Future focus for the independent sector

Independent practices were taken Back to the future at the Independents Day conference (29–30 June, Birmingham).

The two-day event celebrated its 20^th anniversary by inviting top speakers from across the years back to the stage and revisiting popular topics.

The first day of the event featured continuing professional development provided by partners, Specialist Club, with topics covering the ocular surface, paediatric eyewear, dry eye, and eye cosmetics.

The second day explored new technologies, the challenges facing independent practices in 2025, and the future of independent eyewear, along with business and leadership education.

Event sponsors also gave insight, with brief presentations from: xeyex, Heart Eye, Ocuco, Topcon Healthcare, and Positive Impact.

Artificial intelligence outlook

Daniel Hardiman-McCartney, clinical adviser for the College of Optometrists, presented a session on artificial intelligence (AI), the regulatory framework in the UK, and how to “cut through the hype” when looking at products making use of AI.

Describing himself as a “curious optometrist” rather than an “AI expert,” Hardiman-McCartney outlined some of the potential benefits of AI technology and emphasised the need for AI literacy.

The College of Optometrists has published an interim position on AI, created jointly with sector bodies including the AOP, FODO, and ABDO.

Hardiman-McCartney explained that this is not a “instruction book or recipe book,” but “principles to think about in practice.”

A journey in independent practice

Sarah Morgan, optometrist and staff development consultant at Eyecommunicate, was joined on stage by Imran Hakim, CEO of Hakim Group, in a conversation that travelled through his early forays into entrepreneurship, the beginnings of the Hakim Group, and the values that direct its focus.

Describing these values, he shared: “We're contributing to each other’s journeys through life, through business, and it’s really enriching one another and lifting each other to greater heights.”

With the Hakim Group passing 500 practices in the past month, the growth of the business was also a key topic.

Hakim also discussed challenges in the optical business environment, including ongoing consolidation in both optical retail and distribution, licensing and manufacturing, and the difficulties of attracting new patients.

Considering the question of ‘what it means to be an independent practice today,’ Hakim shared: “I think ultimately, it comes down to an ethos of: are you able to do whatever is in the best interest of the person who is sat in front of you?”

“It doesn’t matter whether you’re wearing a uniform, what hours you do, whether you’ve got the same name above the door. It just matters what difference you’re making to that person in front of you and to the team you are leading. I think that is what independence is all about,” he added.

Independent eyewear in the frame

A panel of experts from eyewear brands and optical retail then took to the stage to discuss: The future of independent eyewear.

The panel featured Jason Kirk, CEO of Kirk & Kirk, Ed Bird, founder of Bird Eyewear, Rebecca Thompson, founder of Eye Style Studio, Eva Dave, optometrist, image consultant and owner of Style Optique, and Daniel Barnes, founder of Pop Specs.

Panellists discussed the independent eyewear sector, approaching things differently, and sustainability in the supply chain.

Commenting on a desire to drive the industry forward, Kirk emphasised the benefits of change, sharing: “You need to change. You can’t stand still – everyone is moving forward.”

Panellists also discussed how to choose eyewear suppliers, consumer purchasing behaviours, the customer experience, and loyalty.

Thompson suggested there can be an assumption of loyalty, but pointed out that with a growing market, consumers now have a greater variety of choice. Suggesting that retention will be a key challenge going forwards, she posed: “Have we earnt that loyalty or are we just expecting it? Every day I ask: what am I doing today that a year from now I will be glad I did?”