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Who best to learn ideas from and share knowledge with than people walking the same path as you? Networking is an invaluable tool for independent business owners who do not have the corporate structure to support them. Sometimes it can be hard to take the time out of practice to enjoy the benefits of networking in person so we have developed a number of “virtual” networking opportunities affording you the opportunity to still gain the benefits of chatting to peers, without having to leave your practice.

Why Networking?

  1. Gain Ideas

Whether you need ideas or just want to test the viability of your own idea, one of our networking platforms is the perfect place to go. Our forums allow you to tap into the pulse of all things happening in the independent optician sector. The more members there are talking in the forum, the more potential there is for you to gain ideas.

  1. Increase your knowledge

When members join our forums they often find that other ECPS are asking the same questions they have. Better still, other ECPs are answering those questions! You’ve just hit jackpot and suddenly what was bound to take you months to learn become something easy to learn with few mistakes; you’re learning fast and avoiding common pitfalls at the same time!

  1. Networking opportunities

Our platforms provide a networking opportunity 24/7. If you’re active in your chosen forum and interact with other ECPs then we provide you with an instant networking platform without leaving your practice. Just showing up and talking to people will help you get your name out there. ECPSs whose thread you reply to will remember you and will be more receptive to your message when you approach them for something. Most importantly, your thread will remain there and other members might try to contact you if they found your ideas or solutions helpful.

  1. Build relationships

Netoworking on one of our forums is proven to be an excellent source for relationship building because it connects you with independent ECPs and their teams. The good thing is that relationship building doesn’t take any extra effort. If you’re active in a forum, are networking and engaging with other members, are going out of your way to lend a helping hand, then you’re automatically building relationships.

  1. Establish expertise

It provides an excellent way to establish your professional expertise. Look for threads that deal with your particular specialism or interest, or start one yourself. For example, let’s say your ideal specialism is paediatric eyecare. You can start a thread related to common issues you see in eye care and eye health for children and state ways to make it better. This way, you are not only making your fellow ECPs aware of the problems in their sector, but also providing them solutions.

  1. Making the most of the SightCare Members’ Forums

The only way to make the most from our networking platforms is to be a sponge. Soak in everything. Don’t disregard something just because it wasn’t meant for you. If it’s related to you in any way, pay attention. Even if it’s not and it’s related to a potential patient, pay even more attention.

 
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Email Forum – SC Dialogue

A conversation thread – delivered straight to your inbox. The email forum works like a distribution list – members send emails to the forum which are immediately forwarded to other registered members.

Joining

Joining the forum could not be easier! Register by sending a request to info@sightcare.co.uk, from the email address you would like to receive your forum emails. Receive confirmation instructions to join the forum and start interacting.  To start a new post, simply create a new email and send to the forum address (as per your confirmation email). Reply to a post from another member by clicking “reply”

Just remember a few golden rules of our online forums: Be respectful, be active, be engaging, be helpful, provide value and above all – don’t spam. Oh and don’t stalk either. At least not openly!

Join Email Forum
 
 
 

Members’ Facebook Page

 
 
Do you check yopur social accounts more often than your email inbox? Then join our facebook private members’ group! This has the added benefit of being able to upload pictures, files, or chat specifically with selected members!
 
 
Join Facebook Group
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Member WhatsApp Group

Whatsapp is becoming more and more useful in business too. It is a great tool for sharing messages, ideas, information, and for generally collaborating with others.

As such, SightCare have decided to launch a WhatsApp group for exclusively for  members, to add to the current range of private member networking platforms on offer. If demand is high, we will look to create sub-groups so that messages can be more targeted. So if WhatsApp is your go-to messaging app, we can now offer you the chance to join and collaborate with other members on your app of choice. To join the group, click the button below!

Join WhatsApp Group
 
 
 

What Our Members Say

 

Danielle Walters, Coakley Opticians

“I have only joined SightCare in the last few months after years of dithering. I must say I have had nothing but fabulous service and experience. We have used your utility services and already saved lots. I am about to sign up to the buying group and SightCare Premium too. I think SightCare is a marvellous company and a life saver for business owners like me. I will recommend you to anyone I meet!”

