Conference Speakers

Kriss Akabusi MBE Olympian, Motivational Speaker, Businessman

Kriss is a well known television personality, motivational speaker and a former British sprint and hurdles athlete, winning a silver medal at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles as part of the men’s 4 x 400 relay team. He went on to win a further two Olympic bronze medals in Barcelona in 1992 in the 400m hurdles and 4 x 400m relay.

Kriss’ successful sporting career also includes a World Championship Gold medal, three European Championship Gold medals and further Gold at the 1990 Commonwealth Games. He currently still holds the British 400m men’s hurdles record of 47.2 seconds, set in Barcelona in 1992.

Today, Kriss delivers high energy keynote speeches and seminars, and is regularly consulted on a variety of radio and television programmes. Kriss is also a qualified life coach, having earned his Masters in existential coaching.

Imran Hakim Owner - The Hakim Group

Beginning his journey trading IT equipment whilst at still at school, Imran went on to complete his BSc Hons in Optometry and Vision Science before earning his spot as one of the UK’s most innovative and vibrant young Entrepreneurs.

Most recognised for his success with the iTeddy, which won him the World Toy Innovation award in 2008, Imran currently sits as CEO of Hakim Group. This is the portfolio brand which represents his business interests. Despite significant recent diversification, the group’s core business activities remain within the optical industry.

Sid Madge Founder - Meee

Sid Madge loved brands. For over 30 years he worked with many of the world’s largest brands, and ran and worked for some of Europe’s most renowned creative agencies. In 2015 his world changed. While giving a talk to teenagers he was stunned by what they thought about themselves, and how they described themselves. He wanted to help and based on his knowledge of brands and people he founded Meee. Meee draws on the best creativity and thinking from the worlds of psychology, neuroscience, branding, sport, education and sociology, to help people achieve extraordinary lives. To date, Meee has transformed the lives of over 20,000 people, from leaders of SMEs to PLCs, to parents, teachers, students, carers, the unemployed and even prison inmates. Sid is also author of the Meee in a Minute series of books, which each offer 60 ways to change your life, work or family life in 60 seconds. His ambition is to see The Magic Of Meee in every community around the world.

Alex Davis Head of Brands and Marketing - Stepper Eyewear

Alex has a wealth of experience in the optical industry. In his current role as Head of Brands and Marketing, which he has held for the last 4 years, Alex is responsible for leading the worldwide marketing function of Stepper Eyewear Ltd (a division of Arts Optical Ltd) to deliver marketing support, assets and strategy within the 60 plus countries the brand is represented.

Prior to joining Stepper, Alex held the position of Marketing Direct at Rayner & Keeler, where he successfully launched the first omnichannel retail into high street opticians.

Simon Jones Business Development Manager - EssilorLuxottica

Simon Jones is a qualified SMC (Tech) and has been with the Essilorluxottica group for over 22 years. In January 2000, Simon became an Optical Technician and later joined the Technical Helpdesk at Essilor Ltd, helping eye care professionals solve issues for their patients with problematic orders.In October 2016, Simon became a Business Development Manager for the Essilorluxottica group. This role not only enabled him to support opticians to grow their business, but he still continues to use his technical knowledge and CPD training to help eye care professionals offer the best possible lens solution to their patients.

Denise Porter Regional Sales Manager - CooperVision

Denise has worked in the optical industry for 23 years and joined CooperVision in July 2016 as a Business Development Manager covering the Northeast of England.
Her time in practice has covered many roles since starting as an Optical Assistant and Lab technician for a large multiple.
From those experiences she moved to the management team in 2006 within a newly established independent practice and was part of the infrastructure for processes and procedures, dealing with all aspects of the business.
After 17 years working in practice and leaving as a Group Manager of a very successful independent group, she took the next step and joined CooperVision.
She is currently a Regional Sales Manager within CooperVision where she continues to develop businesses and practice teams with initiatives that support their growth and the contact lens category.

Andy Willmott Business Development Manager

Andy Willmott completed his FBDO diploma in 1990, moving immediately onto his diploma in contact lenses achieving the CL qualification in 1992. After 15 years of contact lens practice which included much involvement with J&J on product launches through the 1990’s and introducing Ortho-K to the Kent area alongside No.7 in 2005, Andy moved to New Zealand in 2007 and by 2009 was working with Specsavers, hosting and delivering CPD to NZ Dispensing Opticians via bi-annual CPD conferences. Andy’s role augmented into professional development when appointed regional dispensing mentor to deliver training and development seminars and presentations to the ANZ region for both DO’s and graduate optometrists leading to being awarded the prestigious Robert Maher award in 2014 for services to continuing professional development. Returning to the UK after 12 years in NZ, Andy now enjoys a rewarding role as Business Development Manager for Essilor where he once again has the opportunity to deliver CPD and currently talks regularly on one of his mini passions of myopia management.

