New goals, added value

Over 700 practice owners and staff attended Sight Care's one-day business conference for independent opticians held at the Hilton Metropole hotel in Birmingham on March 1, its best attendance to date.

According to Sight Care, the theme of the conference, 'above the parapet', was chosen 'to reflect the need for independents to regain confidence and set goals as we begin to emerge from the worst recession in decades'.

Over 80 per cent of the group's membership, along with prospective members, were treated to an array of speakers from both within and outside the optical industry. The line-up was headed by Olympic gold medal winner Denise Lewis who challenged delegates to stretch their goals and aspirations. Encouraging Sight Care members to educate sports people, Lewis revealed that she'd only ever had one eye exam at the age of 14 and was aware that very few athletes saw the health of their eyes as a priority.