Call Us: 01256 781522 info@sightcare.co.uk Member login
Call Us: 01256 781522 info@sightcare.co.uk Member login
The SightCare Awards are the pinnacle of recognition within the independent optical community — a celebration of innovation, dedication, and outstanding achievement. These prestigious national awards shine a spotlight on the visionaries shaping the future of independent optics, from exceptional patient care and sustainability initiatives to extraordinary teamwork and groundbreaking business innovation. Across the UK, excellence deserves to be recognised. Whether you run a well-established practice, are launching a bold new enterprise, or are an individual transforming lives through your work, there’s a category designed to celebrate your success.
Below, you’ll find details on the award categories. You can enter as many as you like — simply click the button to submit your entry. Top tip for entries: download the application form to draft your entry and either email directly or copy and paste into the online entry form! Already submitted to other optical awards this year? You can repurpose your entry for the SightCare Awards -don’t miss this chance to gain recognition for your excellence and innovation.
This award celebrates practices that stand out as exceptional examples of independent eyecare. Judges will be looking at all areas of your business — from patient care to community engagement — to recognise a well-rounded, high-performing practice.
Judging criteria:
Commitment to consistent high-quality standards
An outstanding customer journey
Team culture, training, and staff development
Strong frame and lens offering
Use of new technology or services
Excellent patient care and clinical standards
Community engagement and contribution
Active involvement in the SightCare network
Clear points of difference from competitors
👉 Tip: Include testimonials, reviews, photos, and ideally a short video showing what makes your practice special.
Recognising practices that put outstanding clinical care at the centre of everything they do.
Judging criteria:
High clinical standards and accurate diagnosis
Effective and relevant use of technology
Focus on patient well-being and education
Ongoing CPD and professional development
Strong reputation for clinical quality
👉 Tip: Case studies, clinical feedback, and a short video will help bring your story to life.
This award honours practices that consistently deliver a first-class customer journey.
Judging criteria:
Exceptional overall customer care
Building loyalty and encouraging return visits
Tailored products and services
Expert advice and guidance
Memorable “above and beyond” moments
A seamless experience from first contact to aftercare
👉 Tip: Reviews, testimonials, and a video showing your customer journey work really well here.
For practices excelling in a defined specialist service (e.g. myopia, dry eye, audiology).
Judging criteria:
Clearly defined and promoted specialist service
Strong clinical expertise and credentials
Excellent patient communication
Positive patient outcomes and results
Innovative or creative promotion
👉 Tip: Case studies, patient feedback, and video can bring your specialism to life.
Recognising practices making a real difference in their local communities.
Judging criteria:
Community engagement and partnerships
Campaigns and initiatives with social impact
Benefits for your practice (footfall, loyalty, visibility)
PR/media/social media coverage
Feedback and testimonials from the community
👉 Tip: Press clippings, social posts, and video from community events help make this entry stand out.
For teams that work brilliantly together to deliver excellent service and support each other.
Judging criteria:
Strong teamwork and internal communication
Consistent, friendly patient engagement
Resilience in overcoming challenges
Initiative and taking on extra responsibility
Ongoing training and development
👉 Tip: Team photos, feedback, and a video showing your teamwork in action can really help.
Celebrating a team member who is the heart and soul of your practice.
Judging criteria:
Consistently makes a difference to the team/business
Reliable with a positive attitude
Enhances patient experience
Supports and inspires colleagues
Regularly goes above and beyond
👉 Tip: Testimonials, colleague/patient quotes, and a short video can really showcase this person’s impact.
Recognising outstanding practices launched within the past 3 years.
Judging criteria:
A clear and effective business plan
Strong vision, brand, and values
Evidence of early success and patient engagement
Innovative approaches to service or marketing
Positive early reviews and testimonials
👉 Tip: Photos from launch events, branding, and video can really help tell your story.
Celebrating practices that have thrived for decades while staying true to independent values.
Judging criteria:
A legacy of longevity in the community (20+ years typical)
Consistent excellence in care and service
Ability to adapt and evolve while keeping core identity
Sustained community impact and loyal relationships
Team stability and positive culture
Contribution to the wider optical profession
👉 Tip: Archive photos, patient testimonials, and a video story can really highlight your journey.
Celebrating practices that excel in fashion and function, helping patients look and feel their best.
Judging criteria:
A unique, appealing frame portfolio
Trained staff offering expert styling
Positive client transformations and confidence boosts
Local recognition for style and quality
Styling services driving commercial success
👉 Tip: Include styling session photos, testimonials, and ideally a video of your styling service.
For practices taking meaningful action to reduce their environmental impact.
Judging criteria:
Reducing resource use (energy, water, etc.)
Waste reduction or recycling initiatives
Staff involvement and sustainable behaviours
Ethical supplier partnerships
Creativity and long-term sustainability commitment
👉 Tip: Process photos, eco initiatives, and a short video work really well here.
Select the award category (or categories!) that best fits your practice or team. Each category has its own online entry form, so you’ll need to complete a separate form for each entry.
Each question has a word limit, so keep your answers clear and focused.
Don’t worry about being perfect — judges want to hear your genuine story.
You don’t need to create an account; the form is quick and straightforward to fill in.
You can upload up to 3 supporting files (images, documents, videos).
Maximum file size is 10MB per file.
For larger files, you can send them to katewatson@sightcare.co.uk via WeTransfer (www.wetransfer.com) .
At least one video showcasing your practice is encouraged, but not mandatory.
Once you submit, you cannot edit your entry, so double-check everything before hitting send.
You’ll receive a confirmation email to let you know your entry has been successfully received.
Focus on the aspects that make your practice or team unique.
Even small wins, simple improvements, or creative ideas can stand out.
Many past winners were first-time entrants — don’t let nerves stop you from entering!
Eligibility
The SightCare Awards are open to SightCare members and their team members. Practices may enter more than one award category; however, each category requires a separate entry.
Practices must be current SightCare members at the time of the Awards ceremony to remain eligible.
Entry process
Entries should be submitted via the online application form.
If required, a Word version of the application form is available on request and may be completed offline and returned by email to katewatson@sightcare.co.uk.
Key dates
Awards categories
SightCare reserves the right to withdraw, merge, amend, or rename any award category at its discretion, including where a category does not receive a sufficient number of entries or where entries do not meet the published criteria.
Where this applies, affected entrants will be notified as soon as reasonably practicable, and SightCare may, where appropriate, offer the option to transfer an entry to an alternative category.
SightCare also reserves the right not to present an award in any category where entries do not meet the required standard.
Supporting materials
Entrants may upload up to three supporting files per entry (maximum file size 10MB each).
Larger files may be sent via WeTransfer to katewatson@sightcare.co.uk.
How to send files via WeTransfer:
👉 Tip: If you are sending multiple files, they may be uploaded in a single transfer.
Entrants must have permission to use and submit any materials provided.
SightCare reserves the right to request clarification or additional supporting evidence in relation to any entry.
Judging
Entries will be assessed by an independent judging panel against the published judging criteria.
Judges’ decisions are final, and no correspondence will be entered into regarding scoring, feedback, or outcomes.
Use of materials
By submitting an entry, entrants agree that SightCare may use submitted text, images, and videos for the purposes of awards promotion, publicity, and reporting.
Copyright remains with the entrant. SightCare will credit practices where reasonably possible.
Privacy
All entries will be treated confidentially. Personal data will be processed in accordance with UK data protection legislation and SightCare’s privacy policy.
Event changes
SightCare reserves the right to amend event details, including dates, timings, format or venue, where circumstances beyond its reasonable control make this necessary.
Declaration
By submitting an entry, entrants confirm that: