SightCare LIVE 2026 brings independents together for two inspiring days

SightCare LIVE 2026 brings independents together for two inspiring days

SightCare has successfully delivered its flagship annual event, SightCare LIVE 2026, bringing together independent optical professionals from across the UK for two days of learning, celebration and connection at Edgbaston Stadium.

The event welcomed delegates from some of the top independent practices across the UK, alongside supplier partners, creating a highly engaged and dynamic event environment.

The event opened with the SightCare Awards, recognising excellence across independent practice. Featuring an exciting new black-tie format, winners from across the UK were celebrated for their commitment to outstanding patient care, innovation and community impact, in what attendees described as one of the highlights of the two-day programme.

Day two saw a full conference agenda, including an inspiring keynote from Penny Mallory on mental toughness, alongside a series of practical breakout sessions covering both clinical and business topics. Sessions explored areas such as communication in practice, developing specialist clinics and strengthening team performance, giving delegates actionable ideas to take back into their practices.

The busy exhibition hall provided further opportunities for networking, product discovery and supplier engagement, with exhibitors reporting strong interest, meaningful conversations and new business opportunities as a direct result of the event.

Feedback from both delegates and exhibitors highlighted the strong sense of community and collaboration that underpins SightCare, with many noting the openness, energy and willingness to share ideas among independent practitioners.

Member practice owner, Terri Tucker-Holmes said:

“Huge congratulations to the SightCare team for delivering a fantastic conference. It was a great opportunity to connect with suppliers old and new, meet fellow business owners in the optical sector, and learn through engaging and interactive seminars and breakout sessions.”

Emma Rawlings, CEO, SightCare said:

“Our events are all about bringing our community together, and SightCare LIVE truly captured that spirit. Seeing practice owners, teams and suppliers sharing ideas, supporting one another and building meaningful relationships is exactly what ‘independent not alone’ stands for. It is incredibly rewarding to see the impact these connections will have long after the event has finished.”

Exhibitors also praised the event for its organisation and impact, highlighting the quality of conversations and opportunities to build lasting relationships with independent practices.

SightCare LIVE 2026 marked the organisation’s first event at Edgbaston Stadium, with the new venue providing an enhanced experience for both delegates and exhibitors. The refreshed format, combining a celebratory black-tie awards evening with a dynamic conference and exhibition, further strengthened the event’s position as a key date in the independent optical calendar.

With strong engagement, high levels of interaction and overwhelmingly positive feedback, SightCare has confirmed plans to build on this success for future events.