The Optician Awards 2010

Springtime arrived for optics at the weekend as the great and the good of the profession and industry met in London’s Hilton Park Lane for the presentation of the 2010 Optician Awards.

Fifteen Awards were handed out in total with winners representing all types of practitioner and practice covering all areas of the country. The theme for the evening was Paris in Springtime conjuring up visions of Edwardian elegance that were mirrored in the dressing of the room and the entertainment.

Ash from the Icelandic volcano had threatened to keep many visitors away but most battled through if they could. Some just couldn’t find a way to London others opted to drive or catch the train when they relaised their flights had been grounded. The most unfortunate casualty of the ash-induced travel chaos was Aine Higgin from Mongey, based on the West Coast of Ireland. She was simply unable to get to London and her trophy for Optometrist of the Year, sponsored by AEL was collected on her behalf.

As guests arrived for the drinks reception they were greeted by mine artists, an accordion duo and Parisian street caricaturists. In his welcome address, Optician editor Chris Bennett, noted that the Award winners demonstrated to the whole profession that even in tough economic times success and change was achievable through passion, planning and hard work.

Dinner was followed by a stunning audio visual review of the optical year and a comedy set from the host for the evening the actor and comedian Marcus Brigstocke.

The shortlists were presented on massive screens to the 500 guests before the results were announced. The trophies were presented to the winners (see full list below) by the sponsors and optical luminaries.

Once all of the Awards had been presented guests were invited to dance the night away at the Maui Jim sponsored party or try their luck at the charity casino. All of the proceeds from the casino have been added to the Optician Triathlon Team fund and donated to Vision Aid Overseas.

Photographs from the evening will be uploaded to www.opticianonline.net shortly.