Optical practices will be seriously affected in the event of recession despite the clinical aspect of their profession, according to Sightcare's chief executive Paul Surridge.
Speaking to Optician at Sightcare's annual flagship conference, he warned: 'If recession comes, practices will be hit hard.'
In the day's opening speeches, both Surridge and Sightcare chairman Richard Petrie considered the impact of the global credit crunch on the optical profession. 'The next three years will be the toughest the industry has ever faced,' Petrie warned.
The event's theme, 'Survival of the fittest', was created by Sightcare to address what it believes to be the most important issue facing its members. Lectures throughout the one-day conference in Birmingham were designed to help practitioners deal with the current financial climate as well as other market threats such as competition from multiples and online eyewear sellers.
Adaptability was the main message put across in answer to how optical practitioners could cope with these challenges.
'This convention is all about embracing change,' Surridge told Optician. In his afternoon speech he said: 'The opportunity for independents that understand and embrace change has never been better.'
Speaker Keith Holland then revealed how practices could specialise in areas including sports vision and dry eye care to safeguard and expand their businesses.
Earlier, optometrist Geraint Griffiths had explained how he felt that London 2012 would be 'the greatest clinical and commercial opportunity for ophthalmic optics in the new millennium'.
Optician understands the 2008 event achieved record attendance figures for a Sightcare conference.