03 February 2026
From City St George’s, University of London for the Women in Vision Conference up to Telford for the Hakim Group retreat – the OT team has once again been across the country for interviews and events. We have heard from pre-registration optometrists, charity leaders, and AOP experts, to bring you the latest news and views from the profession. Here is a summary of what the team has been up to in the past 60 days.
1
Finding your purpose
Event
OT’s Kimberley Young attended the 2025 Hakim Group retreat – a two-day annual conference designed to bring together independent practice owners and teams from across the Hakim Group, alongside industry colleagues and brand partners. The event was the Group’s largest to date, with over 200 practitioners attending. Read more.
2
Accessibility challenges in parliament
Event
OT’s Laurence Derbyshire and Selina Powell attended the annual Women in vision conference hosted at City St George’s, University of London in November. During the event, OT spoke with Marsa de Cordova MP about her journey to parliament and bridging workforce inequalities. Read more.
3
Coming through CLiP
Video
OT’s Laurence Derbyshire and Leah Boyle visited Specsavers in Westway Cross to speak with pre-registration optometrist and AOP Councillor representing pre-registration optometrists, Deepali Poojara, for an update on her experiences of CLiP as she continues her journey to qualification.
4
The view from the CEO
Interview
OT’s Kimberley Young met with outgoing CEO of the Royal National Institute of Blind People, Matt Stringer, to discuss his highlights from seven years in the role and hopes for the future of the charity. Read more.
5
Technology in your pocket
Cover story video
OT’s Laurence Derbyshire and Leah Boyle interviewed chief executive and founder of Siloton, Dr Alasdair Price, about an optical coherence tomography device that the company believes will make the technology more accessible to practices and patients. [Watch more](Goes up the day before Our journal).
6
Eye health globally
Event
OT’s Kimberley Young visited Parliament for an event focused on illustrating the evidence base for investing in eye health as a driver of economic growth and global development. Hosted by Marsha de Cordova MP, the reception saw the launch of the IAPB’s The value of vision: The case for investment report. Read more.
7
Podcast learnings
The OT Podcast
OT’s Dr Ian Beasley and Ceri Smith-Jaynes recorded the latest episode of The OT Podcast with optometrist and practice owner, Sarah Farrant, who share her career journey to practice ownership, and discussed her passion for contact lenses and dry eye. Listen here.
8
Eye health day focus
Event
OT’s Lucy Miller attended Westminster Eye Health Day – an event that saw the launch of a report outlining how optometry can assist in NHS reform. Read about her key takeaways here.
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