Comment: Tough decisions for our judges

Heads have been scratched, brows furrowed and deliberations made to whittle the 200 entries to the 2011 Optician Awards into a manageable shortlist (see News).

Judging the Optician Awards is always a pleasure and the quality and volume of entries made for the 2011 edition of the contest didn't disappoint. Last Thursday 30 or so optical folk met to pore over the entries which represented the cream of professionals, practices and products in the optical business today.

I would not be overstating the case to say many of the judging panels struggled to choose their winners and to add names to the shortlists. While many entrants will receive just recognition, some sadly didn't make it the judges were spoilt for choice and tough decisions had to be made. Plenty of practices with merit failed to make the cut, proving just how worthy those shortlisted are.