100 years of the dispensing profession
Specsavers PAC 2026 will celebrate the centenary of the dispensing profession with a dedicated programme recognising the contribution dispensing opticians have made to eye care over the last 100 years.
The celebration at Specsavers’ flagship professional development conference takes place at Birmingham’s International Convention Centre on 13 September 2026.
‘Celebrating 100 years of the dispensing profession is a significant moment and it’s brilliant that it is being marked at Specsavers PAC 2026,’ says Brenda Rennie, president of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO).
‘I’m looking forward to attending and seeing dispensing opticians recognised in such a visible way. It will be a fantastic event for clinicians. I know colleagues from ABDO are also looking forward to being part of it.’
What will happen at PAC 2026?
Dispensing professionals will take centre stage throughout the conference as part of a dedicated programme:
- Commemorative tote bags for dispensing delegates
- Special edition PAC 2026 lanyards
- A dedicated VIP area for dispensing colleagues
- Networking opportunities with exhibitors and professional bodies
- A centenary-focused professional development session
The future of dispensing
Kirsteen Newman, head of dispensing advancement at Specsavers, will lead a dedicated PAC 2026 session exploring how the profession has changed over the past century and where it may go next.
‘The profession has made a huge contribution to the nation’s eye health over the last century and this year’s PAC will help mark this special birthday,’ she says.
‘The session is about celebrating dispensing opticians past, present and future. We’ll look at how the role has evolved, what remains at the core of the profession today and where it might go next. There is a lot to look forward to.’
Why the centenary matters
The centenary provides an opportunity to recognise the expertise, professionalism and patient care delivered by dispensing opticians over the last 100 years.
It also creates an opportunity to reflect on how dispensing professionals continue to contribute to multidisciplinary eye care teams and improve patient outcomes across the UK and Ireland.
Who can attend PAC 2026?
Dispensing opticians, contact lens opticians, optometrists and other clinicians from across the eye health sector are invited to attend.
Register using this link: https://specsaversevents.co.uk/pac/general/home.asp