The air was filled with care and gratitude at the recent Optometry Wellbeing Day, a transformative gathering that left attendees buzzing with newfound knowledge and connections.

Held at the Kettering Park Hotel and Spa on Sunday, 11th May 2025, this event, organised by Inspiring Success, brought together eyecare professionals for a day dedicated to optometry wellbeing. But this was no ordinary conference; it was a vibrant tapestry of shared experiences, moments of reflection, and actionable takeaways, all focused on enhancing the wellbeing of those within the optometry community.

My Journey to the Optometry Wellbeing Community

I had the pleasure of meeting Sheena Tanna-Shah and Piyus Tanna, the dynamic duo behind Inspiring Success, earlier this year at the Eye Care Glasgow Awards in 2025, where they deservedly won “Supplier of the Year.”

Over the past few months, our conversations have revealed them to be the most caring and genuine individuals I’ve encountered in the optometry profession. Every interaction with them radiates warmth and a genuine desire to support others. As a strong advocate for mental wellbeing within the optometric sector, I was particularly drawn to this event, seeking a much-needed reset to alleviate stress and promote overall wellbeing.

A Relaxing Start to a Day of Optometry Wellbeing

To fully embrace the relaxing experience promised by the Optometry Wellbeing Day, I travelled to Kettering the night before. The Kettering Park Hotel and Spa proved to be a beautiful venue, with exceptionally friendly and helpful staff who greeted me with warm smiles.

I used the time to unwind with a bath, enjoy a quiet moment in the bar, catch up on some low-level tasks I had set in my room, and get a good night’s sleep in one of the most comfortable beds I’ve ever experienced.

Community and Gratitude: The Foundation of Optometry Wellbeing

Sunday morning arrived, and it felt unusual to be attending an optical event in casual attire. However, any initial anxieties about being underdressed quickly dissipated upon meeting the first few guests.

I joined my conference colleague, Ellie Morrison, and local optometry-superstar Ankur Trivedi near the front, ready to embrace the day. The event began with a warm introduction, followed by a gratitude exercise that prompted deep reflection. I realised how grateful I am for my family, close friends, and the supportive community of The Eye Care Advocate. Following this event, I am also incredibly grateful to be welcomed into the wellness community fostered by Sheena and Piyus. I will be adding these exercises into my daily routine.

Yoga

The Optometry Wellbeing Day commenced with my first-ever yoga session. I was pleasantly surprised by my flexibility, though I did notice my imbalance with mirrored movements – a common occupational trait for optometrists due to our typical seating posture.

This session left me feeling incredibly zen and perhaps the least stressed I have ever been. It was a fantastic way to begin a day focused on optometry wellbeing, setting a tone of relaxation and mindfulness that permeated the entire event. The experience highlighted the importance of physical wellbeing in maintaining a healthy and balanced life, particularly within our demanding field of work.

CPD Session on Burnout

Following the yoga, Sheena led a crucial CPD session on burnout, a prevalent issue in both optometry and the wider healthcare sector. It was disheartening to learn how many attendees had experienced burnout and the high percentage of colleagues that were contemplating leaving the profession.

However, the session also provided a platform to discuss support systems and proactive initiatives being developed within the profession. I shared my own experiences with burnout, contributing to an open and vulnerable dialogue that fostered a strong sense of connection among attendees. This session underscored the critical importance of addressing mental and emotional wellbeing, and signposted that optometry wellbeing was more than just this singular event.

Nourishment and Networking

The morning sessions were followed by a delicious buffet lunch, providing an opportunity to catch up with colleagues, peers, and sponsors from SCOPE, Mainline Instruments, CHEC, and Good Karma Eyewear. The relaxed atmosphere, complete with coffee, cakes and cookies, facilitated further networking and connection, reinforcing the sense of community that is so vital to optometry wellbeing.

Difficult Conversations in Optometry

The afternoon CPD session featured a presentation by optometrist and coach, Peter Greedy, on navigating difficult conversations. As optometrists, we frequently encounter challenging interactions, whether it’s delivering bad news to patients or addressing complaints.

Peter provided valuable tools and strategies to handle these situations effectively. The focus was on protecting ourselves from the negativity that can arise in such conversations, while still achieving positive outcomes for all parties involved. This aspect of optometry wellbeing is crucial, as effective communication can significantly reduce stress and improve job satisfaction.