 

 
2019-10-16T12:28:11+00:00
“I have only joined SightCare in the last few months after years of dithering. I must say I have had nothing but fabulous service and experience. We have used your utility services and already saved lots. I am about to sign up to the buying group and SightCare Premium too. I think SightCare is a marvellous company and a life saver for business owners like me. I will recommend you to anyone I meet!”    

Michael Offord, Michael Offord Optometrists

"Congratulations to SightCare on putting together another excellent regional meeting last night. Something for all the team. So get them all there. Just deciding where to start!!"
2017-01-12T00:00:00+00:00
Something for all the team.

Graeme Shield, Ferrier & MacKinnon Optometrists


"What a fantastic resource the knowledge hub is. I've used the PR/Social Media calendar as our template which is great, because it gives basically a checklist of things for me to do - which is much easier."


 
2018-03-06T11:54:12+00:00
We would never not be a member of Sight Care.

Julian Hotchkiss, Benjamin Opticians

"What a fantastic conference - well done to everyone involved. The talks were captivating and very informative, the guest speakers outstanding and great to catch up with old friends and make new ones too. We were very humbled to win an award too, which was an unexpected honour, give the quality of the entrants. "

 
2019-10-10T12:22:53+00:00
"What a fantastic conference - well done to everyone involved. The talks were captivating and very informative, the guest speakers outstanding and great to catch up with old friends and make new ones too. We were very humbled to win an award too, which was an unexpected honour, give the quality of the entrants. "  

Davina Dosanjh, Richard Petrie Optometrist

"When I took over from the previous owner who had been a SightCare member it was easy to see why he had thought it so important. Having support with peers and another organisation which is there as a point of contact to support you is invaluable. I really value the SPECS Buying Group which makes products more affordable and saves a lot of time on administration. We always find SightCare events really useful – particularly to attend as a team where we can reflect on ideas back at the practice in team meetings."
2017-01-12T00:00:00+00:00
We always find Sight Care events really useful ...

Sue Edwards, Martin Smith Opticians

"It was absolutely amazing news to be shortlisted as a finalist in the SightCare Awards and we are so happy and delighted! SightCare represents the very best of independent practices, and is such an integral part of our everyday world now. To be a Finalist really does mean a lot."

 
2019-10-10T12:48:27+00:00
"It was absolutely amazing news to be shortlisted as a finalist in the SightCare Awards and we are so happy and delighted! SightCare represents the very best of independent practices, and is such an integral part of our everyday world now. To be a Finalist really does mean a lot."  

Faye McDearmid, Campbell & McDearmid Optometrists

We have saved our membership fee twice over with SightCare's fair price service ( card services, practice insurance and phone lines.) We would never not be a member of SightCare. The support we get from a business point of view through the conference, meetings, email forum, training seminars –  it all gives us lots of ideas to take back to the practice and discuss with the team."
2017-01-12T00:00:00+00:00
We would never not be a member of Sight Care.

Cheryl Clark, Clark Family Eyecare

I would like to recommend SightCare Insurance, a benefit of the group which John has set up for us. I have recently had a quote from my current insurer, which made me gasp at the cost, so I sent my details to SightCare for a quote – I’m pleased I did. For a few minutes of my time I managed to save over £500 slashing my insurance costs by more than half.

I am also in the process of obtaining quotes for telecoms and electricity. My landline and broadband will save me £800 a year ( less Beaconplus fees), but that still gives me a £400 saving. I can’t believe how simple it was to obtain a favourable deal for my telephone and broadband services. Beaconplus were excellent, friendly and professional and obtained a deal far better than I could have achieved.

SightCare has some great benefits, and I would urge everyone to use them, even if they only get a quote.
2018-04-17T10:22:13+00:00
I would like to recommend SightCare Insurance, a benefit of the group which John has set up for us. I have recently had a quote from my current insurer, which made me gasp at the cost, so I sent my details to SightCare for a quote – I’m pleased I did. For a few minutes of my time I managed to save over £500 slashing my insurance costs by more than half. I am also in the process of obtaining quotes for telecoms and electricity. My landline and broadband will save me £800 a year ( less Beaconplus fees), but that still gives me a £400 saving. I can’t believe how simple it was to obtain a favourable deal for my telephone and broadband services. Beaconplus were excellent, friendly and professional and obtained a deal far better than I could have achieved. SightCare has some great benefits, and I would urge everyone to use them, even if they only get a quote.

