The organisers of the Scottish Optical Conference (SOC) have issued an open invitation to the inaugural Scottish Optometry Awards on Saturday 15 November at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow.
Preceding the 2025 SOC on Sunday 16 November at the same venue, the evening of celebration and fundraising replaces the previously advertised free drinks reception – “and reflects on the SOC providing 30 years of CPD provision in Scotland”, said Dr Scott Mackie, joint conference organiser alongside Dr Roisin Mackie.
The not-for-profit charity evening will be co-hosted by Vision Scotland and the SOC – and is free to attend for the entire optical profession and industry regardless of conference attendance.
The awards are supported by ABDO, Optometry Scotland, the General Optical Council, FODO – the Association for Eyecare Providers, the Association of Optometrists and the British Contact Lens Association.
ABDO CEO, Alistair Bridge, will present the Dispensing Optician of the Year Award – while the minister for public health and women’s health, Jenni Minto, has been invited to give a short welcoming speech on behalf of the Scottish government.
“All attendees will be invited to give a voluntary donation to a Sight Saving Fund we have set up so that patients who cannot afford treatment, can receive this at no charge on a case by case basis whether a stakeholder with Vision Scotland or not,” said Scott.
The evening will begin with a drinks reception in the mezzanine foyer at 7pm, followed by dinner from 7.30pm to 9pm. The awards will run from 9pm until 9.30pm, followed a DJ and band until 11.30pm.
Nominations and self-nominations are now open for the awards in 14 different categories.
“We want to recognise and promote excellence – as this is what the ethos of our conference is all about,” Scott added. “It promises to be a great night for all the profession.”
The reduced rate for ABDO members booking on to the conference is just £29 to cover the cost of lunch and refreshments.