SightCare Awards 2019
Celebrating the Independent Spirit
The awards showcase the best independent optical businesses from the length and breadth of the UK, offering national recognition for those who have made the biggest impression over the last 12 months. Expert independent business owner judges will select winners in 5 categories.
Winning a SightCare Award is a great way to showcase your business achievements and celebrate your business hard work, brilliance and innovation within your own practice as well as having the opportunity to win a national award. The category winners will be announced and presented with their awards at the SightCare Business and Networking Conference on September 15th/16th 2019.
Deadline for receiving entries extended to 31st May 2019.
2018 Winners


Winner – Eglinton Eyecare
Eglinton Eyecare impressed the panel with their involvement in both their own community as well as the SightCare community. Their committment to service excellence and their general overall vision was very clear throughout their application – all highlighted through a number of supporting photographs. A thoroughly deserving winner!
“Winning this award is a fantastic recognition of the achievements which my fantastic team of five have worked so hard for. It encourages us to continue to work towards our vision: to improve our patients’ quality of life by providing the highest standard of professionalism and an exceptional customer experience.”


Winner – Molsom & Associates
When Molsom & Associates undertook a routine eye test for a new patient and detected an anomaly, they immediately referred the patient, which resulted in a diagnosis for an optical melanoma. The patient was understandably extremely grateful for such quick action which has potentially saved her life – truly a memory to celebrate with this award!
“We are really proud to be presented with this award. It rewards everyone in the team and for their great efforts helping to deliver great eyecare to the Spalding area.”


Winner – Edwards & Walker Opticians
Edwards and Walker’s modelling campaign not only highlighted major brands and iconic frames, it also brought in patients from far and wide to participate. A wide-reaching and effective marketing initiative!
“We were unbelievably excited to have won this award. We’re always looking to be innovative with our marketing and combining the general public with stylish frames and throwing in the power of social media was a no-brainer. Thank you SightCare for recognising us!”


Winner – Simon Berry Optometrist
Simon’s practice celebrated 15 years in business this year and to commemorate this, Simon wrote 15 short stories for 15 years and circulated via a social media. This campaign clearly highlighted his commitment to the community and demonstrated his widening reach to clients far and wide – congratulations Simon!
“It was a very surreal and exciting day. My first Ophthalmic device was launched at the conference and hopefully well received. Then to top it all off we won this award. Thanks to SightCare for organising such a great conference.”


Winner – Claire Buchanan, Eglinton Eyecare
Claire’s positive attitude and customer-centric focus was very clear to the panel for this category and her willingness to regularly go above and beyond the call of duty made her a thoroughly deserving winner of this category.
“I love making a difference to each and every patient and I will continue to offer superior eyecare to our patients. I couldn’t be more proud at winning this award.”
Why You Should Enter
WHY ENTER?
• To improve brand awareness and positioning in the market
• To take an opportunity to review your business while completing the application form
• To have your business peer reviewed
• To promote your success to a wider audience
• To involve your team in understanding and celebrating what makes your business truly special.
• To share your success with colleagues in the industry and your customers.
• To promote client testimonials
Categories 2019

Award Criteria
SightCare practices are all individual – what makes you stand out?
- Tell us what is different about your practice
- Demonstrate a commitment to quality
- Your approach to patients
- Team ethics and training
- Details of any specific product or service innovation
- Demonstrate high levels of patient care
- Takes on a role in the wider community
- Contributes to the wider SightCare community
- Utilises SightCare member benefits to enhance service offering
Additional Information – photographs/reviews
Please include relevant reviews/feedback – from clients, suppliers etc.

Award Criteria
This is the ideal forum to recognise outstanding employees!
Nominate someone in your practice and explain/give examples of how they:
- go above and beyond for patients
- engage with patients , suppliers and the other members of the team
- receive positive feedback
- make a difference in your practice
- develop good relationships with suppliers, patients and the team
- show a dedication to training and self-improvement
Additional Information – photographs/reviews
Please include relevant reviews/feedback – from clients/suppliers/colleagues etc

Award Criteria
Has something happened in your practice over the last year that stands out in your memory? Have you made a big difference in a patient’s life? Have you created a story to publicise in your PR and social media?
It could be:
- a story or moment that stands out for you over the last year and how it has made a difference to someone
- how you used the moment to create awareness of your practice in your local community
- how people have reacted to the story/any feedback you have received
Additional Information:
Please provide reviews/feedback – from clients/suppliers etc

Award Criteria
Have you run a marketing initiative or campaign over the last year that has increased footfall and awareness in your local community? Tell us how! It could include how you have:
- Demonstrated a creative campaign that has increased revenue and awareness
- Communicated effectively with your existing and potential clients
- Increased footfall as a result of the campaign
- Achieved positive feedback from clients about the initiative
Additional Information – photographs/reviews
Please include relevant reviews/feedback – from clients

Award Criteria
Have you run a social media campaign that has generated great PR? Your example could include some of the following:
- Creative campaign that has generated good PR and widened reach
- Interesting use of a blog to share unique or helpful content for the community
- Innovative use of social media to appeal to a range of demographics
- Creation of great videos to inform or entertain your clientele via social media
- Evidence of a social media campaign that went viral or had a positive impact on your community
- Creative social media presence bringing greater patient engagement
- Fresh content generation
- A social media contest that has generated interest and engagement from the community
Additional Information – photographs/reviews
Please include relevant reviews/feedback – from clients/suppliers/colleagues etc
The Entry Process
Closing Date 31st May 2019
Complete the form at the foot of this page.
Upload your submission of no more than 500 words on why you think your practice meets the criteria against your chosen award
If you are applying for more than one award, please complete separate entries for each award.If you would prefer to submit your entry by post, please send your 500 word submission, stating the award you are entering, your practice and contact details to:
SightCare Awards,
Unit 12 Bakers Park,
Pardown,
Oakley,
Hants RG23 7DY
The Entry Form
The Panel
SightCare Independent Practice Award
Katie Memory

Martin White

John French

Practice Personality Award
Faye McDearmid

Deven Lakhani

John French

Marketing Initiative Award
Nicolle Croft

Daryl Goldsmith

John French

Moment of the Year Award
Katie Memory

Christopher Bagot

John French

Social Media Campaign Award
Pam Robertson

SightCare Director and owner of family-run independent practice Angus Optix
Martin White

SightCare Chairman and owner of 5 independent practices
John French

SightCare Chief Executive
Terms & Conditions of Entry
1. The Awards are open to SightCare members only
2. Entry Closing Date is 8th June 2018
3. You may enter one or more of the categories.
4. All material submitted will remain confidential.
5. The 500 word submission from winners and finalists, may be published in connection with the Awards.
6. The judges reserve the right to amend category selections where appropriate.
7. The judges reserve the right to disqualify any entry not accompanied by the appropriate supporting documentation.
8. The judges’ decision will be final and no correspondence will be entered into before or after the judging, unfortunately it is not possible to provide feedback.
9. Finalists will be notified by the 30th June 2018
10. The winners of each category will be announced at the presentation of the Awards
11. Entries received after the final closing date will not be accepted.