Chris Bennett: Coming together under the Optrafair banner

If ever there was a reason why the optical profession and business should gather around a single event of educating, exhibiting and rewarding excellence then last weekend was it.

Over three days in Birmingham Optician presented 18 awards, Optrafair filled the halls of the NEC with exhibitors and visitors while ABDO held its AGM and annual dinner. Delegates caught up with colleagues and networked in the NEC’s cafés under the spring sunshine.

For a few days competition was set aside and a desire to drive the whole of optics forward took over. Awards were presented to optometrists, DOs, CLOs optical assistants, companies and products in front of an audience of multiples, independents and optical bodies from all of the above. A true sector event.