Visitors have flocked to Birmingham for this year’s Optrafair exhibition (April1-3), which included a special Question Time session as part of the wide-ranging conference programme.
A female panel of six industry experts took part in a debate on women and the future of optics during the weekend.
Growing levels of part-time work and the underrepresentation of women in key leadership roles were discussed as well as issues surrounding free sight tests and locums.
Speakers included Specsavers co-founder Dame Mary Perkins, CEO of Optometry Wales Sali Davis and Eyespace co-founder Jayne Abel. Led by chair of the board of trustees at the College of Optometrists Cindy Tromans, the debate was the first time a female only panel has featured at the exhibition.
Optrafair also hosted a trend forecasting seminar delivered by design consultancy specialist Jacqui Ma and window dressing display tutorials sponsored by International Eyewear.
The exhibition halls included representatives from the world of frames, lenses, contact lenses, equipment, software and finance.
More to follow in Optician.