Conference Programme

Diversifying your services can open powerful new revenue streams — but knowing where to start, what to invest in and how to make it sustainable is often the biggest challenge.
In this interactive two-hour workshop, you’ll explore the commercial and operational realities of building successful specialist clinics within an independent practice.

Through a dynamic carousel format, you’ll visit four different service areas — dry eye, audiology, myopia management and neuro-developmental optometry — gaining insight into the set-up, resources, pricing considerations and patient demand associated with each. You’ll learn what works, what to avoid and how to decide which specialism aligns best with your team, your skills and your local community.

Designed for practice owners and managers, this session combines real-world learning with practical tools to help you assess viability, forecast return on investment and map out next steps with confidence.

You’ll gain:

• A clear understanding of the business case for four ancillary clinic types

• Practical insight into workflow, staffing, equipment and pricing models

• Tools to assess viability and profitability for your own practice

• Inspiration to diversify your services and strengthen long-term growth

Our awards evening is set to be a standout moment of SightCare LIVE 2026 — a glamorous black-tie celebration honouring excellence across the independent optical sector. Held at the stunning Edgbaston Stadium, guests will enjoy a sparkling drinks reception followed by a beautifully prepared three-course dinner as we reveal the winners across twelve prestigious categories.

Shortlisted member practices receive four complimentary tickets, with additional tickets available at £60 per person. Exhibitors attending SightCare LIVE also receive two free tickets. Further tickets can be purchased at £60 per person for members or £79 per person for non-members and exhibitors. 

It’s an unforgettable evening of inspiration, recognition and community — the perfect opportunity to celebrate your achievements, connect with peers, and applaud the individuals and practices shaping the future of independent optometry.

Collect your badge if you haven’t already done so and enjoy a coffee and a browse of the exhibition.

We are thrilled to welcome you to this year to SightCare’s 2026 Business Conference, where innovation, collaboration, and expertise converge to shape the future of optometry. This year’s programme is designed to inspire and challenge, offering a diverse range of interactive workshops, and opportunities for meaningful networking. Whether you are here to gain new insights, share your experiences, or connect with fellow professionals, our goal is to inspire, challenge, and equip you with the tools and knowledge to drive  your business forward.

In a world where expectations keep rising and change moves faster than ever, how can you and your team perform at your best — sustainably?
Penny Mallory reveals why Mental Toughness is the ultimate skill for success, wellbeing, and resilience. Drawing on her remarkable journey from homeless teenager to World Rally Champion, Penny shares practical strategies to build calm, confidence, and focus under pressure.
You’ll leave with simple, actionable ways to strengthen performance and develop a mindset that thrives — in business, leadership, and life.

You’ll gain:

• Renewed energy and perspective to tackle challenges with confidence
• Practical tools to stay calm, focused and resilient
• Real-world strategies to transform wellbeing and performance

** Eligible for one self-directed CPD point**

Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and browse the exhibition! Guests that are not currently members of SightCare are invited to join us for a welcome session with our CEO Emma Rawlings to discover more about our supportive community.

Running a myopia clinic that’s both clinically excellent and commercially successful is achievable — and this workshop shows you how.
Elizabeth Yeowart-Montgomery and Garrey Haase share their real-world experiences of setting up and running profitable myopia management services. They’ll explore the practical steps, pitfalls and business insights that turn myopia care into a sustainable growth opportunity.

You’ll gain:

• Proven methods for building and managing a profitable myopia clinic
• Insight into balancing clinical excellence with business success
• Lessons learned from two practitioners who’ve made it work

** Eligible for one self-directed CPD point**

Outstanding patient care is more than a clinical skill — it’s the foundation of lasting growth.

In this engaging CPD session, Sofia Fazal explores how to transform every patient interaction into loyalty, advocacy and long-term success.
You’ll learn how communication, consistency and genuine care can boost your reputation, increase footfall and create a practice that patients remember, return to and recommend.

You’ll gain:

• Proven tools to enhance every stage of the patient journey
• Practical ways to improve loyalty, reviews and referrals
• Strategies to align clinical excellence with exceptional service

**CPD points pending**

When was the last time you truly paused to reset, refresh and refocus your goals? In this energising leadership workshop, Lisa Howell invites you to take an hour for yourself — to explore what’s working, what’s not, and how to realign your strategy for success.

You’ll share real-life challenges, discover new tools and techniques, and reconnect with your “why” alongside other leaders who understand the pressures of running an independent practice.