Wellbeing Initiatives and the Future of Optometry

Kishan Devraj shared an exciting announcement about a forthcoming wellbeing app, Evya, designed to support optometry wellbeing. This innovative tool promises to be a valuable resource for optometrists seeking to enhance their overall wellbeing. More information will be available soon, so do keep your eyes peeled for further updates!

This forward-thinking initiative highlights the commitment to prioritising mental health and wellbeing within the optometry community (and in our day-to-day lives), paving the way for a more sustainable and fulfilling future for us all.

Adventurous Activities for Wellbeing

The afternoon took an adventurous turn, offering unique experiences that promoted personal growth and stress relief. I eagerly participated in these activities, finding them to be both exhilarating and surprisingly therapeutic.

Ice Baths: Mind Over Matter

The ice-cold plunge was an intense challenge, definitely a mind-over-matter exercise. Ankur and I were the first to brave it, which added to the thrill. The initial shock was almost overwhelming, and there was a need for conscious effort to fight the body’s natural instinct to go into panic mode. However, guided breathing techniques were key to mastering the experience.

It was remarkable how the mind can control the body’s response to such extreme conditions. After the initial two minutes, the water felt less brutal, and a strange sense of calm took over. Overcoming this challenge was incredibly empowering and I strongly recommend everyone to try this should their health allow!

Glass Walking: Overcoming Fear

Glass walking was another activity that challenged our perceptions and fears. The idea of walking across a pathway of broken glass was daunting, but with expert guidance, I was able to do it.

Axe Throwing: A Cathartic Release

Axe throwing provided a surprisingly cathartic experience. Participants found a unique way to relieve stress by hurling axes at a target. The focus required and the physical release of tension proved to be both an engaging and effective technique to relieve stress.

It was fascinating to witness how people enjoyed this unconventional method of stress management, fully embracing the opportunity to step outside their comfort zones and try something new. The activity fostered a sense of camaraderie as everyone cheered each other on, celebrating both the successes and the near misses.

Celebrating Optometry Heroes and Community

The day culminated in a Bollywood-themed Eye Ball, a glamorous evening featuring a buffet meal, a Bollywood dance lesson (where my lack of dancing skills was evident!), and an awards ceremony.

My good friend Ankur Trivedi was deservedly honoured with the Optometry Hero 2025 award. Ankur’s unwavering dedication to improving eye care and supporting his colleagues makes him a true asset to our community. He continues to inspire so many he meets and I am truly grateful he is with us in Gloucestershire!

I was also grateful to be a finalist for this award, which has further motivated me to continue supporting those in need within our profession. Sheena and Piyus’ words during these award presentations spoke to deep to our cores and I am still feeling the real positive impact that they imparted on me.

The evening continued with singing, dancing, and networking, celebrating the vibrant optometry wellbeing community. A personal highlight was the 360 degree selfie station – where many entertaining videos were created! That and maybe taking the lessons from the outstanding Bollywood dancing lesson and taking a career down a new path!

Looking Ahead: Optometry Wellbeing Day 2026

The Optometry Wellbeing Day 2025 was a resounding success, leaving attendees feeling refreshed, reconnected, and inspired. A thank you from the heart to the organisers, Inspiring Success‘ Sheena Tanna-Shah and Piyus Tanna, along with sponsors Mainline Instruments, SCOPE, CHEC, and Good Karma Eyewear. This day was simply brilliant. Peter, I look forward to further sessions you deliver!

A special thank you to Ankur, for his company during the cold water plunges, and for his tireless efforts within the optometry community – and Ellie, I am sure we will continue to be conference buddies a few more times this year.

I urge everyone to keep an eye out for announcements regarding Optometry Wellbeing Day 2026 – this will be an event you will not want to miss! I know I will be making sure that I have no work commitments the following day, to allow me to bask in the post event glow for that little bit longer!

In the meantime, be sure to look after your own mental wellbeing and remember that in addition to some of my own resources on this (such as “Avoiding Emotional Burnout as an Optometrist“), Sheena from Inspiring Success has a fantastic range of blogs and services available so please check out their website! I can also highly recommend her book, The Power of Being, too!