Judges decide 2013 shortlists

Shortlists for the 2013 Optician Awards have now been drawn up following a frantic day of judging at the Optician offices.

Fifty judges have made their deliberations on the close-to 200 entries, producing a list of finalists that includes a number of new names to the Awards.

This year we have new sponsors, and some new categories designed to seek out the best business brains in the profession. The first wave of finalists include all of the practice and people-based awards. Shortlists for the products of the year and Optical Supplier of the Year Award will be revealed next week.

The names of the winners will be announced at a black tie dinner which includes a drinks reception, stunning audio visual show plus an A-list celebrity host. After the hand-made, art deco trophies have been awarded there will be dancing and a charity casino. Around 500 of the profession and industry's great and good are expected to attend.