We are delighted to share that SeeAbility’s Senior Dispensing Optician and Dispensing Team Lead Martyn Howlett won Dispensing Optician of the Year at the 2024 Optician Awards. The awards have been running for over 25 years and are a mainstay of celebrating the optical industry’s stars.

Martyn was nominated along with three other dispensing opticians, who were selected by a panel of experts from different areas of the optical sector.

Martyn Howlett leads the team of dispensing opticians at SeeAbility who supply glasses and support strategies for successful wear in special schools. He is passionate about proactive dispensing, enabling every child to achieve their visual potential.

The awards ceremony took place on Friday at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane. The event attracted over 500 eye care professionals, hosted by Optician Editor-in-Chief Chris Bennett and TV presenter and Channel 4’s Countdown host Colin Murray.

Lisa Donaldson, SeeAbility’s Head of Eye Care and Vision, said: 

“Martyn’s dedication to delivering accessible eye care and making a difference in the lives of those with learning disabilities and autism is truly exceptional. We’re incredibly proud to see his hard work and commitment recognised.”

Martyn was thrilled to win the award, saying: 

“It’s a real privilege to serve the special schools and their students in this way and be considered for such a prestigious award. I am so excited to represent SeeAbility and the vital special schools eye care service. Half of children at special schools have a problem with their eyesight, and the majority of their sight issues can be supported and treated with spectacles and the specialist skills of dispensing opticians.

“I see children every day who have previously missed out on the spectacles they need, leaving them functionally visually impaired, either because no one thought they might need glasses, or no one believed they would be able to tolerate them, but they are now proudly wearing them. These outcomes are possible if you have dispensing opticians as part of this service, and yet this is the element most under threat in new NHS plans for the special schools eye care service.

“I am proud to work alongside colleagues who believe like me that everyone has an equal right to sight. We will keep campaigning to ensure the critical importance of the specialist skills of dispensing opticians is acknowledged for people with learning disabilities and all vulnerable patients.”

Congratulations Martyn, we are so proud to have you on the team!