We are thrilled to announce that we have been shortlisted for two categories in the highly regarded national UK Optician Awards. Recognised as the benchmark of excellence in the optical community, the awards showcase the best in achievement, ability and performance.
The first award, Children’s Contact Lens Practice of the Year, is in recognition of our expertise in this area, fitting contact lenses and supporting children as they adapt to lens wear. We passionately promote contact lenses to children with a range of requirements. There are those with complex eye conditions for whom contact lens wear could be truly life-changing. Then there are children those for whom contact lens wear will have a positive impact on their lifestyle, for instance sporty children or those who are self-conscious glasses-wearers. Finally, short-sighted children who can reap the huge benefits of Myopia Management lenses.
We have a team of optometrists and dispensing specialists who are hugely passionate, working tirelessly to help children transition to contact lens wear, ensuring it is a positive experience for the child and their carers. Our team is highly experienced and in 2017 underwent training covering play therapy, child anxiety, distraction techniques and instilling confidence in children.
We have also been shortlisted for the Practice Growth Award. This award is acknowledgement of how we have grown the business in 2017. With patient numbers up across the board, as well as a significant increase in eyewear sales.
In 2016, we decided to overhaul our dispensing room, from a standard opticians where hundreds of mass-produced frames were displayed, to a high-end fashion boutique, stocking a range of handcrafted, independent designers which command a higher price tag. Previously the high standard of eye care was in contrast with the eyewear offering. Now they share the same core values of the highest quality, attention to detail and with a strong focus on the patient.
After extensive research across Europe, it was decided the dispensing room should be more akin to a high end jewellers or a handbag store, than an optometry practice. This was a risk, but we have been delighted to see that more and more, people are demanding quality, well-made products, choosing to shop local and shopping independent brands, moving away from the big name, mass produced frames, preferring handcrafted, artisan eyewear. We have seen it in other areas in the fashion industry, and now eyewear is following. People are also craving an ‘experience’. At Cameron Optometry, we encourage customers to step out of their comfort zones. Trying new styles and new designers. Being bold with shape and colour. Reflecting personality through eyewear. There are some incredible fashion boutiques in Edinburgh and we hope in 2018, we will work with them to further promote independent designers, whilst encouraging residents to shop local.
Thank you to all those who have supported us as we continue to grow and build our independent optometry practice. The award winners will be announced in mid-April, so please cross your fingers.
For further information on children’s contact lenses, please visit www.cameronoptom.com/children
For further information on our Frame Room, please visit www.cameronoptom.com/frame-room
Previous awards
UK Practice of the Year Finalist 2017
Technology Practice of the Year Finalist 2016
Contact Lens Practitioner of the Year 2015
UK Practice of the Year 2014