01 July 2025
Following its resounding success over the past two years, Hakim Group is excited to announce the return of its flagship Share, Progress, Achieve (SPA) continuing professional development (CPD) event, taking place on Sunday 21 September 2025 in Nottingham.
Designed and led by Erica Hopwood, professional advancement manager at Hakim Group, and Claire Slade, head of professional advancement and governance, this full-day immersive experience has quickly established itself as a CPD calendar highlight — allowing optometrists and dispensing opticians to achieve their full annual CPD requirement in just one inspiring and interactive day.
This year’s theme, Play to Progress, puts an innovative spin on professional learning, transforming CPD delivery into an experience that is not only educational but refreshingly fun. Inspired by classic gameshows and party games, delegates can expect to take part in CPD versions of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, The Traitors, and Charades, along with an engaging CPD treasure trail woven throughout the day.
Over 400 delegates are expected to attend, with sessions carefully curated to combine clinical excellence, regulatory insight, and practical applications that can be taken straight back to practice.
Key clinical topics include foreign body removal with WOPEC certification, low vision care, paediatric eye care, dry eye management, and specialist dispensing, alongside leadership development and future-focused discussions about the optical landscape. Attendees will benefit from insights provided by Hakim Group’s in-house experts, alongside renowned external speakers.
The speaker line-up reflects the event’s blend of in-house excellence and external thought leadership, including Gillian Twyning, an ABDO board member, and Ian Cameron, senior independent prescribing optometrist and practice director, both from the Hakim Group family.
External speakers include Dr Sam Strong from Aston University, Max Halford and Alex Webster from ABDO, Mr Pedro Muel-Gonzalez, a consultant ophthalmologist, optometrist and editor at Myopia Focus, Jason Higginbottom, and Ros Mussa and Purvi Thomson, both of whom are leading experts in specialist dry eye care.
In addition, representatives from the sector’s leading professional bodies — including ABDO and The College of Optometrists — will be delivering sessions aimed at supporting professional development and the growth of the industry as a whole.
Slade said: “SPA CPD is far more than just another training event — it’s a celebration of our profession and a powerful expression of what makes the Hakim Group approach different. This year’s Play to Progress theme showcases our belief that education doesn’t have to be passive or predictable.
“Our goal is to cultivate a space where colleagues from across the optical sector can share, learn and grow together in an environment that reflects both clinical excellence and the vibrancy of our community. We’ve worked hard to craft an agenda that blends inspiration, information, and a whole lot of fun — and I genuinely believe this year’s event will be our best yet.”
Hopwood added: “At Hakim Group, we understand that everyone learns differently—which is why SPA CPD is built with variety, energy, and choice at its core. We’ve attentively curated every element of the day to ensure each clinician has access to a wide range of CPD sessions that align with their own development goals.
“Whether you’re engaging in a peer-review, participating in an interactive workshop, or solving clues in a treasure trail, you’ll be learning in ways that spark genuine excitement. This isn’t just CPD — it’s edutainment at its best.”
Whether attendees are looking to update clinical knowledge, meet regulatory requirements, or connect with peers in a vibrant, collaborative atmosphere, SPA CPD 2025 promises a day packed with enrichment, laughter, and inspiration.
Tickets are available now for both Hakim Group and non-Hakim Group professionals. To secure your 25% off early bird rate and find out more, visit the event website: Optical CPD Booking. Please apply the code: SPA_EARLYBIRD at checkout to redeem your discount.
