Welcome to the 2026 Optician Awards 

Recognising and rewarding excellence is at the heart of the Optician Awards and that means that we have to keep evolving our challenge to reflect the changes in the market. Every year our readers surprise and delight our judging panels with their innovation and drive and every year the scope of our categories grows.

This year is no different with new awards on offer for the use of Artificial Intelligence and the role of owner practitioners. The AI accolade is in response to the rise of that technology while the Owner Practitioner Award reflects the changing nature of the optical business. Please take a look. When we interview our winners each year the same comment crops up: “I didn’t think people like us won an Optician Award”. The great news is; they do. The Optician Awards are judged by panels of experts who are passionate about the profession and are dedicated to driving eye care on. They understand how optical practice works so they can filter our clever marketing and PR speak to identify those practices serving their patients day in and day out. Alongside the new categories are the regular favourites showcasing all practice types, professional roles, products and specialisms.

The Optician Awards are free to enter and all you need to do is match up your skills with the criteria of your chosen category. Optician is planning a massive party in London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel on December 11 to present the trophies. It’s an evening for the whole of optics to come together and celebrate innovation, excellence and passion for the profession. Use this website to see which categories are for you and put December 11 in your diary.

Chris Bennett

Editor in Chief and Publisher