Scottish
Optometry
Awards
Hosted by Vision Scotland and The Scottish Optical Conference
Supporters and Sponsors
Whats happening?
- Drinks: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
- Awards: 7:00pm – 7:45pm
- Dinner: 7:45pm – 9.00pm
- DJ (80s/90s/00s): 9.00pm-12am (midnight)
- Dress Smart (lounge suit/evening dress)
The winners will be announced on the night, presented by leading figures in the industry. These awards will continue each year and will be Scotland’s Optical Oscars with the winners able to proudly display their awards as recognition of their commitment to excellence.
See you on the dance floor!!
Vision Scotland & Drs Scott and Roisin Mackie SOC
How to take part:
Book a place to attend
Nominations now closed
How your donations will help:
All proceeds of donations will go to the Vision Scotland Sight Saving Fund. Established in 2022, the Sight Saving Fund provides free surgery to those who are in dire need of eye surgery but are unable to afford it and are unable to access NHS treatment quickly enough.
The Sight Saving fund allows you to nominate patients you want for consideration of surgery subject to the amount of funding we gather. This includes cataract, glaucoma, VR & oculoplastics.
If all 180 attendees donate the following amounts then we could fund the following patients:
Scottish Optometry Awards
Award Categories for 2025
Why should the nominee be considered for this award? What makes their contribution special to patients, peers or the industry in general.
You or any nominee can apply for multiple awards.
Nominating yourself or a peer for the Scottish Optometry Awards is a wonderful way to celebrate the outstanding contributions in the optical field. Recognising individuals and companies that consistently go above and beyond not only honours their hard work but also inspires others to strive for excellence. Whether you choose to attend just to network or choose to nominate someone who has made a significant impact or decide to put yourself forward, participating in these awards highlights the importance of dedication and innovation in our industry. Let’s celebrate excellence together!
Nomination deadline: 1/10/25
The awards for UK/Irish/Scotland entrants:
Optical Supplier Product of the Year - UK/Ireland
Sponsor: ACLM / STARR ICL
This award is designed for optical suppliers who offer products and services outside of lenses, frames, contact lenses. The winner will be a provider delivering essential services such as recruitment, software solutions, financial services, consumables, training, shop fittings, or accessories. The judging panel will seek evidence of how these goods or services have contributed to enhancing businesses and setting practices apart. Entrants should showcase product innovation, outstanding service, and a deep understanding of their customers’ requirements, supported by successful case studies and positive testimonials from satisfied clients.
Hearing Care Practice of the Year - UK/Ireland
Sponsor: Amplify
Hearing care services are increasingly integrated with optical offerings, and Optician is eager to connect with practices that are actively educating and informing patients about hearing care within the optical setting. The judges will be looking for examples of how the practice promotes awareness of hearing health and how patients are identified and engaged with available hearing services. Submissions are welcomed from both independent and multiple practices that provide hearing products and services or those that facilitate awareness of services available through other providers. The recipient of this award will showcase the benefits of addressing hearing care with their patient population and highlight the positive impact on the practice. The panel will also assess how the broader practice team has embraced and communicated the importance of collaborative multidisciplinary care.
Sustainability Practice of the Year - UK/Ireland
Sponsor: Performance Finance
This award is dedicated to honouring a practice that demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainable practices in eye care. Judges will look for evidence of initiatives that minimise environmental impact while maintaining high-quality patient care. Submissions should detail how the practice incorporates eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient technologies, and sustainable operations into their daily activities. The panel will also assess strategies aimed at educating staff and patients about the importance of sustainability in eye care. This award recognises not only the commitment to environmental stewardship but also the ability to inspire others in the industry to adopt similar practices.
Myopia Management Award - UK/Ireland
Sponsors: Hoya
The management of childhood myopia is one of the most significant advancements in optometry in recent years. This award aims to honour a practice that has successfully enhanced its patients experience of the advantages of the products currently available in this field. The judged are looking for indications of proactive efforts in communicating the importance of myopia management to both patients and their parents, as well as the adoption success rates and methodologies utilised. Participants should share a brief narrative outlining their journey into myopia management and provide techniques and tips for effective fitting and ongoing wear.
The awards for Scotland entrants:
Optometrist of the Year – Scottish
Supporter: Optometry Scotland
This category aims to honour an optometrist who applies their skills to improve the lives of patients, colleagues, and the community at large. Submissions should demonstrate excellence in clinical practices, collaboration with other staff members, and, crucially, interactions with patients. Judges will be interested in how the optometrist has actively worked to advance patient eye care and enhance the reputation of their practice. This award is intended for optometrists who consistently go above and beyond for their patients, making the delivery of eye care their primary focus.
Dispensing Optician of the Year – Scottish
Supporter: ABDO
Is your Dispensing Optician a bit of a superstar? This award will recognise a dispensing optician who excels in communication and advocates for every aspect of the dispensing process. Submissions are welcome from dispensing opticians across practices of varying sizes and types, with evidence of patient satisfaction required. Judges will look for indications of the dispensing optician’s expertise in eyewear styling and feedback from patients affirming this skill. Focus will be given to practical eye care solutions, effective patient communication, as well as clinical excellence and comprehensive practice abilities. Whether your focus as a dispensing optician is clinical care or fashion, this category is ideal for you.
Contact Lens Practice of the Year – Scottish
Supporter: BCLA
Sponsor: Scotlens
This award celebrates dynamic and innovative practices that inspire and engage patients in contact lens usage. Our judging panel will be seeking clear evidence of the initiatives employed to encourage contact lens adoption among a diverse patient demographic. They will also assess how lens selection is optimised to enhance comfort and vision, as well as strategies implemented to minimise dropout rates. This award aims to recognise fresh approaches unestablished practices or newer practices that are successfully expanding their contact lens offerings.