You’ll gain:

• Space to reflect on your goals and regain balance
• Fresh tools and techniques to support focus and wellbeing
• Inspiration and renewed energy to lead with clarity and purpose

**CPD points pending**

Browse the exhibition and enjoy a hot two-course lunch!

Introducing a neuro-developmental optometry clinic can feel like both an exciting opportunity and a significant challenge for an independent practice. In this one-hour session, you’ll hear the personal story of a practice owner who has taken this journey — sharing the motivations , the hurdles, and the breakthroughs along the way. Through practical reflection, you’ll explore what it really takes to establish this niche service: from staff training and patient communication to managing expectations and addressing the financial realities.

You’ll leave with valuable insights and practical lessons to help you decide whether carving out this specialist niche could be the right move for your practice.

 You’ll gain:

• Real-world insight into the setup and delivery of a specialist neuro-developmental clinic
• Practical lessons on staffing, workflow, training and patient communication
• Honest reflections to help you avoid common pitfalls and plan confidently
• Clear considerations to support decision-making in your own practice

** Eligible for one self-directed CPD point**

Delivering truly personalised dispensing relies on confidence and competence in frame adjustment. In this hands-on skills workshop, you’ll work in small groups with expert facilitators — practising key modifications that make a real difference to patient comfort, fit and visual performance.

Across three practical stations, you’ll learn how to convert a fixed pad bridge to a pads-on-arms design, measure and fit Lundi loops and props, and increase the angle of let-back on a plastic frame. With guided support and time to practise, you’ll leave with stronger technical skills and a clearer understanding of how to tailor frames to individual patient needs.

You’ll gain:

• Practical experience completing three core frame modifications
• Improved confidence in delivering individualised dispensing adjustments
• Techniques that enhance patient comfort, fit and satisfaction

** 3 CPD Points***

Great communication sits at the heart of exceptional patient care — but in the real world, conversations don’t always go to plan. In this interactive, drama-based workshop, SightCare’s Emma Rawlings and Sukie Woodhouse guide you through a series of realistic practice scenarios brought to life by professional actor Caroline Heywood in the role of a simulated patient.

Using live role-play, observation and group discussion, you’ll explore how subtle shifts in tone, questioning, empathy and body language can completely change the patient experience. The session follows a believable case pathway — from first contact to follow-up — highlighting the pressures, emotions and expectations that shape each interaction.

**CPD points pending**

You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of how communication flows across every stage of the patient journey, and practical tools that your whole team can use to build confidence, trust and connection.

You’ll gain:

• Greater confidence handling sensitive or uncertain patient conversations
• Practical communication techniques relevant to all team roles
• Insight into how empathy, active listening and clarity improve outcomes and patient loyalty

AI can feel like a buzzword, but for independent optical businesses it’s fast becoming a practical, affordable tool for saving time, cutting costs and staying competitive. This session breaks through the hype and shows you how to make AI work for your business even if you’re not tech-savvy. From automating admin and improving customer communications to streamlining marketing and boosting staff efficiency, you’ll come away with clear, actionable ways to get started or scale up. No jargon. No fluff. Just smart strategies for busy practice owners and teams

Key Takeaways:

• Understand what AI is (and isn’t) in plain English
• Discover affordable tools that can save you time every week
• Learn real-world examples of AI in action from other small businesses
• Leave with a step-by-step guide to start implementing AI in your practice

** Eligible for one self-directed CPD point**

Last chance to browse the exhibition and grab a coffee

Before we wrap up SightCare Live 2026, this energising, whole-room workshop brings every delegate back together to reflect, connect and turn inspiration into practical next steps.

Through a dynamic mix of movement, conversation and structured reflection, you’ll distil the ideas, insights and challenges from the last two days — and transform them into meaningful actions you can take back to your practice.

We begin with the lively Cocktail Party Conversation, where you’ll meet new people, swap takeaways and share what’s resonated most. Then, in table groups, you’ll explore what to start, stop or continue, and consider how your practice could look different in 12 months if you act on what you’ve learned.

We close by sharing voices from across the room and capturing the collective mood in a live word cloud — leaving you inspired, grounded and ready to move forward with clarity and purpose.

You’ll gain:

• Space to make sense of everything you’ve learned across the conference
• New connections and shared insights from peers across the independent sector
• Practical clarity on what to take back to your team and implement first
• A motivating sense of collective purpose as you move into the year ahead

**Eligible for one self-directed CPD point**

Thank you for joining us – have a safe journey home!