- It is FREE to enter the Optician Awards.
- A practice can only enter a maximum of THREE of the practice awards. This does not include the individual awards.
- The main component of an entry is answering the key questions on the entry form, based on the criteria for the category you are entering. See next tab for more information.
- Please note that your entry not exceed word count on the online entry form and no more than 5 supporting documents. Each supporting document can have a maximum of 10 pages per file.
- The judges’ decision is final and their deliberations are confidential. All judges are requested to sign a form to keep all information they receive confidential.
- Please ensure all details entered are correct. Information supplied on your entry will be used to announce the shortlist should your entry be successful.
The core component of your entry should be based on the category criteria questions for the category you are entering.
Your entry should include:
- Clearly defined vision and goals (questions relating to the criteria will be different for each category (300 words)
- Provide details of your service, what makes you different to your competitors (500 words)
- Tangible evidence of the impact of the product/practice/supplier/service – where relevant, please use customer feedback, anecdotes and feedback (300 words)
- How you intend to build on your efforts in the future (300 words)
- Why you deserve to win an Optician Award (100 words)
Your entry also requires an entry photo which represents your entry (e.g. product/practice/team). Please upload this with your entry.
In addition to the entry document, you may include supporting material. Supporting material may include, but is not limited to:
- Photographs
- Testimonials
- Graphs/data
- PDF’s of any printed material (adverts, brochures, news articles etc)
- If video URL links are used you must host the video otherwise they won’t be viewed for judging
Please note that you should submit no more than 5 supporting documents. Each supporting document can have a maximum of 10 pages per file. Please upload your supporting material with your entry document. There is a maximum entry size of 50MB.
- Take the time to thoroughly read the list of categories available for entry.
- Once you have narrowed down the category or categories you would like to enter, read the criteria the judging panel will be using to judge your entry. Make sure you fulfil the entry requirements.
- Make sure you choose the category that suits your strengths.
- Do not use the same entry wording, with a slightly changed introduction, for different categories, as the judges will notice and mark down your entry.
- If you are entering one of the ‘people’ awards make sure to use the entrant’s name and not the practice’s name.
- Individual categories do not count as a practice entry.
- Don’t be tempted to describe what an optical practice does. Use your entry to describe the different and excellent things about your practice and stick to the areas requested in the entry criteria.
- The entry document is the most important part of your entry. Supporting material is optional and if supplied should be used to back up and support what is in your entry document.
- The judges will have access to the entry statements online before the official panel discussions take place. The panels will have the chance to discuss their choices and look at any supporting materials supplied.
