30 July 2026
As clinicians, we all need continuing professional development (CPD). But the most valuable CPD goes beyond collecting points – it gives you practical knowledge, skills and confidence that you can take straight back into clinic. That’s what keeps me coming back to Specsavers Professional Advancement Conference (PAC).
1 CPD that genuinely changes my practice
Specsavers PAC brings together leading experts from all areas of optics, dispensing, ophthalmology and domiciliary care to deliver a programme that is evidence-based and highly practical. Whether you’re interested in dry eye, glaucoma, myopia management, contact lenses, paediatric care or emerging technologies, there is something for everyone, regardless of your stage of career. The sessions are designed to support different learning styles too, from workshops and peer discussions to interactive clinical scenarios.
What I enjoy most is leaving with ideas I can implement immediately. The learning feels relevant to the challenges I see every day, helping me provide even better care to patients. And I’m spending time focusing on my own professional growth and development.
2 A network that extends far beyond one day
One of the biggest surprises when I first attended PAC was the quality of the conversations. While the education programme is excellent, the networking opportunities are equally valuable.
PAC brings together clinicians from across the UK and Ireland, including optometrists, dispensing opticians, contact lens opticians, audiologists, trainees, educators, industry experts and healthcare leaders. It creates a unique opportunity to step outside your usual professional circle and connect with people who share your challenges, interests and ambitions. There are some fantastic speakers this year. I’m especially looking forward to hearing Professor Kathryn Saunders speaking about myopia management and learning from leading ophthalmologists Nigel Kirkpatrick and Dr Maxwell Treacy.
Some of the most useful insights I’ve gained have come over a coffee between sessions or while exploring the exhibition. It’s a chance to hear how others are approaching clinical challenges, adopting new technologies or developing services within their practices.
Many of the relationships I’ve built through PAC have continued long after the conference. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, mentorship, collaboration or simply reassurance that others are facing similar challenges, PAC is one of the best networking opportunities in the profession.
The most valuable CPD goes beyond collecting points – it gives you practical knowledge, skills and confidence that you can take straight back into clinic
3 Future gazing and discovering new opportunities
Healthcare never stands still, and one of the reasons I value PAC is that it helps me look beyond today’s priorities to understand what’s coming next.
The conference showcases emerging clinical techniques, new technologies and evolving models of care. From innovations in diagnostics and treatment to discussions around leadership, professional development and workforce transformation, PAC offers a glimpse of where our professions are heading.
I particularly enjoy hearing from thought leaders who challenge conventional thinking and encourage us to consider how we can improve patient outcomes in the future. The exhibition hall also provides an opportunity to see the latest products, technologies and solutions first-hand, often before they become widely adopted.
Every year I leave with new ideas about how I can develop my career, expand my clinical expertise or approach patient care differently. PAC doesn’t just help you stay current – it helps you stay ahead.
Beth March Jones, clinical performance consultant, shares her favourite PAC moment
“Some of my favourite moments of PAC are when we get to hear first-hand from real patients and their stories and to see the impact that actually great clinical care can have on someone’s life. That’s always really rewarding.
“But the thing I love the most about PAC is the atmosphere. When you walk in there’s such a buzz in the air. There are so many people, all chatting and sharing ideas with each other, talking about clinical topics or learning from each other. It’s inspiring to be with people who are committed to making a positive difference for our patients every single day.
“A very special moment for me during PAC was when I received the Doug Perkins Award for Clinical Excellence. To be recognised by my peers in that way – that was a real honour and definitely a moment that I’ll always look back on with pride. It was a really wonderful opportunity to be able to celebrate alongside other colleagues who are also passionate about delivering outstanding patient care.”
Highlights from Specsavers PAC 2025
Find out more about PAC and register – early bird ends 9 August
