The SightCare Conference, titled The Future is Now, was held on January 29-30 and featured a keynote discussion with Hakim Group CEO Imran Hakim.
SightCare chair Martin White spoke to Hakim about his journey into eye care, how to create a winning business culture within independent opticians and the daunting state of optical practices in the current tumultuous UK economy.
When asked about the current challenges being faced by independent business owners, Hakim commented: ‘This year will be a record year for insolvency, mergers and acquisitions activity, and we’re already seeing that even within the optical industry in January alone.
‘We’ve seen more independent practices go out of business than we’ve ever seen. Those are the practices that are in the at-risk category as they haven’t been agile and haven’t made the tough decisions that need to be made.’
He added that the optical business leaders who are travelling out of their comfort zone and networking to gain insight into different perspective will fare better.
SightCare also featured workshops about how to integrate myopia management services, becoming a sustainable practice, and whether to go private or incorporate a hybrid NHS and private model.