SightCare Awards 2019

Celebrating the Independent Spirit

Following the success of our inaugural SightCare Awards 2018, entries are now open for the 2019 Awards so start thinking about your entries today! Whether you have a fabulous team member that you want to recognise, a really effective marketing campaign that you want to showcase or a lovely moment that you want to remember – there is an award category that could have your name on it!

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

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.