03 July 2026
Hakim Group (HG) has confirmed the return of its annual Share, Progress & Achieve (SPA) event for 2026, bringing together clinicians, independent practice partners and industry leaders for a day of high-quality education, collaboration and professional development.
Taking place on Sunday 27 September 2026 at the East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham, the event will once again serve as a central meeting point for clinicians from the HG family of independent practices, alongside the wider optical community.
SPA has become a cornerstone of the Hakim Group calendar, recognised for delivering meaningful, CPD-led learning in an environment that champions collaboration and shared success. This year’s theme, Adventure Awaits, reflects the continued evolution of the event, combining clinical education with an immersive and engaging format designed to inspire delegates at every stage of their professional journey.
Building on previous success, SPA 2026 will introduce a reimagined, gamified approach to learning. Delegates will move through the event as part of a curated journey, engaging with sessions, workshops and exhibition partners through interactive touchpoints. From themed educational sessions to the return of the popular CPD passport and treasure trail, the experience is designed to encourage exploration, participation and deeper engagement.
The 2026 programme also introduces eight tracks to support dedicated learning pathways, allowing delegates to tailor their experience based on clinical interests and professional focus. Content will span key areas including dry eye management, contact lenses, dispensing optics and independent prescribing, ensuring relevance across the full spectrum of modern eye care.
At the heart of SPA remains a strong focus on celebrating clinical excellence and sharing a deeper knowledge of advanced clinical practice. The programme features a diverse and highly respected speaker line-up, representing expertise from the HG family across primary care, hospital ophthalmology, academia and industry.
In addition to this, creating opportunities for our own practice leaders and clinicians to step onto the stage to share their expertise, develop as educators and contribute to professional advancement through CPD lectures, workshops and hosting plenary sessions.
A snapshot of Hakim Group’s flagship SPA event
At the heart of SPA remains its strong focus on celebrating clinical excellence and sharing a deeper knowledge of advanced clinical practice. The programme features a diverse and highly respected speaker line-up, representing expertise from the HG family across primary care, hospital ophthalmology, academia and industry. In addition to this, creating opportunities for our own practice leaders and clinicians to step onto the stage to share their expertise, develop as educators and contribute to the professional advancement through CPD lectures, workshops and hosting plenary sessions.
Among the approximately 15 Hakim Group clinicians and practice leaders presenting this year is Adib Missaghi, specialist optometrist and director of Monnow Eyecare, a Hakim Group practice who will be presenting alongside Ms Abha Gupta, consultant ophthalmic surgeon from Manchester Royal Eye Hospital. Both champion innovation and progressive patient care which is showcased throughout the event.
The programme also features Mark Hickton, of Bradford College, who will present The Magic of Vision, an engaging session exploring how the brain interprets visual information and how this impacts patient outcomes.
Professor Christian French, of the University of Leicester, will bring further insight, sharing expertise in neuro-optometry and complex visual processing. His session will explore areas including visual stress, sleep disruption and primitive reflexes, with practical applications for clinical practice.
Additional speakers include Jonathon Bench, director of professional education and development international at Alcon and former President of the British Contact Lens Association. Michael Horler, a respected optometry consultant known for his work in advancing the diagnosis and management of eye disease will also deliver a session.
Further strengthening the clinical offering is Mr Assad Jalil, consultant ophthalmologist at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital. Internationally recognised for his expertise in retinal disease and ocular inflammation, he specialises in managing complex conditions including retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy and macular disease, and is part of a pioneering retinal gene therapy team.
Education remains a central pillar of SPA, with contributions from experienced clinicians and educators including Michelle Hanratty, an independent prescribing optometrist with over 20 years’ experience. A respected author and educator, she contributes to professional development through her work as a DOCET training adviser and her involvement with the College of Optometrists, supporting CPD and peer review activity across the UK.
Alongside the educational programme, SPA 2026 will host a comprehensive exhibition featuring industry-leading suppliers and partners, offering delegates the opportunity to explore the latest innovations in optical technology, lenses and clinical equipment. They are joined by representatives from ABDO and the College of Optometrists, building an adventure that supports ALL clinicians at ALL stages of their careers.
Commenting on the return of SPA, Erica Hopwood, professional advancement manager at Hakim Group, said: “SPA is about bringing our community together to learn from one another, share experiences and continue raising standards across independent optometry. The Adventure Awaits theme reflects that ongoing journey of development and discovery.”
Claire Slade, head of professional advancement and governance at Hakim Group, added: “We have evolved the SPA experience for 2026 to go beyond traditional CPD. It’s about delivering high-quality education in a way that is engaging, memorable and genuinely valuable for our practices and their teams.”
With its combination of clinical excellence, innovation and community, SPA continues to play a key role in supporting the growth and success of independent optometry.
Further information, including full session details and speaker profiles, can be found online. External delegates can also take advantage of a limited-time early booking incentive, with a 25% discount available using the code SPA_EARLYBIRD.
