Looking to the future at PAC 2026

The Specsavers Professional Advancement Conference (PAC) 2026 gathered together practice teams to explore clinical topics, consider the future of eye care, and celebrate the role of dispensing opticians.

Specsavers PAC was held on 13 September at the ICC in Birmingham, with a programme of education ranging from informed choice and clinical essentials to communication and supervision.

More than 1200 optical professionals attended the event, along with more than 400 audiology colleagues.

The event included three programmes, one focused on optics, another for audiology, and an expanded Learning Hub for optics and audiology delegates which delivered bite-size drop-in sessions covering a range of professional, clinical and business topics.

A bustling exhibition also saw stands from companies across optics.

Giles Edmonds, clinical services director for Specsavers, welcomed delegates to the event, sharing: “Today’s conference is about looking firmly towards the future, because I genuinely believe there’s never been a more exciting time to be part of the optical, audiology and ophthalmology professions.”

The conference marked the launch of Specsavers’ #LoveDOWeek through which it will celebrate 100 years of the dispensing optician profession.

Edmonds said: “For a century, dispensing opticians have combined technical expertise, clinical understanding, and a genuine passion for helping people see and look their best.”

“DOs are problem solvers, they are communicators, they are trusted professionals, and they are fundamental to the care we provide every single day,” he added.

Award winners recognised

Examples of excellence from individuals in different roles and modes of practice, as well as across practices around the country, were also recognised through an award presentation.

The Doug Perkins Award for Clinical Excellence celebrates exceptional talent within the organisation, and recognised: Sanya Fiaz (England), Aidan McKee (Northern Ireland), Emma Clarke (Ireland), Chloe Sharp (Scotland), Kevin Liu (Wales), Nicolas Hooks (Domiciliary), Nicola McLeod (Dispensing optician), and Sarah Canning (Newmedica).

Speaking to OT about the recognition, Nicola McLeod, a dispensing optician at Specsavers Exeter, said: “I’m really honoured to be given the award. I’m just overwhelmed.”

The Dame Mary Perkins Award for Outstanding Clinical Customer Care celebrates both practice teams and individuals and recognised: the Blaby team (England), Magherafelt (Northern Ireland), Anthony O’Donoughue (Ireland), Lyndsay Nimmo (Scotland), Anni Waldorf (Wales), Gwent (Domiciliary), and Newmedica Nuneaton.

The Judy Lea Award for Early Career Excellence was presented to Jess Forman, recognising her work with patients and engagement with her community.

Forman is about to complete a professional certificate in glaucoma and participates in school talks and careers fairs. She told OT: “It means a lot to be recognised on both a personal and professional level. Optometry is not just sitting in a test room, it’s about the things that go around it – and I’m really grateful I’ve been recognised in both ways.”

The award was introduced last year in memory of Judy Lea, an optometrist and head of optometry development at Specsavers. The award was presented by Judy’s son, Sam Lea.