29 July 2025
An awards dinner recognising excellence in the optical industry will be held on Saturday 15 November.
The dinner will be held ahead of this year’s Scottish Optical Conference (SOC), which takes place the following day (Sunday 16 November).
Co-hosted by Vision Scotland and SOC, the awards feature 14 categories, for which event attendees can nominate a colleague, practice, industry company, or put themselves forward. Attendees of the awards do not need to be a conference delegate.
Organisers, Drs Scott and Roisin Mackie, shared: “We want to recognise and promote excellence as this is what the ethos of our conference is all about. So go on, nominate someone, yourself, or just turn up.”
Of the 14 categories, 10 must be Scotland-based entrants. However, recipients of the Optical supplier product of the year, Hearing care practice of the year, Sustainability practice of the year, and Myopia management award, achievements can be from the UK or Ireland.
Organisers highlighted that the awards replace the former drinks reception and “reflects on SOC providing 30 years of continuing professional development provision in Scotland.”
The awards will be supported by professional bodies including Optometry Scotland, the AOP, General Optical Council, Association of British Dispensing Opticians, FODO, and the British Contact Lens Association.
Winners will be announced on the night and presented with an artist-inspired trophy.
Mackie said: “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.”
The evening will combine a short awards ceremony and a free charity dinner dance, with voluntary donations collected for a sight saving fund.
The fund has been established to support patients who cannot afford treatments such as cataract or occuplastic, enabling them to receive treatment at no cost on a case-by-case basis.
Organisers added: “Dress smart and bring your dancing shoes for our 80s/90s and 00s themed DJ session.”
Find out more about the conference and awards on the SOC website.
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