Elaine Grisdale Head of Profressional Services and International Development - ABDO

Elaine Grisdale BSc.(Hons) FBDO FAAO FEAOO
Elaine is Head of Professional Services and International Development for ABDO and is the Director of Development for the International Opticians’ Association whose role is “to enhance and develop the optical profession around the world”.
She has had a varied and international career in technical , professional relations, sales , marketing and teaching roles. She has lectured extensively around the world for the past 35 years on a variety of topics. In her role as International Professional
Relations Manager for Essilor International, she was responsible for the initiation and follow-up of external clinical studies for existing and new products for the Essilor Group. Elaine was co-director and founder of the successful Varilux University in Paris , the first international continuing education centre dedicated to the teaching of topics related to presbyopia and the ageing eye.
She qualified as a dispensing optician and first registered with the General Optical Council in 1985. She is a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers, a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and a Fellow of the European Academy of Optometry and Optics.
She serves as Secretary for the Public Affairs and Economic Committee for the European Council of Optometry and Optics and sits on their Executive Board. She is also a Trustee of the Board for the European Academy of Optometry and Optics. A fluent French speaker, Elaine is a Scientific Committee Member of the Silmo Academy in France and a member of the Jury Vision for Silmo.
She recently obtained a First Class Honours degree in Vision Science and is now studying for a Masters degree in Dementia.

Alisdair Buchanan Owner Optometrist - Buchanan Optometrists

Alisdair Buchanan took over a very run-down practice in 1999. From that day, he knew he had to do things differently. He has faced many challenges navigating his practice to being one of the leading independent opticians in the UK. His views on marketing, professional fee-charging and dealing with clients buck the trend of most opticians, and this is why the practice has grown from strength to strength, with people travelling thousands of miles for their expertise. Alisdair studied as a dispensing optician in Bradford, moving to Manchester to complete his degree in Optometry. He runs his practice with his wife, Kathryn. The practice has won numerous awards over the years. Alisdair lectures at Moorfields eye hospital on dry eyes, helping dentists, opticians, and small to medium business owners overcome the challenges they face in today’s ever-changing marketplace. His practice has patients travelling from all over the world for their services. Alisdair is a very engaging lecturer and facilitator of groups, always happy to be questioned on best practices and how to move a business forwards, not only for a better life for the owners but looking at an exit strategy for when the owners want to retire. His knowledge of running a business and marketing systems is invaluable to any industry.

David Samuel SightCare Business Coach

David worked in independent practice for over 35 years, firstly as a Dispensing Optician and Contact Lens Practitioner, then as the business grew as Managing Director. David and his team grew Eyesite to become one of the most respected and progressive independent groups in the UK.

He is a life-long learner, and as well as completing is optical qualifications, has also completed a Marketing Degree and an MBA from Reading University. He has also completed numerous courses and workshops, through his involvement with Vistage as a member for over 15 years.

David’s work as a SightCare Premium Business Coach, independent optical business owners to improve the performance of their practices as well as helping them be better leaders and make better decisions for themselves and their businesses. As CEO of Storm, David provides the suite of Business Management Tools which form an integral part of SightCare Premium Membership Program.

Peter Greedy SightCare Business Coach

Optometrist, Coach, Inventor & Entrepreneur: Peter has a diverse experience of professional, management and independent roles, with over 30 years in the eye health industry. He has a passion for personal development and helping others find their purpose. Peter thrives on innovating unique and effective solutions to all situations.

In 2008 he launched his own company  to develop and promote his invention GREEPER® Laces, an innovative patented shoelace system enabling a user to loosen and tighten their shoe laces, yet they never come undone.

Peter is a Certified Integrative Coach and member of the Association for Coaching, providing coaching and consulting services with special interest in Personal, Leadership and Team Development.

Gavin Rebello Director - Hollands Opticians

Gavin Rebello is a qualified optometrist and has many years experience running his own practices. He currently owns Holland Opticians in Malvern. He is also a business coach and mentor helping business owners both within and outside of optometry show up as their best versions of themselves, with the primary goal of helping them and the staff get their work to deliver on the life they want. Gavin is a founding director of Storm.

Sukie Woodhouse Director - Woodhouse Opticians

Sukie qualified as secondary school Art teacher and worked for ten years  a tutor with Open College Network delivering level 2 and 3 courses with active listening skills modules based on person centred counselling, to adults in hard to reach communities. As well as delivering sessions I was an internal moderator and clinical supervisor supporting trainees to effectively debrief their experiences to be more effective in their roles.

Deven Lakhani Owner Optometrist - Hammond Opticians
Anthony Blackman SightCare Trainer

Anthony is Director of Training and Development at Insight Optical Training. Over the last 17 years in optics, he has completed a number of courses, including optical technician, DO, CLO, and an MSc in Optometry. Building on his experience as a tutor and examiner, he spent 5 years as a senior lecturer in Vision Science at Canterbury Christ Church University, leaving to establish Insight Optical Training. He has authored several courses for optical support staff, as well as presenting workshops and delivering CET.

He is a trustee for the British Council for Prevention of Blindness, Kent Association for the Blind, and Vision Care for Homeless People. He also sits on the Education and Learning Committee for the Chartered Insurance.

Sharon MacArthur Founder - Miss Menopause

Sharon MacArthur is the Owner of Red Handbag which she set up over 7 years ago. She works internationally with leaders in business, helping them to develop their leadership confidence though more effective communication strategies.

Miss Menopause was formed over 4 years ago in response to the lack of information about menopause in the workplace. Sharon works face to face and online around the country with organisations larger and small.

She has appeared on BBC Breakfast, ITN News and Victoria Derbyshire and is a regular on BBC Radio taking about the subject of menopause