View from Locsu: National Optical Conference report

Change was the main theme of this week’s National Optical Conference. Locsu unveiled its new non-executive chairman, Mike Fegan. Mike has a wealth of experience in finance and governance roles which he brings to Locsu having worked for FTSE 100 companies, SMEs, start-ups, not-for-profit and charitable organisations in a variety of senior positions.

Dr Jo Bailey was the keynote NHS speaker. Dr Bailey, Clinical Advisor System Transformation Group NHS England, outlined how the introduction of Integrated Care Systems will see the NHS move to a more outcome-based approach from the current transactional-based commissioning.

Guest NOC speaker Giles Duley, a former celebrity fashion-turned-war photographer who lost both legs and one arm, explained what the optical sector can learn from his highly personal story of change. In 2011, while embedded and on patrol with the US Army, Giles stepped on an IED, losing both legs and an arm. After months of rehab, Giles returned to Afghanistan and continues to document those affected by conflict around the world.