Love Eyewear Awards see record entries

Organisers behind 100% Optical have received record-breaking levels of entries for its 2023 Love Eyewear Awards.

Award entries have increased 100% year-on-year, the organisers said.

The Love Eyewear Awards seek to celebrate eyewear and optics from independent and major designers, manufacturers and retailers.

The shortlist will be announced on 16 January 2023, with the official awards ceremony to be held at 100% Optical 2023, on 25 February.

The awards include 12 categories for 2023, including New Designer, Sustainable Frame of the Year, and Kids Frame of the Year.

Nathan Garnett, 100% Optical show director, said: “It’s not only been the number of entries that have blown us away this year, but the quality – and from some of the biggest names in the industry.”

“The Love Eyewear Awards are growing year-on-year and since premiering in 2020, they’ve quickly become a calendar staple in the optical world,” he added.

Organisers have also revealed the judging panel for the awards, which includes:

• Sarah Gresty, BA Fashion course leader, Central Saint Martins
• James Dex, digital sculptor creative, Jaguar Land Rover
• Edward Gucewicz, director of E.Gucewicz, Barneys, Ralph Lauren and Porter Yoshida
• Dan Scott, dispensing optician and stylist behind The Eyewear Stylist, and optical influencer
• Maarten Weidema, founder of The Eyewear Forum
• Clodagh Norton, director of Eyestylist.com and the editor-in-chief of 2020EUROPE magazine
• Daniel Feldman, executive editor of The Optical Journal
• Phill Tarling, celebrity fashion stylist and image consultant
• Lois O’Hara, multi-disciplinary artist/designer
• Caroline Lober, influencer and eyewear-specialised image consultant
• Jasmine Martirosian, influencer and optometrist (Optic and Vision).

Inside the show

The optical trade show is set to have an even bigger focus on independent eyewear in 2023, curating brands from around the world in the Studio area of the exhibition, and with the latest trends in the spotlight on the Catwalk.

The AOP has developed a comprehensive CPD programme covering the three days of the show, delving into key topics relevant to all eye care professionals and at all career stages. Read more about the programme here.

The Future Practice Hub will feature four rooms focused on diagnostics, dispensing and clinical skills, while the Optical Academy, sponsored by SpaMedica, will also host CPD-accredited education for the wider practice team.

The Dispensing Workshop will provide an opportunity for visitors to experience making and fitting frames.