Independent spirit at SightCare conference

‘Secret’ keynote speaker, Richard McCann

SightCare held its flagship annual two-day conference last month at Telford International Centre – enabling independent practice owners and their teams to network and learn through a programme of keynote speakers, hands-on workshops, lectures and peer group meetings.

“This year there was a particular emphasis on giving the whole practice team the opportunity to share, learn and take away new ideas to improve their own performance and make a difference to their patients,” said SightCare chief executive, John French. “Running an independent practice involves more than just clinical expertise; it requires effective business management. Whilst SightCare does cover important clinical issues, we pride ourselves on offering sessions on practice management, marketing and financial strategies.”

The conference began with a peer-to-peer learning workshop on ‘Creating the perfect patient experience’ facilitated by SightCare directors, Sukie Woodhouse and dispensing optician Abi Page. Delegates shared their ideas on how to improve the patient journey – from the initial contact, through to the welcome, the examination, dispensing and follow-up care.

Nicole Croft from Croft and Graves Opticians said: “It was a really great session. Although we have all looked at our patient journeys before, the experiences shared still gave great new takeaways to implement and push forward our businesses.”

The afternoon was followed up by the SightCare Awards, with entertainment from award-winning blind Scottish comedian, Jamie MacDonald.

Twenty-eight shortlisted practices contested in categories such as: Customer Service Excellence won by Buchanan Optometrists; Practice Team won by Brownbills Optometrists; Sustainable Practice won by Jonathan Partridge Optometrists; Marketing Excellence won by Feltham Eyecare; Community Practice won by Simpson Optometrists; and Frame Styling Practice won by VIP Eyewear.

The Independent Practice of the Year award was won by Michael Offord Optometrist from Kingston Park, Newcastle UponTyne. AJ Rawling Opticians of Ipswich received the SightCare Special Achievement Award, after celebrating 100 years of providing eyecare to their local community.

The following day, delegates gathered in the exhibition hall to catch up with more than 40 suppliers – all supporters of the independent sector and partners in the SightCare Buying Group.

The morning keynote speaker, Stephen Sykes, spoke on ‘Climate crisis: why is it my problem?’ Stephen is co-chair of St Helens Climate Commission and an independent expert raising awareness of the impact of climate change. He explored the impact of climate change on independent practices today and shared insights into how NHS requirements might shape how practices may need to adapt in the future.

Delegates then participated in 12 specialist workshops on topics such as ‘Pricing for success’, facilitated by David Samuel, ‘Navigating social media’ with Garry Kousoulou, and ‘How to hire great people and grow your practice’ with Carole Fossey.

2023 awards winners

Sessions on myopia management, delivered by Pam Robertson, a frame styling workshop run by Julie Young, and a hands-on spectacle maintenance workshop run by Rob Burrows, were all well attended.

After lunch, Peter Greedy presented a session on ‘Building high performing teams’ complementing an earlier session on recruiting the right people. Due to popular demand, a spectacle maintenance workshop was repeated and sessions on effective patient recall and unlocking the potential of AI were well attended.

Alisdair Buchanan presented a session on ‘Masterminding your way to private practice’ and shared his story of developing his own successful private practice and gave tips on how to charge properly for expertise and knowledge.

Delegate Nishi Maini of Surrey Opticians commented: “It’s all well and good listening to expert speakers, but it is even more valuable when you know the person talking to you has walked the walk and understands the challenges facing independent practices today.”

The closing keynoter speaker was kept under close wraps until the day. When the time came, SightCare unveiled international speaker and best-selling author, Richard McCann. Richard, founder of the iCan Academy, touched on a variety of themes including dealing with change, taking personal responsibility, leadership, appreciating what you have and inspired the delegates to take action on improving their businesses and relationships.

Summing up the two-day event, John French said: “The SightCare conference has once again demonstrated what differentiates the independent practice team from the rest. That is your ability to be agile and responsive to changes in the market. By coming together as a community you are learning, sharing and developing strategies to meet your evolving customer needs and market conditions.”