Winners will be announced at a glittering black tie dinner in the stunning 18th Century Chiswell Street Brewery in the City of London on May 11.
An entry form detailing the categories and what is required from practices can be found in this week's issue of optician.
This year's awards have a special emphasis on modern optical practice themes with new categories introduced to find the Large High Street Practice of the Year, Start Up Practice of the Year and the Fashion Practice of the Year.
Most of the categories will be judged by panels made up of four judges with experience in a relevant field of endeavour.
The Eyecare Practice of the Year, sponsored by Ciba Vision, will be judged on a mystery shopping exercise. This is one of the biggest 'mystery-shops' in Europe and includes over 1,200 practices. Our Contribution to CET Awards, sponsored by Dollond & Aitchison will be judged on feedback from optician CET returns plus a panel hand-picked by optician clinical editor Bill Harvey.
Accolades will also be made to the Contact Lens Practice of the Year, sponsored by Johnson & Johnson, the Marketing Initiative of the Year, sponsored by Rodenstock and the Technology Practice of the Year sponsored by Grafton Optical.
The Specialist Eyecare Practice of the Year category is open to practices focusing on particular elements of optometry such as children's eye care, eye care for the elderly, low vision or shared care.
As in previous years, a Supreme Achievement Award will also be made and optician is keen to hear nominations for individuals who readers feel can be considered to have made a special impact on the profession or business.
chris.bennettrbi.co.uk
The hunt has begun to find the finalists for the optician Awards 2004. This year there is a range of new categories open to practices of all types and sizes across the UK and Ireland.