series of tools enabling practices to monitor levels of customer service and find out what they need to do to achieve service excellence in the eyes of patients. Simply consulting patients about what matters to them can be an invaluable marketing tool.
The success of independent practice in the future will partly be determined by practitioners' ability to understand and manipulate key business data to their advantage. Knowing how well a practice is performing against other similar practices using benchmarking standards is vital.
Twice a year the FREE Sight Care benchmarking scheme gives members an opportunity to monitor their development. Participants complete a short confidential questionnaire featuring questions relevant to key business aspects of the practice. Our analysis of the responses produces a report which allows them to judge how well they are performing against their peers, ie. practices of a similar turnover. To participate please contact us.
Objectivity is crucial when it comes to appraising the overall performance of a practice. Often it is difficult for the owner/manager to undertake this exercise in a meaningful way.
Upon request, Sight Care is able to visit member practices to offer advice and guidance on improvement issues, sometimes carrying out a mystery shopper exercise. Specific areas evaluated are customer care initiatives, marketing, PR, staff motivation and training issues.
It is essential that members are aware of current employment practices, legislative changes and best practice standards relating to Health & Safety and Employment Law.
Through a partner company with extensive experience in all aspects of compliance, we offer members two options to enable them to comply with legislation. We also offer a free compliance review of your current processes.
Option 1
Fully managed health & safety and employment legislation service at highly competitive rates, followed by detailed documentation systems and 24 hour confidential telephone helpline services.
Option 2
An online solution to provide you with the tools to comply with health & safety and current employment legislation if you appoint a competent person internally rather than using an external consultant.
Sight Care have partnered with Xact to provide a sector specific website for members. This site includes full Risk Assessments, Contracts, Policies and Procedures tailored specifically for Optometrists.
Head Office
T: 01256 781522
E: info@sightcare.co.uk
Territory Managers
North England and Scotland
Richard Bentley
T: 07930 858443
South West England, Wales and the Midlands
Debbie Hutchinson
T: 07787 511277
South East England, East Anglia and Northern Ireland
Peter Price
T: 07889 417348