Comedian Holly Walsh to host AOP Awards 2017

The acclaimed live performer and panel show regular, who frequently appears on Mock the Week, Would I Lie to You?, 8 Out Of 10 Cats and Never Mind The Buzzcocks, will present at the black tie awards ceremony on Sunday 5 February 2017, in London.  

Holly Walsh said: "I'm delighted to host the 2017 AOP Awards. It has been interesting to read about the enormously talented and skilled people working in the sector - there are some real unsung heroes. I look forward to celebrating with them at the event."

The annual AOP Awards, which for the first time takes place at leading trade event 100% Optical, recognises the highest levels of achievement in UK optics – celebrating outstanding contributions across the profession.

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

Ms Alderman said the Awards is “about celebrating the talent and expertise of practitioners who contribute so much to the public and the profession.”

She added: “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 community. We are looking forward to giving them the recognition they deserve.”

Patients and practitioners can help celebrate and support this year’s finalists by booking an individual ticket or a table at www.aop.org.uk/awards-tickets

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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 and other optical professionals 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 entrees were open for a public vote from 30 September – 18 December 2016. 

We would like to thank all our sponsors – Academy for Eye Care 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