Industry News

SightCare is delighted to be running the first in-person business and networking conference since the pandemic for independent opticians on Sunday 19th and Monday 20th September 2021 at the Telford International Centre.

While the Covid-19 restrictions have eased we are committed to keeping our delegates and partners safe and will therefore be keeping safety measures in place to let independent practice owners and their teams network with their colleagues and peers and enjoy 2 days of workshops, keynote speakers, CET education, learning and fun.

This year’s conference theme is ‘Build Back Stronger’. The independent optical sector is facing historic challenges. Even before COVID-19, the eyecare and eye health provision was for corporations and the wealthy and powerful. As independents work to recover and rebuild, it’s an opportunity to make sure practices can Build Back Stronger.

At the conference, the independent sector’s largest and most engaged community, will be joined by renowned business keynotes Steve Head, Philip Calvert, and Jules White to discuss themes such as how did the last 15 months affect us not only commercially but also personally? Have we changed? And the big question – What should the focus be now with the restart of eyecare and eye health appointments and services? Building back what we had before? Or moving forward with new ideas & strategies? Is the independent optical sector world a different place now and can we make it even better, stronger, and ultimately more differentiated?

John French, SightCare’s Chief Executive, said, “In these uncertain times and unable to meet up face to face we often forget the importance of being able to engage in person with other like-minded peers from the independent optical community. With independent optical practices now operating as normal, albeit with the continuation of their Covid 19 infection control and safety measures still in place, our Members are keen to be able to meet up once again with the independent optical community and their optical suppliers at the sector’s first in-person conference.”

The conference will be supported by 35 of the optical sector’s independent focused suppliers who are also very keen to return to in-person events as they understand that ‘people buy from people’.

“Humans are social creatures and need face-to-face experiences. Given the option, independents are going to choose in-person peer-to-peer engagement as long as it’s in reach” says John.

To find out more about the SightCare conference for Independent Optical Practices please go to www.sightcare.co.uk/conference

Original link:https://www.opticaljournal.com/sightcare-announces-in-person-conference/