Dry eye experts convene
Event speaker, Dr Keyur Patel
Claire Slade, head of professional advancement and governance at the Hakim Group, convened a group of 20 expert clinicians at the group’s 2026 Ocular Surface Insight (OSI) Dry Eye Masterclass and Symposium in London recently.
The two-day event featured 13 interactive workshops providing a platform to explore the latest research, emerging treatments, and the future direction of dry eye management.
The initiative was also designed to deepen expertise within the group while strengthening collaboration between optometry and ophthalmology.
“Bringing together clinicians who are already operating in an advanced dry eye arena allows us to collectively explore what’s next,” explained Claire. “This is about more than education, it’s about building a network, sharing real-world insights, and ensuring our independent practices are at the forefront of innovation. A strong dry eye offering is a powerful differentiator, enabling practices to stand out through both clinical excellence and patient outcomes.”
The event also showcased expertise from within the Hakim Group community, with Dr Keyur Patel of TK&S Optometrists presenting to peers, demonstrating the depth of knowledge already embedded across the group’s independent practices.
Richard Spencer, dispensing optician, pre-registration optometrist and partner at David Burghardt who attended the event, said: “The OSI conference is a great way to meet leaders in dry eye care from across the world and to learn how we can provide the best first line care for patients suffering with dry eye disease.
“We heard about the latest innovations in clinical, pharmaceutical, and psychological management of the disease, including tear biomarker and gut health assessment. Best in class dry eye care will involve a holistic approach to the disease, considering clinical diagnostics, lifestyle factors and metal wellbeing alongside IPL therapy and pharmaceutical management.”
Dr Patel commented: “Building a strong dry eye service allows independent practices to offer patients a higher level of personalised care by ensuring they see the same clinician from initial consultation through follow-up. This continuity lets us build strong relationships and deliver more consistent outcomes. Investing in additional training, such as diplomas in therapeutics and glaucoma, enables independent prescribers to provide the full range of treatments in house and maximise patient care before referral. With dry eye awareness and demand rising, offering comprehensive, uninterrupted care is a clear way for independent practices to stand out from competitors.”
The Hakim Group plans to follow up this event with a Dry Eye Immersion Day this month at Wyboston Lakes in Saint Neots.