THE OPTICAL OSCARS

Scottish Optometry Awards 2026

Celebrating excellence across the optical profession. A night of prestige, recognition, and Scottish glamour.

Saturday 14th November | Radisson Blu, Glasgow

A legacy of excellence

The inaugural Scottish Optometry Awards will take place in Glasgow this November, celebrating excellence across the optical profession. Hosted by Vision Scotland and The Scottish Optical Conference, this not-for-profit event is supported by leading industry organisations including OS, COO, ABDO, GOC, FODO, AOP, GCU, UHI, ACLM, and BCLA.
The event welcomes everyone from across the optical community, including optometrists, dispensing opticians, practice support staff, speakers, exhibitors, partners, and spouses.

On the night

The winners will be announced on the night, presented by leading figures in the industry. These awards will continue each year and will be Scotland’s Optical Oscars with the winners able to proudly display their awards as recognition of their commitment to excellence.

We look forward to celebrating with you — and seeing you on the dance floor!

How your donations will help

very donation made will go directly to the Vision Scotland Sight Saving Fund a charitable initiative established in 2022 with one clear purpose, to help restore sight and improve quality of life for people who are unable to access essential eye surgery when they need it most.

Across Scotland, many individuals are currently facing long waiting times for NHS ophthalmic treatment. For some patients, these delays can lead to worsening vision, loss of independence, reduced mobility, and a significant impact on daily life and mental wellbeing. Others may not have the financial means to pursue private treatment, leaving them with very limited options. The Sight Saving Fund was created to bridge this gap and ensure that vulnerable patients are not left without hope or support.

Funds raised through donations are used to provide life-changing eye surgery for patients in genuine financial hardship who cannot afford treatment themselves and who are unable to access surgery quickly enough through traditional healthcare pathways. By supporting the fund, you are helping to give people the opportunity to regain their sight, maintain their independence, and continue living safely and confidently.

One of the unique aspects of the Sight Saving Fund is that supporters are able to nominate patients for consideration of surgery. This means your fundraising efforts can directly help someone in your own community, family, or local area who may urgently require treatment. All nominations are reviewed carefully, and support is provided based on clinical need and the funding available at the time.

The Sight Saving Fund supports a range of specialist ophthalmic procedures, including:
  • Cataract surgery – helping restore clarity of vision and reduce blindness caused by cataracts.
  • Glaucoma treatment and surgery – supporting patients at risk of permanent vision loss from increased eye pressure.
  • Vitreoretinal (VR) procedures – treating serious conditions affecting the retina and back of the eye.
  • Oculoplastic surgery – addressing conditions involving the eyelids, tear ducts, and surrounding eye structures that can affect both vision and comfort.
Every contribution, no matter the size, helps move another patient closer to receiving potentially sight-saving treatment. Together, we can reduce preventable vision loss, support those most in need, and help ensure that financial circumstances or waiting times do not stand in the way of someone receiving essential eye care.

The evening's flow

Saturday 14th November | Radisson Blu, Glasgow | Smart Dress

18:00

Drinks Reception

19:00

Awards Ceremony

19:45

Dinner

21:00 until late

Ceilidh and DJ

Award categories

New practice award

(Less than 5 years trading)

Established practice award

(Greater than 5 years trading)

Contact lens practice award

Enhanced Optical Practice award

Independent practice award

Multiple practice award

Optometrist / IP award

Dispensing Optician / CLO award

Support staff or practice team award

Dry eye award

Outstanding achievement award

Rising star award

Product award

Student award

Book to attend

Nominate or an award

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FAQ's

No
Community Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians who currently do or do not work with Vision Scotland are able to nominate patients to access this fund.

2/11/26. Winners will be announced on the night.

Dress Smart such a lounge suit or evening wear.
There will be allocated VIP tables but the majority will be open seating so sit with your friends or make some new friends if sitting individually.
Glasgow Radisson Blu Hotel with excellent transport links next to Glasgow Central Station, M8 motorway and Glasgow airport.

Please visit www.soc.scot (Accommodation)

No limit

The Scottish Optometry Awards will be judged by a panel of experts specialising in different areas of optometry and the optical industry. They will be looking for excellence and that something that offers a bit of a difference from the competition.

The judging panel will include distinguished industry leaders: Optometrists and founder of the Scottish Optometry Conference, Dr Scott Mackie, along with the sponsor or supporter for each award. Their expertise will guide the evaluation process to uphold the highest standards.

Our awards ceremony employs a comprehensive, anonymous judging process, combining both qualitative and quantitative evaluations to ensure fair and balanced recognition of outstanding entries.

Qualitative Assessment
Judges will meticulously examine the content and supporting evidence within each nominee’s submission.

Criteria includes:

  • Originality and Creativity: How unique and innovative is the approach to the project?
  • Impact: What difference has the nominee made in their field or community?
  • Clarity and Presentation: Is the submission well-structured and easy to understand?
  • Relevance: Does the entry align with the goals and criteria of the award category?
  • For detailed criteria specific to each award category, please see individual award description.

 

Quantitative Assessment
Judges will consider the number of submissions from each individual or practice. We encourage nominees to share their nominations widely to boost visibility and encourage a stronger showing from their peers. Good luck to all nominees!