Danielle Walters, Coakley Opticians

“Can highly recommend SightCare Premium. In just a few months, David Mack has given me the confidence to deal with business problems and the skills and ideas to move my business forward. We had an excellent team building day today with all the staff energised and enthusiastic about the future. Nothing is too much trouble for David and he is always there for me, answering my calls or emails promptly. He really cares about my business and is such a wonderful support. You won't regret joining. I just wish I'd done it sooner.”

 

 
2020-01-29T10:46:24+00:00
“Can highly recommend SightCare Premium. In just a few months, David Mack has given me the confidence to deal with business problems and the skills and ideas to move my business forward. We had an excellent team building day today with all the staff energised and enthusiastic about the future. Nothing is too much trouble for David and he is always there for me, answering my calls or emails promptly. He really cares about my business and is such a wonderful support. You won't regret joining. I just wish I'd done it sooner.”    

Clark Family Eyecare

Back at the end of 2017 we had a letter arrive from an audiology company asking if we would be interested in their services, a service I’d never really thought about offering our current pxs and the surrounding community. Long story short after speaking to John he put us in touch with a group very much like SightCare but full of audiologists rather than Opticians! After speaking with a member of the HearCare team we were introduced to a local independent Audiology company who had the same values as Cheryl and I have for our practice. Our clinics started in May, provisionally as a 4 weekly thing and so far, after sending out a letter to all our over 60 cx we are now booked up until July. That’s after we increased the amount of clinics, which is now 1 day (a day we haven’t got our own clinic) every 2 WEEKS.

We work on a commission basis rather than renting the room, our staff 100% back the venture, by mentioning it to our cx and the occasional Facebook post. We have had posters and window decals made by the company and are still inundated with calls asking us to book hearing tests-the majority of who don’t want to step foot in chain stores or who have been to places like these and wish they never bothered.

Independent hearing care + independent optical care (especially if you have the space) =winner.

Annica Clark
Clark Family Eyecare


2018-06-07T12:57:34+00:00
We absolutely love our newsletter

John Davidson, Querido & Davidson


SightCare provides me with an overarching support network to help me develop my business. The components are numerous, including Evolution programme which helped me achieve a 10% growth this year, and the email forum which I find invaluable as a sounding board. On top of all that, the annual fee for membership is swallowed up by moving PDQ transactions to the preferential PDQ rates offered to SightCare members, giving access to all these resources with no major outlay. Excellent value! No brainer!
2017-01-11T00:00:00+00:00
Sigh Care provides me with an overarching support network to help me develop my business.

Alison Price, Respectacle Company

"I’ve just joined SightCare and have taken out insurance through their service – it saved me £1000 and is like for like cover from my previous insurance company – well worth getting a quote - its covered my membership already!"
2019-01-24T13:06:28+00:00
"I’ve just joined SightCare and have taken out insurance through their service – it saved me £1000 and is like for like cover from my previous insurance company – well worth getting a quote - its covered my membership already!"

Gerry O’Hear, Mearns Opticians

"Since joining SightCare, I have found the email forum invaluable. It is a fantastic platform to discuss all things Optometric within the Independent sector, whether it is a simple question to your colleagues regarding pricing, to more in-depth discussion surrounding Tax and VAT.  I would highly recommend SightCare to any independent practitioner who wishes to engage with like-minded independent practitioners, and a passion to improve their services within our industry."
2017-01-11T00:00:00+00:00
I would highly recommend Sight Care to any independent practitioner ...

Andy Molsom, Molsom & Associates

"Thank you firstly for a great SightCare conference, it has been a while since I have been and must agree that the venue and location were great. SightCare is a great organisation and is invaluable to my business. Keep up the great work.”

 
2018-09-27T10:00:26+00:00
"Thank you firstly for a great SightCare conference, it has been a while since I have been and must agree that the venue and location were great. SightCare is a great organisation and is invaluable to my business. Keep up the great work.”  

Simpson Optometrists

"We absolutely LOVE our newsletter, so professional and a great way to advertise our practice. We also appreciate a good quality print:)"
2018-01-17T10:19:24+00:00
We absolutely love our newsletter

Nina Newsom, Newsom & Davies


We remind ourselves every year what good value the newsletter represents when we come to pay our annual SightCare fee. Another  supplier of marketing material has quoted us for a similar product £595 for 2000 and £895 for 4000. We usually pay  £260 to have an additional 2000 each year from SightCare so we could be paying over £600 more.
2017-01-12T00:00:00+00:00
We remind ourselves every year what good value the newsletter represents ...

