CLO wins at Wales awards night

Samantha Houghton is pictured fourth from the right, with fellow winners and colleagues

ABDO member and contact lens optician, Samantha Houghton, was named Dispensing Optician/Contact Lens Optician of the Year at the recent Optometry Wales awards.

Specsavers clinicians and teams won five awards in total on the night.

The company’s Haverfordwest practice, where Samantha practises, won four awards after being shortlisted in eight categories – including Sustainability Practice of the Year and Technology Practice of the Year. Andy Britton, also from the practice, won Optometrist of the Year.

Specsavers Merthyr Tydfil was named Multiple Practice of the Year.

The sustainability award comes at a time when environmental responsibility remains an important focus for the Welsh Government and NHS Wales.

Helen Curran, Specsavers Group head of sustainability, said: ‘I’m thrilled with the fantastic news from the Optometry Wales Awards. This success didn’t happen overnight – it’s the result of years of dedication and consistent effort. The teams have been working quietly yet powerfully to make a real impact, and I couldn’t be prouder of what they have accomplished.”

Wayne Jones, optometrist and director at Specsavers Haverfordwest, added: “We truly appreciate the recognition for all four of our award wins. In addition to us taking the trophies, the Hywel Dda Optometric Team – whom we work very closely with – won the Health Board Support Award, which is fantastic.

“It’s a great reminder of how powerful collaborative working can be. All in all, half of the awards went to west Wales, which is something we’re incredibly proud of. It reflects the years of relentless effort and innovation that Andy has championed, not only within our practice and Specsavers but also across the wider optometric community.”