The winners with their trophies and host, Russell Kane
Youth, modernity and a double celebration were highlights of the 2023 Optician Awards presentation, which took place in London’s Hilton Hotel on Wednesday, December 6.
Walking away with two of Optician’s iconic art deco trophies was Buchanan Optometrists of Kent, which scooped both the Technology Practice of the Year sponsored by Optix and the Independent Practice of the Year sponsored by Hoya.
Optician editor-in-chief and publisher, Chris Bennett
Representing the younger members of the profession, Kishan Devraj of Moorfields Eye Hospital won the Clinical Leader of the Future Award, sponsored by Specsavers. This new award required entrants to make a video presentation outlining their vision of the future as part of their entry. Within his presentation, Devraj talked about how modern technologies, such as artificial intelligence, could be harnessed for the good of patients and this theme was echoed throughout the evening along with other current issues, such as sustainability.
Considering the environment was also a major theme in the Contact Lens Award, won by mark’ennovy. The Optical Supplier of the Year trophy was awarded to Practice Building for its work in helping other optical businesses develop and implement sustainability programmes.
In all, 18 Awards were presented (see roll of honour, opposite page) as the main feature in a stunning night of entertainment in front of over 550 of the optical world’s great and good. The evening started with a drinks reception in the opulence of the Hilton Hotel overlooking London’s Hyde Park and the capital’s seasonal Winter Wonderland. Guests were then invited through to the grand ballroom for a night of entertainment and celebration.
Guests, dancing the night away
After a welcome from Optician editor-in-chief and publisher Chris Bennett, guests were invited to burst the sea of helium balloons decorating the room. The lucky winner with the confetti-filled balloon was presented with a £400 gift voucher and two bottles of champagne for their table. Handing out the prize was Luke Elias, director of the competition sponsor Vivid Optical.
A sumptuous three-course dinner was followed by the presentation show, which was introduced with an audio-visual show before a display from a troupe of LED-clad dancers. Then followed entertainment from the host for the night, TV presenter and comedian Russell Kane. He warmed up the crowd in his own inimitable style before being joined on stage by Bennett for the awards presentation. Afterwards, guests were free to network and meet friends at the bar or dance the night away.
Optician would like to thank all its sponsors for supporting the event and the judges for their hard work in looking through the entries. Optician would like to thank everyone who entered the Awards, congratulate all those who won and commiserate with those who did not; better luck next year.
A photo montage of the night featuring all the winners will be published next week.