Experts lead success of major conference

Experts lead success of major conference

Internationally renowned speakers helped lead the success of this year’s Professional Advancement Conference, organised by Specsavers.

The conference, open to all optics and audiology clinicians wherever they work, took place at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Birmingham on Sunday 14 September.

‘There were so many highlights at this year’s PAC which contributed to it being another successful event,’ says Neil Retallic, head of professional development at Specsavers.

‘That included our fantastic headline speakers, including Dr Catherine Porter and Dr Ketan Parmar on binocular vision and paediatric eye care as well as Prof Kathryn Saunders and Dr Byki Huntjens on evidence-based myopia management.

‘Ophthalmologists Mr Ahmed Bardan, Mr James Young and Mr Richard Stead provided invaluable insights on managing ocular pathology in practice as well.’

He adds: ‘It was also great to see pre-registration optometrists and TCLO students getting some much from this year’s trainee-dedicated track. We were proud too to host a creche for the first time at the conference, and a dedicated newly qualified lunch to recognise early talent, as part of Specsavers’ commitment to ensuring access to continuing professional development for clinicians.’

Over the day, the multi-track PAC provided interactive learning with peer reviews, discussion and practical workshops for optometrists, dispensing opticians and audiology clinicians. Exhibition spaces featured product and equipment suppliers, professional bodies and academic institutions.

Mr Retallic concludes: ‘It was a rewarding conference delivering sessions that directly benefit colleagues across the eye and hearing sectors – and in turn their patients. Thank you to everyone who took part at this year’s PAC and made it such a success.’

Winner of Judy Lea Award announced as champions of community optics recognised

The PAC also saw the awarding of an award in honour of much-loved Specsavers colleague Judy Lea, whose passion for education and mentorship shaped the careers of countless optometrists.

The award celebrates newly qualified optometrists making a meaningful impact early in their careers – just as Judy, who died earlier this year, did.

‘The first winner of this award is Rachel Warrington, an optometrist from Macclesfield, who began her journey with Specsavers at age 15,’ says Neil Retallic, head of professional development at Specsavers.

‘Supported by a close-knit team, Rachel has grown into a dynamic clinician who thrives on the variety optometry offers – from testing toddlers to nonagenarians and proactively supports the wider community through charity work.’

He adds: ‘She’s now focused on expanding her scope through further qualifications and helping shape a future where optometrists are recognised as the first point of contact for eye care.

‘Rachel’s story is a fitting tribute to Judy’s legacy – and a celebration of the next generation of changemakers in optics’.

The conference also saw awards handed out by Specsavers founder Dame Mary and Doug Perkins for clinical and customer excellence for Specsavers colleagues and teams working in community optical and audiology practices as well as Home Visits.