27 May 2026
The third Optometry Wellbeing Day, held on 17 May, brought together delegates from across the profession for a day focused on wellbeing, education, and connection.
The event was founded by optometrists, Sheena Tanna-Shah and Piyus Tanna.
The day included opportunities to experience a sound bath, a gratitude reflection session, ‘sip and paint’ classes, self-defence and Tai Chi.
CPD sessions explored neurodiversity as well as artificial intelligence and the future.
A game inspired by the TV sensation, Traitors, also ran throughout the day.
Sheena Tanna-Shah, founder of Inspiring Success and Optometry Wellness, explained: “The Optometry Wellbeing Day united everyone across the profession; from clinicians, lecturers, lab techs, retired members, directors, across all platforms from multiples, independents, to hospitals, all coming together with one purpose – wellbeing.”
“We created a day to focus on the person behind the role, with a range of activities supporting their mental and physical wellbeing,” she said.
Tanna-Shah added: “Every day we support patients, colleagues, friends and family. We wanted a day where individuals can focus on themselves and each other in a truly authentic and relaxed atmosphere.”
An evening Eye Ball was held, during which a celebration was held to recognise the finalists and the winner of the Optometry Hero Award.
Tanna-Shah explained that this award isn’t about “long CVs or having all the clinical skills,” but instead: “These are about the unsung hero – the person making a difference to others but also to themselves.”
“We don’t always recognise or value when someone is stepping out of comfort zones, working on their mindset, personal issues, resilience, building their confidence, and supporting others in big or small ways. This award recognises and looks for all those things,” she said.
Deven Lakhani received the Optometry Hero Award 2026. The award finalists included Tammie Loughlin, Mariola Breska, Sonia Jethwa, and Peter Greedy.
Tanna-Shah said: “Deven was chosen due to his long dedication to the profession, consistently growing and evolving, and after retiring from practice, supporting over 200 children in India but also training teams there.”
She highlighted that Lakhani continues to give back in a variety of ways, including as a mentor and volunteer: “A humble individual utilising his skills to continue to give.”
Commenting on the award, Lakhani said: “I feel very privileged that I was chosen as the Optometry Hero 2026 by the organising committee, recognising my work in volunteering in the UK and overseas, and my mentorship of colleagues.”
He described the Optometry Wellbeing Day as an “amazing mix of people from the eye care sector who were all interested in developing and extending their own personal wellbeing.”
Optometry Wellbeing Day 2026
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