The Optician Awards 2026 Shortlist in Focus

Which parts of UK optics are getting attention this year? The 2026 shortlist spans individual clinical practice, optical businesses, enhanced services, technology and suppliers. Here, NeedAnOptom Healthcare highlights a selection of categories relevant to optical professionals and practice owners. This is not the complete shortlist.

According to Optician Online’s announcement, published on 9 October 2026, more than 250 entries were received across 19 categories. The shortlists are presented in alphabetical order.

Two categories are new for 2026: one for the use of artificial intelligence and one recognising the role of owner practitioners. The winners will be announced at a black-tie ceremony at the Royal Lancaster London Hotel on Friday 11 December 2026.

Optometrist of the Year

The category recognises an optometrist’s work with patients, colleagues and the wider community. The shortlisted entrants are:

• Adib Missaghi, Monnow Eyecare
• Andy Britton, Specsavers Haverfordwest
• Anthony Josephson, Maskell + Josephson
• David Burghardt, David Burghardt Vision Care
• Hasan Akhtar, Taylor Biddle Opticians
• Kiran Pannu-Dhillon, Maverick & Wolf, Chiswick
• Michelle Beach, Park Vision
• Robert Longhurst, CES Medical

Multiple Practice of the Year

This category focuses on practices operating within a multiple setting. The shortlist is:

• Boots Opticians Whetstone
• Specsavers Morningside & Cameron Toll
• Specsavers Blaby
• Specsavers Minehead
• Specsavers Northampton

Enhanced Service Award, sponsored by Newmedica

Enhanced services are an important part of how many practices respond to local eye-care needs. The shortlisted practices are:

• Clearview Opticians
• Louth Vision Centre
• Monnow Eyecare
• Specsavers Haverfordwest
• Woodhouse Opticians and Audiology

Technology Practice of the Year, sponsored by Topcon

This category recognises the use of technology in practice. The shortlisted practices are:

• Boots Opticians Romsey (Wessex Optical)
• Diopter Eye Clinic
• Feltham Eyecare Centre
• Specsavers Haverfordwest
• Specsavers Norwich White Lion Street

Independent Practice of the Year, sponsored by Hoya

The independent practice category brings a focus to the variety of businesses serving patients across the sector. The shortlist is:

• CBTR Opticians
• Haydenswan Eyecare
• Monnow Eyecare
• SG Eyecare

Optical Supplier Award

This category covers services supplied to optical businesses. Its criteria include recruitment, software, finance, consumables, training, shop fittings and accessories. It is the category where a recruitment service competes alongside the supply side of the industry.

The shortlisted entrants are:

• Bondeye Optical
• Coloron
• Mainline Instruments
• Myers La Roche
• Scope Eyecare

A snapshot of a sector investing in capability

Taken together, these selected categories reflect a sector investing in capability. The new awards recognise artificial intelligence and owner practitioners, while clinical and service categories sit alongside technology, dispensing practice and supplier services.

That range offers a useful reminder for practice owners: the people side of a business is part of how a practice works and performs. Hiring, training and team development sit alongside clinical services, equipment and day-to-day operations. They are not separate from the quality of the patient experience.

For candidates, practices investing in technology, enhanced services and team development are worth watching as you consider your next step. The shortlist is a snapshot, not a guide to every employer or opportunity in the sector. But it does show the breadth of work happening across UK optics.

The full roll of honour for 2026 is printed in the Optician issue. The organiser directs readers to opticianawards.co.uk for further information.

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