Contenders prepare for the outdoor challenge

The annual Optics Challenge will take place in the Brecon Beacons on May 7, where a team from Cardiff University are expected to defend the 1999 trophy. Places will be offered to the first 20 teams of six from the profession submitting their entries, and the National Eye Research Centre at Bristol Eye Hospital will benefit from the event. 'As in previous years we've made a number of changes,' said Chris Hurley, the challenge organiser. 'There will be a new format with exercises, which will test contestants' intellect and stamina. The day is designed with the less-athletic in mind and each team member will walk an average of six miles,' he said. Teams will be based at The Manor Hotel, Crickwell, Powys; entries will cost &\#163;700 a team (a &\#163;300 deposit will secure a place). Tel/fax: 01874 676403 for details. - The deafblind charity Sense has launched its 'Wilderness Challenge' set in Alaska. Departing weekly through June, groups of challengers will be heading for Alaska's Wrangell St Elias Park where they will explore glaciers and trek across bear country. Participants are asked to make a personal contribution of &\#163;225 and raise a minimum of &\#163;2,250 in sponsorship. The charity has a telephone hotline for those interested: 0870 129 0101. The glittering prize winners Our picture shows some of the 400 diplomates at last week's College of Optometrists diploma ceremony at London's Guidehall. There were 13 prizes awarded, six of them presented by the College president, Gwyneth Morgan. The president's prize went to Muriel Dupont, who also won the George Wheatcroft prize. The College prize was awarded to Paul Khoo and the Colebrook prize to Robert MacLachlan. The Gibson prize was presented to Deborah Mullins and the British Optical Association Foundation prize jointly to Rachel Ellerton, Cara McAllister and Rupa Sanghrajka.