Patient care at heart of professional development at PAC 2026

Clinicians and their teams from across Britain, the Republic of Ireland and further afield attended Specsavers’ Professional Advancement Conference (PAC) to strengthen skills, share expertise and improve patient care.

The flagship event brought together thousands of delegates from community eye and hearing care at Birmingham’s International Convention Centre (ICC) on 13 September.

‘PAC is about giving colleagues the skills, knowledge and confidence to deliver the very best care for patients,’ says Bhavik Parmar, head of continuing professional development at Specsavers. ‘So, it was brilliant to see Specsavers and external colleagues so engaged in the sessions for optometry, dispensing, domiciliary and audiology teams.’

He adds: ‘The energy throughout PAC was fantastic thanks to the delegates and organisations that joined us in Birmingham. Thank you to everyone who made it so special.’

Optics sessions covered dry eye management, ZEST, WOPEC and foreign body accreditation, alongside myopia management, contact lenses, paediatric care, glaucoma and low vision. The conference also heard from ophthalmologists who work at Newmedica, which delivers NHS and private ophthalmology services. Newmedica also sponsored the conference.

The audiology programme addressed coaching and counselling, tinnitus guidance, deaf awareness guidance, sustainability in audiology and the practical application of NAL-NL3. Delegates also took part in theatre based CPD, panel discussions, peer reviews, VRICS sessions and interactive workshops designed to bring clinical learning to life.

Professional development remained accessible throughout the event through conference-wide Auracast streaming and a fully managed crèche for children up to the age of 17, helping remove barriers to attendance.

PAC also provided the backdrop for celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of the dispensing profession. Activities included dedicated dispensing learning sessions, a VIP dispensing area and the launch of #LoveDOWeek, a social media campaign celebrating the contribution dispensing opticians make to patient care and practice success.

Recognising excellence

Specsavers founders Doug and Dame Mary Perkins presented awards to colleagues from community optometry, dispensing, audiology and domiciliary services. The annual awards recognise excellence in clinical leadership, patient care and customer service.

The Doug Perkins Award for Clinical Excellence recognised outstanding leadership, the development of others and exceptional patient care:

Optics – England: Sanya Fiaz, Morecambe, Lancashire

Optics – Northern Ireland: Aidan McKee, Belfast Park Centre

Optics – Republic of Ireland: Emma Clarke, Longford

Optics – Scotland: Chloe Sharp, Irvine

Optics – Wales: Kevin Liu, Flint

Dispensing: Nicola McLeod, Exeter

Domiciliary: Nicolas Hooks, Bournemouth 1

Audiology: Philippa Hurdley, Morley, West Yorkshire

The Dame Mary Perkins Award for Outstanding Clinical Customer Care recognised those delivering compassionate, life-changing support:

Optics – England: Blaby Store, Leicestershire

Optics – Northern Ireland: Magherafelt Store

Optics – Republic of Ireland: Anthony O’Donoughue, Ballincollig

Optics – Scotland: Lyndsay Nimmo, Falkirk

Optics – Wales: Anni Waldorf, Spytty Road, Newport

Domiciliary: Gwent, Wales

Audiology: Sammie Vicary, Otley, Yorkshire