Independent opticians cannot rely on NHS sight test fees, Independents Day delegates told

General Ophthalmic Services payments are too low, too insecure and incompatible with building a profitable and differentiated optical practice for the future, delegates at last weekend’s Independents Day heard.

Niches for Riches was the theme of the two-day event which saw a mixture of lectures, workshops, an exhibition and networking events laid on for optical professionals and other practice staff. Close to 200 delegates signed up to earn CET points and heard from keynote speakers and fellow practitioners on how to identify and create a successful business around their chosen niche.

The highlight of the main day was an afternoon session culminating with a panel discussion with four practitioners: Ruth Low, Alisdair Buchanan, Jim Green and Jonathan Foreman.