Jean Kelly, Eglinton Eyecare

“The conference is one of the main reasons to be a SightCare member... It's a fantastic social event, team-building event, an opportunity to get the whole team motivated excited about their roles, their practice and their importance within the team, to get everyone on the same wavelength and working together towards a common goal, an opportunity for personal and professional growth...and it's fun! I have always found it to be a very worthwhile investment.”


 
2019-10-10T12:43:55+00:00
“The conference is one of the main reasons to be a SightCare member... It's a fantastic social event, team-building event, an opportunity to get the whole team motivated excited about their roles, their practice and their importance within the team, to get everyone on the same wavelength and working together towards a common goal, an opportunity for personal and professional growth...and it's fun! I have always found it to be a very worthwhile investment.”  

Annica Clark, Clark Family Eyecare

“Would definitely recommend SightCare Premium. I was sceptical at first BUT it's one of the best things we ever did (the other best things have come from Premium too. Our mentor has been a Godsend these last few months and the Premium meeting really helps to give new and exciting ideas. Would definitely recommend.”

 

 
2020-01-29T10:49:43+00:00
“Would definitely recommend SightCare Premium. I was sceptical at first BUT it's one of the best things we ever did (the other best things have come from Premium too. Our mentor has been a Godsend these last few months and the Premium meeting really helps to give new and exciting ideas. Would definitely recommend.”    

Karen Haase, Yorkshire Eyewear

SightCareGroup has given us so much inspiration, not just clinical advice from working with other Opticians but how we can make a difference to our patients

 
2018-09-27T10:05:28+00:00
SightCareGroup has given us so much inspiration, not just clinical advice from working with other Opticians but how we can make a difference to our patients  

Anthony McIvor, Keyes Eyecare

"We joined SightCare’s DPO service and was a bit concerned about workload and value but nevertheless took the plunge.  A few month’s in now and we are confidently compliant. We have also received an immediate response to every query we’ve raised.  If you looking for an external DPO (as recommended) you won’t do better than the looking at the SightCare Service."

 
2019-10-10T12:45:18+00:00
"We joined SightCare’s DPO service and was a bit concerned about workload and value but nevertheless took the plunge.  A few month’s in now and we are confidently compliant. We have also received an immediate response to every query we’ve raised.  If you looking for an external DPO (as recommended) you won’t do better than the looking at the SightCare Service."  

Mohamed Kasmani, Feltham Eyecare

An amazing conference and we have already initiated changes in practice!

 
2018-09-27T10:01:56+00:00
An amazing conference and we have already initiated changes in practice!  

Richard Waring, Eaton Eyeland

"One of the things about working for a national chain is the fact that in complicated things like applying for an NHS contract, the head office do much of the work for you. Having help from people like yourself is fantastic."

 

 
2019-10-10T12:49:48+00:00
"One of the things about working for a national chain is the fact that in complicated things like applying for an NHS contract, the head office do much of the work for you. Having help from people like yourself is fantastic."    

Bob Thomas Carter, Thomas Carter Opticians

"SightCare are amazing at supporting independent practices 👌"

 
2018-07-31T10:13:52+00:00
"SightCare are amazing at supporting independent practices 👌"  

Faisal Bashir, Ellis Bass Optometrists

" We joined the SightCare DPO service and by return we had a template Compliance Report and full set of Compliant Procedures and Polices. It was a fairly easy step (with help of SightCare’s DPO) to apply these to our business. In the unfortunate event of a data breach,  I have a comprehensive folder full of the relevant documentation, ready to present, if the need arises.  I now sleep soundly or at least I’ve no worries as far as GDPR compliance is concerned".

 
2019-10-10T12:46:43+00:00
" We joined the SightCare DPO service and by return we had a template Compliance Report and full set of Compliant Procedures and Polices. It was a fairly easy step (with help of SightCare’s DPO) to apply these to our business. In the unfortunate event of a data breach,  I have a comprehensive folder full of the relevant documentation, ready to present, if the need arises.  I now sleep soundly or at least I’ve no worries as far as GDPR compliance is concerned".