SeeAbility is extremely proud to have been shortlisted for two prestigious national awards by the Association of Optometrists (AOP). The announcement as one of three finalists in not only the category of Charity of the Year, but also Lisa Donaldson — Clinical Lead for our Children in Focus Campaign - for Optometrist of the Year, marks the beginning of voting which ends midnight Sunday 18 December. 

The Awards, now in its sixth year, recognises the highest levels of achievement in UK optics. The Charity of the Year accolade celebrates innovative and successful initiatives from the past 12 months which encompass either a lead on research, education, strong campaign work or profile-raising activities within the area of eye health. The Optometrist of the Year accolade celebrates practitioners who have combined a commitment to patient care with hands-on clinical expertise, while also playing a key role in initiatives designed to support the profession.

SeeAbility has been running the UK’s largest research study and sight testing programme in special schools since 2013. We have found children with learning disabilities are 28 times more likely to have a serious sight problem than other children, but over four in ten pupils have had no history of sight tests or eye care. SeeAbility has now carried out over 1,000 sight tests in nine special schools; seven in London, one in Buckinghamshire and one in County Durham.

A sign of SeeAbility's progress

Lisa Donaldson, SeeAbility’s Clinical Lead, says she is delighted to have made the shortlist, sponsored by Lloyd and Whyte:

To be nominated for both Charity and Optometrist of the year shows that SeeAbility is making real progress and starting to make a huge difference nationally in the eye care sector. Through our public health work raising awareness of the importance of good eye health for children and adults with learning disabilities, we are getting far better known and it is humbling to be recognised for it.

AOP Chief Executive, Henrietta Alderman, said the Awards are:

about celebrating the talent and expertise of practitioners who contribute so much to the public and profession ... This year we have seen some remarkable entrees who demonstrate real commitment and skill in delivering for patients, as well as playing an important role in the optical community. We are looking forward to giving them the recognition they deserve.