Being asked to sit on an Optician Awards judging panel is rightly taken as an honour by those asked to take part but this year I was touched by some of the responses I got.
The initial warm glow of recognition that greets an invitation to be a judge is often tempered by a degree of dread when the realisation dawns of what is expected. Being confronted by a pile of excellent entries has a habit of bringing home the gravity of the decisions being made.
Fellow professionals have spent days putting the entries together and the judges want to recognise that effort. When that pile runs into dozens of excellent, and comprehensive, entries the responsibility is also accompanied by a lot of hard work. Optician Awards aren’t won by a vote from friends, they are judged by fellow professionals.
Despite this the feedback I received from judges was one of gratitude and positivity. They were not only happy to take part but they also found the experience fulfilling and enjoyable.
The comment that most touched me was from a hardened, veteran optometrist who has held senior positions throughout the profession and the retail business. He said he had found the experience uplifting. ‘It reminded me just how much most opticians care about their patients,’ he said with a note of pride in his voice.
I would like to express personal thanks to all of this year’s entrants. I know how much work you have put in and it is appreciated. Unfortunately not everyone can make it to the shortlist but practices, big and small, are welcome to bring their teams along on April 1 to celebrate excellence in eye care.
Only some will walk away with a trophy but you can be assured of a great night of celebration.