Specsavers to celebrate 100 years of the dispensing profession at PAC

A programme of activity is designed to recognise dispensing during its centenary year

2 min read

Specsavers

27 August 2026

Specsavers will spotlight its dispensing optician colleagues at its annual Professional Advancement Conference (PAC) next month as the dispensing profession celebrates 100 years.

During PAC, which takes place at Birmingham’s ICC on September 13, Specsavers will introduce a special programme designed to recognise dispensing in its centenary year.

Head of dispensing advancement at Specsavers, Kirsteen Newman, said: “The profession has made a huge contribution to the nation’s eye health over the last century – and this year’s PAC will help mark this special birthday.”

Plans include special tote bags and lanyards for dispensing delegates, while there will be a dedicated VIP area bringing together dispensing colleagues, exhibitors and professional bodies, Specsavers confirmed.

Newman will also lead a session examining how the profession has evolved over the past 100 years and the opportunities ahead.

She said that the session is about “celebrating dispensing opticians past, present and future,” adding: “We’ll look at how the role has evolved, what remains at the core of the profession today and where it might go next. There is a lot to look forward to.”

Brenda Rennie, president of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians, commented: “Celebrating 100 years of the dispensing profession is a significant moment and it’s brilliant that it is being marked at Specsavers 2026 PAC.”