Roles across optics celebrated at the AOP Awards 2020

On Sunday, 26 January, the Association of Optometrists (AOP) welcomed optical practitioners to its ninth annual awards ceremony.

Celebrating the full breadth of optometry, the 2020 AOP Awards, which were supported by headline sponsor CooperVision, recognised contributions of the whole practice team and beyond, across 15 categories.       

The accolade of Hospital Optometry Team of the Year went to the Optometry-Led Glaucoma and Urgent Care Service Team at Moorfields Eye Hospital. Commenting on the win, Dr Vijay Anand, Deputy Head of Optometry, said: “Winning the award is the culmination of two years of hard effort.” 

Dr Anand went on to explain that the team’s new clinics at Moorfields Eye Hospital show “that optometrists are safe and effective at managing patients with glaucoma and those attending eye casualty. It highlights that optometry-led working is being recognised in its own right and paves the way for future pathways of working within secondary eye care.” 

AOP Chief Executive, Henrietta Alderman commented, “The AOP Awards shines a spotlight on the extraordinary individuals and teams who are propelling the profession forward with their knowledge, expertise, dedication and passion. This year is no different – with all the winners, and indeed finalists, giving an impressive account for optometry.”

Other winners included Dr Saleel Jivraj, who was awarded Optometrist of the Year, and Professor Martin Rubinstein, who was recognised with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Commenting on being selected, Professor Rubinstein said: “It is a great honour to be given an award by the AOP – it feels remarkable and delightful.”

The event was held at ExCel London as part of trade and education event 100% Optical. The awards ceremony was hosted by Dr Phil Hammond, with finalists, guests and winners enjoying a drinks reception, gala dinner and live entertainment.

Nominees were shortlisted by a panel of expert judges before being put forward to a public vote. Winners in two categories, Frame of the Year and Product of the Year, were chosen exclusively by AOP members. As in previous years, the Lifetime Achievement Award was selected by Ms Alderman and AOP Chairman, Mike George.

Almost 30,000 votes were cast this year. For more information and a full list of winners visit the AOP Awards pages. 

Ends

Hi-res images can be found in this DropBox folder. 

For more information, please contact Philomena Obasi-Adams, PR and Marketing Officer, at the Association of Optometrists, [email protected] or telephone 020 7549 2077.

Notes to Editors

Association of Optometrists 

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) is the leading representative membership organisation for optometrists in the UK. We support over 82% of practising optometrists, to fulfil their professional roles to protect the nation’s eye health. For more information, visit www.aop.org.uk

AOP Awards

Now in its ninth year, the AOP Awards has become a highlight of the optical calendar. Taking place at ExCeL London on Sunday, 26 January 2020, the ceremony recognised achievement in 15 categories, 14 of which were open to nomination. A panel of expert judges selected a shortlist which was voted on from Monday, 1 October to Wednesday, 19 December 2019.

We would like to thank all our sponsors – CooperVision, 100% Optical, Alcon, Bausch + Lomb, Johnson & Johnson Vision, Lloyd & Whyte, Optos and Visufarma - for their continued support. 

For more information about the AOP Awards, visit www.aop.org.uk/awards