AOP Awards final countdown

With just two weeks to go until the AOP Awards 2017, the Association of Optometrists (AOP) is encouraging patients and practitioners to get behind this year’s finalists by securing their place at the prestigious event.  

A record number of online votes were cast this year, with more than 20,000 people supporting their favoured finalist, in a range of award categories for both individuals and practice teams.   

Recognising the highest levels of achievement in UK optics, the event celebrates outstanding contributions across the profession.

This year’s event will be hosted by comedian Holly Walsh and, for the first time, takes place at global trade event 100% Optical. Promising an evening of entertainment and celebration, the AOP Awards also gives those working in optics a unique opportunity to network with fellow peers, commercial sponsors and industry leaders.

AOP’s Chair of the Board, Kevin Thompson said “The build up to this year’s Awards has been the most exciting yet – with 6000 votes received during the first month. We’re particularly excited about the move to 100% Optical – enabling us to grow this already popular event and showcase the profession on a larger scale. We’re grateful to all our sponsors who have helped that happen – with special thanks to our headline sponsor, Alcon Academy for Eyecare Excellence.”  

There are 11 awards voted for by the public, across 13 categories that highlight the breadth of important work being carried out by optical practitioners UK-wide. The Lifetime Achievement Award is selected by Mr Thompson and AOP Chief Executive, Henrietta Alderman. The 2017 Awards will also see the introduction of a new category, the Product of the Year Award, voted exclusively for by AOP members.

Ms Alderman said “This year we have seen some remarkable entries who demonstrate real commitment and skill in delivering for patients, as well as playing an important role in the optical profession. We are looking forward to giving them the recognition they deserve.”

The AOP Awards takes place on Sunday 5 February. Patients and practitioners can help celebrate and support this year’s finalists by booking an individual ticket or a table. Bookings close on Friday 27 January. 

View the full list of finalists on our Awards pages.

Ends

High resolution images are available via this link. For more information, please contact Serena Box, PR and Media Manager, at the Association of Optometrists, [email protected] or telephone 020 7549 2063.

Notes to Editors

Association of Optometrists

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) is the leading representative membership organisation for optometrists in the UK. We support our community of more than 16,500 members to fulfil their professional roles to protect the nation’s eye health. As a founding member of the Optical Confederation we work with others to improve eye health for the public good. For more information, visit www.aop.org.uk

AOP Awards

The AOP Awards recognises the highest levels of achievement in UK optics and has quickly become a highlight of the optical calendar since its launch in 2011. Previously held during the National Optical Conference in Birmingham, the AOP Awards will be relocated to 100% Optical on 5 February 2017. Shortlisted entries were open for a public vote from 30 September – 18 December 2016. 

We would like to thank all our sponsors – Alcon Academy for Eyecare Excellence™, Alcon, Cerium Visual Technologies, CooperVision, Essilor, eyespace, Keeler, Leightons Opticians, Lloyd & Whyte, 100% Optical, The Optical Consumer Complaints Service, OCUCO and Scope Ophthalmics – for their continued support.

Optometry Today

Optometry Today (OT) has a readership of 15,000 members and subscribers. OT was named as the ‘Best Professional Association or Royal College magazine’ at the MemCom 2016 Awards. Organised by MemCom – the networking organisation for membership marketing professionals – the awards recognise and celebrate excellence within the membership sector. The OT website offers subscribers exclusive access to over 65 CET exams per year, including bi-monthly CET video content. For more information, visit www.aop.org.uk/ot