Respectacle named ‘Frame Styling Practice of the Year’ at National SightCare Awards!
Last November, we were thrilled to learn that we had been shortlisted for a national SightCare Award. In recognition of Team Respectacle’s hard work and dedication to eyewear and eye care, we were nominated in the category of ‘Frame Styling Practice of the Year’. While we were excited to be considered for such a prestigious accolade, we certainly didn’t expect to win!
Fast forward to the last weekend of January 2025, and I headed to Birmingham to attend the 2025 SightCare Conference and Awards at the Telford International Centre. It’s one of the largest free-to-attend events in the independent optical sector. I brought my son, Amos, along for moral support. I was astonished when they announced that Respectacle Company had won! To be recognised by our peers as one of the best independent opticians in the country wasn’t on my bingo card for 2025. But what a blessed way to start the new year!
SightCare Award winners
SightCare Conference is a must-attend event for independent opticians in the UK
SightCare is an organisation set up to give business and marketing support to independent opticians throughout the UK. Their slogan is “Independent not alone” The organisation is a valuable resource and support network for anyone working as an independent optician, and they hold their conference once a year. With members spread throughout the UK, it can be a challenge to find a suitable venue accessible for everyone. But Birmingham is less than a 2-hour drive up the M6 for me, so it didn’t take long for Amos and I to get to the Telford International Centre.
The conference was held over two days, and on Sunday afternoon, we headed to the ‘World Café’, where we met up and mixed with our independent colleagues. We chatted, deliberated and exchanged ideas over a series of questions that had been set for us to discuss. The experience was both enlightening and informative, and I left with a wealth of ideas and insights that we can implement here at Respectacle.
After a brief break to refresh, we headed to the Ironbridge Suite for the award ceremony that evening, and what a night it turned out to be! It was an honour just to be shortlisted for the ‘Frame Styling Optician of the Year’ award, but to win it was an incredibly proud moment for our little optical store. But perhaps the greatest privilege was being in a room filled with like-minded, forward-thinking individuals from the world of optics. The passion, talent and dedication on display were truly inspiring.
Alison and Amos at the SightCare Awards
Here’s what the judges had to say about Respectacle Company winning the ‘Frame Styling Practice of the Year’ category:
“The winner of this award stood out for their exceptional, personalized approach to frame styling, taking into account each patient’s unique preferences, needs, and prescription requirements, ensuring that every frame and lens combination is tailored to perfection. The judges were particularly impressed with the level of care and commitment the team shows in helping every patient feel confident and excited about their eyewear choices.”
Alison with our SightCare Award
The following day – after recovering from a few celebratory drinks the night before – we returned to the venue for some ‘break-out’ sessions and workshops, which were once again very useful and informative. I found the session about window displays and how to attract people’s attention particularly valuable. There was also an exhibition from optical suppliers showcasing their new products and information about upcoming changes in the optical industry.
We had a great weekend, and I came away not only very proud of what we as a team had achieved with our eyewear frame styling award but also with plenty of notes and information. There’s lots we can implement to ensure we continue to provide the highest quality service and products that our customers have come to expect from us at Respectacle Company.
Independent opticians: the best place to get your eyes tested, according to consumer champion Which?
Did you know? In a 2024 survey by Which? over 90% of respondents voted for independent opticians as the best place to get an eye test. However, independent opticians are being squeezed from the marketplace by huge high-street chains and smaller buying groups that acquire independent practices. While these practices continue to operate under their existing names and appear independent, they are part of a much larger group. Which means they are restricted in how they can operate and manage the business.
To be able to thrive in such a market and continue to serve our local community, we need the support of industry organisations to help stand out from the high street chains. We have found SightCare’s support and guidance to be invaluable.
As a family-owned and operated independent optician, our focus is on providing a professional and knowledgeable service, along with a selection of unique, high-quality, and often handmade eyewear. We would love you to visit our Manor Walk store if you would like to know more about what we offer inlcuding eyewear frame styling. In the meantime, you can read our blog about the benefits of independent opticians.
Further reading:
Why we need to continue our education as dispensing opticians
What we offer our customers as an independent opticians
