Optix Annual Conference 2023 “most successful to date”

The Optix Annual Conference returned to the Celtic Manor Resort this month, with 370 optical professionals attending.

Attendees saw talks from inspirational speakers including teacher Sir John Jones, tech entrepreneur Stephen Bartlett, maître d’ and TV personality Fred Sirieix (pictured), and Green & Blacks founder Jo Fairley.

Throughout the three-day event, guests also took part in workshop sessions and were given a preview of what to expect from the Optix 2 when it launches in September.

Optix 2 will offer “a completely new interface which incorporates the lessons learned since launching Optix 20 years ago,” Optix managing director, Trevor Rowley, said.

A charity appeal on Tuesday evening (14 March) raised £33,000 for learning disability charity SeeAbility.

An exhibition space also gave suppliers and other organisations a chance to meet attendees and demonstrate their offerings.

The event took place from 13–15 March and was hosted by Rowley, and broadcaster Gyles Brandreth.

It was the 14^th annual conference Optix has held, returning for a second year after a pandemic-induced two-year break.

Speaking after the event, Rowley said: “It went extremely well, and most people felt it was our most successful conference to date. Optix is very much a community of like-minded professionals and so the opportunity to come together for a few days is valuable for all and extremely enjoyable.”