An extension of one week has been made to the Optician Awards entry deadline, with all entries now due by January 23.
Submissions to the Optician Awards can be made by logging onto www.opticianawards.com, selecting the right category and filling out the online statement. There are seventeen categories to choose from covering all areas of professional, practice and business activity along with categories for the best products of 2014.
Full details of the categories, judging criteria and where to send supporting materials can be found on the Awards website. Shortlists for each category will be drawn up following the judging day in early February and announced in Optician. Those shortlisted will then be invited to a drinks reception in central London along with the sponsors and judges.
The winners will be revealed at a black tie evening of celebration at the Hilton Metropole Birmingham, next to the National Exhibition Centre on the Saturday night of the Optrafair weekend, April 18. Around 500 guests are expected to attend the dinner and Awards presentation which will feature a three course dinner, a stunning audio visual show and an A list celebrity host. The presentation will be followed by dancing and a charity casino. This year's chosen charity is Blind Veterans UK which is celebrating its centenary in 2015.