Dispensing Optician of the Year

Gill Thorp receives her award

Gill Thorp of Airedale Opticians took home the Dispensing Optician of the Year Award at last week’s Optician Awards in London.

Gill has been with Airedale Opticians since 2011, qualifying as a dispensing optician in 2018. In 2020, Gill completed a child psychology diploma, giving her a better insight and tools to discuss eyecare with children. She has also undertaken further training in low vision, and runs low vision assessments to help patients with all levels of sight impairment maintain their independence.

Gill said: “It’s such an honour to have been nominated as the Dispensing Optician of the Year Optician Award. I was so surprised when I was announced as the winner. To have recognition from industry experts and leaders is amazing. I’ve had some really lovely messages of support from patients in the run-up to the ceremony and congratulations afterwards. We have a great team at Airedale Opticians and I do a lot of work with low vision patients, to help them remain as independent as possible. It really is wonderful to be rewarded for doing a job that I enjoy.”

ABDO president Daryl Newsome, who presented Gill with her award on the night, said: “Huge congratulations to Gill on her well-earned achievement against a very strong shortlist – all of whom showed evidence of hard work, diligent practise and keeping up with current and emerging optics. It was a great honour to present Gill with her award.”

The runners-up for the award were: Paul Davies (Nicklins Opticians), Scott O’Neill (Doctor Oculus), Helena Stengel (Anstee and Proctor Opticians) and Lisa Whittaker (Eyes on the Moor).