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Sixteen awards were handed out in total at the Optician Awards last weekend despite there being just 15 trophies up for grabs.

For the very first time the judges failed to separate two entrants so it was decided that two trophies would be handed out for the multiple practice of the year award. Specsavers, Nottingham and Boots, Plymouth were both honoured for very different approaches to high street optical retailing.

Over 850 guests enjoyed a night of Hollywood glamour at the national Motorcycle Museum close to the NEC. The event was sold out weeks before the night with over 650 geusts sitting down to dinner.

The evening kicked off with guests arriving on a cordened off red carpet amid the flashing light bulbs of the paparazzi. Hollywood goddess Marylin Monroe was on hand for photographs as guest moved through to the champagne reception sponsored by Optrafair. During the welcome speech Optician Editor Chris Bennett started off the evening's fun with a balloon burst competition. This was in honour of 50 years of Varilux lenses, three guests had a winning ticket in their balloon and won digital cameras.

After dinner the guests were treated to a stunning audio visual review of the year before the guests host arrived. This year's host was the start of TV 9 out of Ten Cats and Live at The Apollo Janson Manford.

After the prizes were awarded the fun didn't stop. There was dancing to a live band Soul Survivors and a charity casino.

The charity casino was sponsored by Ocuco and all of the proceeds will be added to the Optician Ironman Team's fund and donated to Vision Aid Overseas.

The winners were

● The Varilux Golden Jubilee Award, sponsored by Essilor

● Premium Lens Practice of the Year Award, sponsored by Transitions

Webb & Lucas

● Contact Lens Practice of the Year, sponsored by CIBA Vision

● Fashion Frames Practice of the Year, sponsored by Luxottica

● The Individualised Lens Practice of the Year, sponsored by Rodenstock

● The Technology Practice of the Year Award, sponsored by Grafton Optical and its technology partners Eyescape and Frastema

● The Sports Vision Practice of the Year, sponsored by Rupp+Hubrach

● Optical Supplier of the Year, sponsored by Sight Care

● Multiple Practice of the Year

● Independent Practice of the Year, sponsored by Hoya

● Optical Product of the Year

● The Optical Assistant Team of the Year

● Dispensing Optician of the Year, sponsored by BBGR

● The Optometrist of the Year

● Family Optician of the Year Award

A full report will be featured in the April 17 edition of Optician

To see pictures from the night  go to:  www.opticiansubs.co.uk/photos

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