Engaging the NHS: Building Productive and Lasting Connections

• Health
• ICB
• NHS

Thursday 16 April 2026
10:00 am to 11:00am

A practical, honest and interactive session led by three Visionary members – Sight Concern Bedfordshire, Beacon and Berkshire Vision.

Sponsored by Specsavers

Working effectively with the NHS can open doors, strengthen referral pathways and ensure that blind and partially sighted people receive more joined-up support. But building those relationships takes time, persistence and clarity about your value. In this engaging one-hour workshop, three Visionary member organisations will share their real-world experiences of connecting and collaborating with NHS partners in their areas.

Each speaker will offer a short, focused insight into:

• How they first approached the NHS locally
• What has worked well – and what hasn’t
• How they promote their services and demonstrate impact
• Practical lessons learned along the way

Come along for a peer-led conversation about navigating NHS structures, building trust, improving communication and positioning your organisation as a valued partner in local eye care pathways.

Following three short case studies, we will open up the session for 30 minutes of facilitated discussion. This is your opportunity to ask questions, explore challenges, and learn directly from colleagues who have been there and done it.

You will leave with practical ideas, fresh confidence and tangible suggestions you can apply in your own area to:

• Strengthen relationships with NHS colleagues
• Increase awareness of your services
• Improve referral routes and communication
• Position your organisation as an essential part of the local system

The conversation will be led by Carol O’Brien, Lisa Sadler Todd and Laura Mitchell.

Carol O’Brien, CEO of Sight Concern Bedfordshire, will speak about the small NHS contract and grant which is in place to deliver a community‑based low‑vision support, which forms an important part of their wider pathway for people with sight loss. As the NHS landscape shifts, Carol is working to rebuild connections and improve communication so that Sight Concern Bedfordshire continue to have a voice in local discussions. Carol’s focus is on ensuring our services remain visible, funded, and well‑linked into NHS pathways.

Lisa Sadler Todd, CEO of Beacon Vision will speak about how Beacon have built relationship with health as both a delivery and strategic partner in recent years. They hold a number of NHS contracts from micro to significant lead provider programmes and have worked to facilitate funds availability for a range of smaller charities and CICs. Beacon also sit on strategic panels and networks for health and the local authority as a trusted partner. In addition to her CEO role at Beacon for the last four years Lisa has also been an NHS Non Executive Director for two hospital and community trusts which has increased her insight.

Laura Mitchell, CEO of Berkshire Vision, will speak about the journey the charity has been on attempting to build fledging NHS relationships against the background of an evolving NHS. Berkshire Vision has close operational links which are not currently supported by any contractual agreement.

Whether you are just starting out or looking to deepen existing partnerships, this session will offer insight, reassurance and inspiration from the Visionary network.