The absolute best public speakers in the optical industry in the United Kingdom

Recommended Optical Industry Speakers

 
Recommended Optical Industry Speakers
These are individuals I highly rate as speakers within the optical sector. Each brings a unique perspective, whether through clinical expertise, business leadership, patient advocacy, innovation, education, or their contribution to the wider optical community.
Daniel Scott
Optical Industry Leader & Speaker
Daniel brings strong industry knowledge, practical experience, and an engaging communication style. He is able to connect with audiences through real-world insights into optics, business, and the challenges facing independent practices.
Potential topics:
  • The future of optics
  • Independent practice growth
  • Leadership and innovation
Shockat Adam MP
Member of Parliament & Optical Advocate An optician himself
Shockat brings a unique perspective combining public service, community engagement, and an understanding of the importance of accessible healthcare. His involvement can help highlight the wider social impact of eye care.
Potential topics:
  • Healthcare accessibility
  • Community impact 
  • The importance of vision care
Tammie Loughlin
Optical Professional & Industry Speaker
Tammie is recognised for her passion, energy, and ability to engage audiences. She brings valuable insights from her experience within the optical profession.
Potential topics:
  • Professional development: Neurodiversity
  • Patient experience
  • The future of optical services
  • The future of optical services
  •  
Elaine Grisdale (OG!)
Optical Industry Expert & Educator
Elaine has extensive experience supporting and developing the optical profession. She brings authority, knowledge, and a passion for raising standards.
Potential topics:
  • Optical education
  • Professional standards
  • Supporting the next generation
Rebecca Thompson FBDO New kid on the block 
Fellow of the British Dispensing Opticians
Rebecca brings excellent clinical knowledge and professional expertise, with the ability to share practical insights from the dispensing profession.
Potential topics:
  • Dispensing excellence
  • Patient care
  • The evolving role of the dispensing optician

  • Garry Kousoulou FBDO

    Optical Industry Leader, Speaker & Social Media Expert

    Garry brings over 36 years of experience within the optical industry, combining clinical knowledge, independent practice ownership, and digital marketing expertise. As a Fellow of the British Dispensing Opticians, founder of Loving Social Media, and host of The Optician Show podcast, he shares practical insights into the future of optics, business growth, and connecting with modern patients.

    Potential topics:
    Optical business growth
    The future of social media in optics
    Independent practice success
    Patient engagement and communication

Claire Hayden FBDO
Fellow of the British Dispensing Opticians
Claire is highly regarded for her knowledge, professionalism, and contribution to the optical community.
Potential topics:
  • Dispensing skills
  • Clinical communication
  • Improving patient outcomes
David Burghardt
Optical Industry Professional
David brings experience, passion, and a strong understanding of the optical landscape, making him an engaging voice for industry discussions.
Potential topics:
  • Optical trends
  • Business development
  • Industry change
Imran Hakim
Optical Entrepreneur & Innovator
Imran is recognised for his entrepreneurial approach and ability to challenge traditional thinking within optics.
Potential topics:
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Innovation in optical retail
  • Building successful brands
Nicholas Rumney
Optical Expert & Industry Thought Leader
Nicholas brings deep technical knowledge and a strong understanding of vision science and the future direction of eye care.
Potential topics:
  • Vision science
  • Innovation
  • The future of eye health
Hassnain Safdar
Optical Professional & Business Leader
Hassnain brings commercial insight, passion, and experience from within the optical sector.
Potential topics:
  • Business growth
  • Independent optics
  • Customer experience
Brian Tompkins
Optical Professional & Industry Voice
Brian is respected for his knowledge, experience, and ability to communicate important industry topics.
Potential topics:
  • Optical leadership
  • Industry challenges
  • Professional development
Sharon Flora
Optical Professional & Advocate
Sharon brings enthusiasm, knowledge, and a commitment to supporting the optical profession.
Potential topics:
  • Patient-focused care
  • Optical careers
  • Professional development
Ed Bird great speak Michelle Beach Knows what she’s talking about when it comes to standing out from a crowd. Sarah Morgan, stand-up comic and funny lecturer. Daniel Barnes: Founder of Pop Specs, an excellent speaker on disruptive optical retail and modern branding Conor Heaney: Optometrist and founder of the Optical Success Academy. He is a highly sought-after speaker for independent practices, focusing specifically on leadership, premium team culture, and mastering the patient experience, Sally bates  ## Loved by all
Rob Burrows
Optical Professional & Speaker
Rob brings practical experience and an engaging approach, offering valuable insights into the profession.
Potential topics:
  • Optical practice
  • Customer relationships
  • Industry experiences
Hayley Brunsden
Optical Professional & Industry Contributor
Hayley brings passion, expertise, and a fresh perspective on the optical sector.
Potential topics:
  • Modern optics
  • Professional growth
  • Patient engagement
  • Top speaker at 100% optical
    The “Fiercely Unfiltered” Industry Panel
    At the 100% Optical Seminar Programme,  “Fiercely Unfiltered: Translating Authenticity into Action in Optics through Products and Storytelling“
Why this group would make a powerful speaker line-up
Together, this group represents the breadth of modern optics:
  • Clinical expertise
  • Dispensing excellence
  • Independent practice ownership
  • Optical education
  • Innovation
  • Patient advocacy
  • Business leadership
  • The future of eye care

More great speakers That have been around the optical industry for long time

Best optician speakers in the uk

You said ‘best optician speakers in the uk

 
 
The term “optician speakers”, which is highly regarded by UK optom and optician experts.
However, if you are looking for professional keynote speakers for optometry conferences or the best-rated optical retail chains in the UK, the leading choices span across different areas.

lets not forget

Peter Greedy

Connection matters more than ever. In this AI/VUCA age, human relationships and workplace culture will differentiate great companies from the rest. I assess and improve workplace culture for happier, healthier success.