Support Staff Member of the Year – Scottish
Supporter: AOP
Sponsor: Scope
Front-of-house staff serve as the welcoming face of any practice. In this category, judges will seek a cohesive team member that collaborates effectively to create a friendly atmosphere in their practice. Our panel will look for examples such as; how the team member communicates to ensure that each customer feels valued, or perhaps they always go the extra mile to help patients or team mates. We’re looking for some great examples here of staff members who go above and beyond. Judges will also be interested in initiatives that enhance the practice’s reputation within the community, as well as efforts to foster team spirit and promote staff development.
Enhanced Services Practice of the Year – Scottish
Supporter: NES
Sponsor: Topcon
The optical profession is a pivotal primary care provider, and this award seeks to recognise practices that offer enhanced services and primary eye care within their communities. Judging criteria will focus on practices that implement programs for conditions such as diabetes, glaucoma, and AMD, or that provide triage services previously handled by GPs and the Hospital Eye Service. Judges will want to understand how these initiatives have been developed, whether through Clinical Commissioning Groups, Hospital Eye Services, or private entities. The panel will look for evidence of service delivery within the community, collaboration with patients, and compelling patient narratives that highlight successful outcomes.
Marketing Practice of the Year – Scottish
Sponsor: FODO/ Performance Finance
This award aims to recognise a practice that excels in innovative marketing strategies to attract and engage patients while promoting eye care services. Judges will be looking for evidence of creative and effective campaigns that not only highlight the unique offerings of the practice but also resonate with the community. Submissions should showcase how the practice utilises various marketing channels—such as social media, local events, and educational resources—to build brand awareness and foster patient loyalty. The panel will also evaluate initiatives that demonstrate a strong understanding of the target audience and measurable results in patient acquisition and retention.
Outstanding Achievement Award - Scottish
Supporter: GOC
Sponsor: Scope
This award is designed to recognise individuals or teams who have made exceptional contributions to the field of eye care, demonstrating excellence in their careers. Judges will be looking for candidates who have not only excelled in their professional roles but have also inspired the next generation of clinicians and earned the respect of their patients. This award honours those who consistently go above and beyond in their dedication to eye care, whether they are currently practicing, retired, or recognised posthumously. Submissions should highlight the impact these individuals or groups have had on their colleagues, patients, and the broader community.
Multiple Practice of the Year - Scottish
Sponsor: TBC
This award aims to recognise the diversity and excellence of multiple practices operating within a corporate framework. The judging panel will be interested in what distinguishes the entrant’s practice and its unique approach to eye care and customer service. Submissions should highlight how the practice leverages the strengths of a national brand while delivering exceptional eye care and service to the local community. Judges will look for evidence of both the clinical and commercial achievements of the practice, as well as the engagement and development of its staff.
Independent Practice of the Year - Scottish
Sponsor: The Hakim Group
This award celebrates the vital role of independent retailing in UK optics. The judging panel are looking for an independent practice that provides a broad selection of products, delivers an exceptional customer experience, and demonstrates clinical excellence. This includes practices that belong to a group that enables product choices at the individual practice level. Judges will look for evidence of how the business has established its identity within the local area, formed connections with other businesses, and built its reputation in the community. They will assess the quality of service, personalised eye care, and unique offerings that distinguish the practice from competitors.
Scottish Optometry Awards 2025
Book & Nominate
Attendance now closed.
Nominations now closed.
How to Nominate:
If you just want to Nominate some one for an award and not book a place to attend the awards, then choose “Nominate Only” from the form.
Thank you for taking the time to nominate a colleague or yourself. Remember you or any nominee can apply for multiple awards.
Please also include supporting material such as testimonials, web links and references. Nominations should be no more than 600 words.
Nomination deadline: 1/10/25
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FAQs
Do you need to be a SOC attendee to attend this networking dinner dance event.
How do I access the Vision Scotland Sight Saving fund?
When will I be informed of being shortlisted?
What should I wear?
How are the tables organised?
Where is the venue?
Where is the nearest accommodation?
Please visit www.soc.scot (Accommodation)
How many people can i nominate?
Who are the judges?
The Scottish Optometry Awards will be judged by a panel of experts specialising in different areas of optometry and the optical industry. They will be looking for excellence and that something that offers a bit of a difference from the competition.
The judging panel will include distinguished industry leaders: Optometrists and founder of the Scottish Optometry Conference, Dr Scott Mackie, Commercial Director at Vision Scotland, Victoria Beesley, along with the sponsor or supporter for each award. Their expertise will guide the evaluation process to uphold the highest standards.
How are the awards judged?
Our awards ceremony employs a comprehensive, anonymous judging process, combining both qualitative and quantitative evaluations to ensure fair and balanced recognition of outstanding entries.
Qualitative Assessment
Judges will meticulously examine the content and supporting evidence within each nominee’s submission.
Criteria includes:
- Originality and Creativity: How unique and innovative is the approach to the project?
- Impact: What difference has the nominee made in their field or community?
- Clarity and Presentation: Is the submission well-structured and easy to understand?
- Relevance: Does the entry align with the goals and criteria of the award category?
- For detailed criteria specific to each award category, please see individual award description.
Quantitative Assessment
Judges will consider the number of submissions from each individual or practice. We encourage nominees to share their nominations widely to boost visibility and encourage a stronger showing from their peers. Good luck to all nominees!
I have questions or having difficulty using your portal who should I speak to?
Natasha natasha@visionscotland.com