Looking back, moving forward: reflections from Emma Rawlings

Entering the new year ahead, I find myself reflecting on my time as CEO of SightCare so far – I am energised by all that we have accomplished and am truly optimistic about the inspiring road ahead.

This moment of pause has reminded me of something that has stayed with me ever since my days in practice: although everything has changed in our profession, nothing has really changed at all.

Equipment has changed. The science has changed. Products and materials have changed. But at the heart of it all, the community is the same, the care is the same and the compassion within the profession still runs deep. Opticians are, at their core, people who genuinely care about eye health, about our patients, and about helping them find the spectacles that support the lives they want to lead.

That spirit of care and connection has guided everything I’ve worked on during my time at SightCare. Together with our dedicated team, we’ve built on the foundations that make this community so special – expanding our network, deepening member support, and creating more ways for practices to learn, grow, and thrive.

Over the past year we have:

Welcomed new members and supplier partners into our growing community.

Strengthened our SPECS buying group, helping practices save both time and money.

Expanded training opportunities – from practice manager development to apprenticeships – empowering teams to build skills and confidence.

Introduced new business support services.

Supported community connection through a programme of regional networking events.

And, of course, brought the independent community together at our annual conference and awards, celebrating everything that makes this sector unique.

But as I look ahead, it’s clear that independent practice ownership is changing. From new entrants finding their feet, to established practices developing their teams and services, to mature owners planning their next chapter – every stage of the optical journey brings new challenges and opportunities.

That’s why, in 2026, SightCare will continue to evolve our support around the practice lifecycle – recognising that every owner’s needs are different. Whether that means:

Practical guidance for those starting out,

growth and leadership development for established owners, or

strategic advice for those planning succession or exit.

We will also be building on our work to:

Strengthen our value proposition

Deliver better services to our members

Develop key pieces of work to support members at every step of their journey.

And ensuring SightCare remains a trusted partner for the future.

At the heart of it all is the same belief that first inspired me to join this community again: the unwavering core of independent opticians. Their absolute dedication to their patients, their teams, their profession, and their communities is extraordinary. My responsibility – and SightCare’s – is to support and protect that remarkable sprit so that it continues to thrive in a world that is constantly changing.

Our strapline, independent not alone, captures that perfectly. It’s what drives our work every day, and it’s what will guide us into the year ahead.

Here’s to another year of collaboration, innovation, and care – for our patients, our practices, and each other.

—

Emma Rawlings

Chief Executive, SightCare