Clinical versus retail theme for NEG conference

Clinical versus retail – finding the balance is the theme of the National Eyecare Group’s (NEG) annual conference for independents on Sunday and Monday.

The “building for success” event for independent practitioners, which takes place at the Hinckley Island Hotel, Leicestershire, on 22–23 November, will feature CET and business lectures. Seven CET points will be on offer for the event.

The speakers include Dr Scott Mackie, director of professional services for domiciliary provider Visioncall, Andy Clark (pictured), owner of PracticeBuilding.co.uk, Stepper UK director, Peter Reeve and Essilor group services and training manager, Nick Hornsby.

There will also be an exhibition of 30 of the leading suppliers for the NEG, which is the largest purchasing group for independents in the UK.

NEG director of business development, Phil Mullins, told OT: “We are looking forward to welcoming members to Hinckley Island, for what will be a great event, with CET, business presentations and exclusive offers from suppliers. There really is something for everyone.”

Mr Mullins added: “The NEG conference is great opportunity to meet with like-minded independent professionals as we look at how to promote clinical excellence, while maintaining a retail environment that leads to a profitable business.”

The conference will start at 1.30pm on Sunday with a series of lectures led by the event’s title sponsor, CooperVision. The two CET lectures and business discussion will focus on the advanced world of toric and multifocal contact lenses and how important contact lenses can be for a successful business.

For the first time, this year's conference will have a Sunday evening celebration with a three-course dinner and entertainment, as well as a chance to network.

The main conference on the Monday will feature seven lectures, covering subjects as diverse as communication during the retail process to accessing elderly patients.

The conference is free for all NEG members and Optinet software users. Members of the Association for Independent Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians (AIO) and Eyeplan Associates can receive complementary places. For other independents there is a charge of £75 +VAT.

For more information, visit the NEG website.