Vision 2020 UK calls for nominations for the Astbury Award

Vision 2020 UK, the umbrella organisation that leads collaboration and co-operation between organisations with an interest in eye health and sight loss, is calling for nominations for the Astbury Award, named after its former chair and inaugural recipient, Nick Astbury.

The Astbury Award is given in recognition of work that fosters excellence in collaboration within the eye health and sight loss sectors. Nominations are assessed according to impact and outcome by an independent and impartial panel of judges.

Last year’s winner, Rachel Pilling (pictured with NHS consultant in community eye health, Andy Cassels-Brown), was awarded for excellence in collaboration, working with The Bradford Learning Disability Eye Service.

The service has brought together community health, hospital eye services, education, voluntary sector, patients and carers to improve access to eye health for adults and children with learning disabilities.

Due to an “exceptional entry” the judging panel also recognised Andy Cassels-Brown with an award for lifetime achievement.

Nominations are taken from Vision 2020 UK member organisations, however nominees do not necessarily have to work in or be trustees or volunteers of the organisation.

Vision 2020 UK members include the AOP, the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO), the College of Optometrists, the Federation of Ophthalmic and Dispensing Opticians (FODO), the General Optical Council (GOC) and the Local Optical Support Unit (LOCSU).

Announcing this year’s award launch, Vision 2020 UK chief executive, Mercy Jeyasingham, said: “We will once again be recognising the hard work, commitment and dedication of those working in the eye health and sight loss sector.

“The Astbury Award 2016 will build on the excellent foundation of effective and collaborative working fostered by Nick and last year’s award. We invite representatives from all of our member organisations to join us in celebrating and recognising the benefits of partnership working across the whole sector.”

The closing date for nominations is Friday 12 August. The winner will be notified in August and the award is due to be presented at an event at FODO, 199 Gloucester Terrace, London, on Monday 19 September.

To submit a nomination, visit the Vision 2020 UK website.