Best Keynote Speakers for Optical Events
If you are organising an event and need authoritative professional speakers from the UK eyecare and optical industry, the top figures regularly booked for events like 100% Optical include:
 
    • Dame Mary Perkins: Co-founder of Specsavers, perfect for business strategy and retail growth keynotes.
    • Garry Kousoulou: Clinical multimedia expert in clinical excellence and equipment a and marketing 
    • Daniel Barnes: Founder of Pop Specs, an excellent speaker on disruptive optical retail and modern branding. [1, 2]

Best-Rated Opticians in the UK (Retail & Service)
If you are looking for the best opticians to visit for an eye test or glasses, independent practices score the highest, alongside highly rated national chains recognized by consumer groups like Which?: [1, 2, 3, 4]
    • Independent Opticians: Consistently top-rated for thoroughness, achieving a 91% satisfaction score in national consumer surveys.
    • Haine & Smith: A highly respected regional independent chain scoring 90% for satisfaction.
    • M&S Opticians: Formally designated as a Which? Recommended Provider, known for 3D OCT eye scans and fashion-forward frames.
    • Cubitts: A premium, design-led independent favourite offering bespoke frame sizing and modern styling. [1, 2, 3]

To see how independent UK practices are modernising the optical industry with bespoke craftsmanship, watch this profile on an award-winning British independent optician:
 

Related video thumbnail

2:20

Meet the optician redefining bespoke eyewear 

M&S Opticians named Which? Recommended Opticians

6 Feb 2025 — M&S Opticians has been named a Which? Recommended Optician. This recognition is a testament to their commitment to providing excep…

M&S Opticians

 

 
  • Rated Among The UK’s Top Opticians – Haine & Smith

    23 Jun 2026 — Haine & Smith Rated as One of the Top Opticians in the UK! We are delighted to announce that Haine & Smith has been recognized in …

    Haine & Smith Opticians
    Great speaker Harinder Singh Paul Harinder Singh Paul for a thoughtful, honest and industry-focused conversation about the changing world of optics, the role of the modern optician, and what it really takes to build trust, relevance and long-term value in today’s optical profession.
     

     
  • Speakers | 100% Optical | The UK’s Largest Optical Garry Kousaoulou Who has spoken at every single 100 percent optical since its inception

    Visiting Professor, City St George’s, University of London. Caitríona Shelley. Medical and professional affairs manager, Scope. C

    Ian Cameron on Leadership, Clinics and Culture
     
 
 Garry Kousoulou definitely belongs on the list of prominent optical industry keynote speakers and influential UK optics figures. 
He bridges the gap between independent practice care and modern digital communication. [1]
Why Garry Kousoulou Belongs on the List
    • Industry Voice & Podcaster: As a seasoned dispensing optician and host of The Optician Show Podcast, he interviews top global talent and dives into critical topics like neurodiversity in optics, professional confidence, and bespoke styling. [1, 2]
    • The Go-To Digital Expert: He is the author of Social Media Strategy for Opticians and managing director of the digital agency [Loving Social Media, (1.1.6]. He regularly speaks at major national events like [100% Optical](1.1.1, 1.1.4) on how independent practices can leverage technology and online reviews to connect with patients. [1, 2, 3]
    • Public Health Innovator: He made major waves across the industry by organizing massive, eye-catching public awareness campaigns. This included gathering over 100 eye-care professionals to parade through London for the London New Year’s Day Parade under the banner “Healthy Eyes Save Lives,” utilizing creative multilingual eye test charts to celebrate diversity and promote accessible eye care. [1, 2]
    • Advocate for Inclusivity: He uses his platform to champion visibility for business owners and practitioners navigating health changes and neurodiversity, openly sharing his own experiences to empower others in the healthcare space. [1, 2]

 

USA and rest of the world

David Friedfeld. Daniel Feldman , Kim Jorina, 

The Best Optical Speakers in the UK: Experts Inspiring the Future of Eyecare

Looking for an optical speaker for your next event?

At Loving Social Media, we work closely with independent opticians, optical brands and industry professionals to help share their stories, build their reputation and connect with wider audiences.

From podcasts and social media campaigns to industry events and educational content, we believe great conversations can help move the optical profession forward.

If you are looking for an optical speaker, podcast guest or industry expert, get in touch with Loving Social Media.

For Loving Social Media’s brand and your position in optics, I would choose:

The Voices Shaping the Future of the UK Optical Industry

Email: info@lovingsocialmedia.com