AOP Awards 2016 will launch shortly

Nominations for the AOP Awards 2016 will open next Friday (26 February), with a call for practitioners to recognise the professional achievements of the sector over the last 12 months.

Now in their sixth year, the AOP Awards was launched in 2011 with the aim of celebrating the achievements of those in the profession who go above and beyond the call of duty. Since their introduction, the Awards have become a highlight in the optical calendar, growing in popularity year-on-year.

Speaking about the annual Awards, chief executive of the AOP, Henrietta Alderman, told OT: “We’re delighted to launch the AOP Awards 2016. Now in its sixth year, the Awards give us the opportunity to recognise excellence and exceptional achievements in optics.”

Categories returning to the Awards this year are: Charity of the Year, Contact Lens Practitioner of the Year, Dispensing Optician of the Year, Lecturer of the Year, Marketing Campaign of the Year, Newly-qualified Optometrist of the Year, Optometrist of the Year, Optical Assistant of the Year, Practice of the Year, Student of the Year and Young Practice of the Year.

As in previous years, the Awards ceremony will culminate in the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award, which is given annually to someone who has dedicated their career to promoting and expanding the role of optics, or who has brought the benefits of optics to a wider audience.

Ms Alderman added: “The Awards are all about practitioners who give so much to the public and profession. Do have a look at this year’s categories and consider putting yourself forward.”

Practitioners can nominate themselves and their peers. For more information, and to nominate, visit the AOP website here.