04 December 2025
Andy Britton was named Optometrist of the Year at the second Optometry Wales Awards (29 November, Cardiff).
Specsavers Merthyr Tydfil received the Multiple Practice of the Year accolade, while MN Charlton Optometrists (Concept Eye Clinic) was recognised with the Independent Practice of the Year award.
Samantha Houghton received the Dispensing Optician/Contact Lens Optician of the Year accolade at the ceremony.
There were 130 entries for the awards, with winners recognised across 12 award categories at a ceremony attended by more than 320 practitioners and hosted by BBC Wales presenter, Lucy Owen.
Optometry Wales chief executive, Judy Misra, reflected: “It was a wonderful evening celebrating the outstanding achievements, innovation, and dedication within the optometry profession across Wales.”
Two Special Recognition awards – acknowledging exceptional service and commitment – were received by optometrists, Ian Jones and Sharon Beatty.
Behind the scenes at the Optometry Wales Awards
Jones was influential in the establishment of Optometry Wales and contributing to the South East Wales Regional Optical Committee.
“Ian’s hard work over 30 years was recognised as paving the way for the delivery of the new optometry contract introduced in 2023,” Misra highlighted.
Beatty, who serves as a clinical adviser for Optometry Wales, will be scaling back work commitments from February 2026.
Misra noted that Beatty received a standing ovation after a series of comments from professionals at all stages in their career about her influence within the profession were read out.
“It is safe to say that there was not a dry eye in the house,” she said.
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