Optical Distributors and Manufacturers Association (ODMA) is debuting an awards program that will focus on frames and celebrate fashion, fun and creativity.
The awards program, open to all ODMA members, will honour excellence and innovation within the optical industry and “highlight the remarkable achievements of products”.
All entries will be displayed at O-SHOW24, from 17-18 May at the Hordern Pavillion, Sydney, with winners announced during the Friday networking event from 5pm.
ODMA CEO, Ms Amanda Trotman said the awards “aim to spotlight the significant contribution that frames make to the comfort, eyecare, and visual appeal provided to its wearers and present a unique opportunity to celebrate the optical industry’s fashionable, fun, and creative dimension”.
Award categories will include most outstanding newly released frame RRP under AU$300 and most outstanding newly released frame AU$330 and over with judging occurring via a ‘people’s choice’ approach.
Optometrists, optical retailing staff, and independent optical dispensers will be called upon through ODMA’s print publication subscriber base as well as social media and online channels to vote for the nominated products.
As an added incentive, participants in the voting process will be eligible to enter a prize draw with ODMA inviting members to provide product packages as additional prizes.
“This awards program will really involve the wider optical community,” Trotman said. “Having the live event platform in the form of O-SHOW24 in May for us to showcase the celebrated entries during the entire event and announce the ultimate winners there in front of a large optical audience at the evening networking event, is such a great opportunity for us all.”
Criteria suggestions for voters include colour appeal, materials used, on-trend, shape, customer value, comfort, practicality of the frame and ease of fitting.
A copy of the submission form is available from vforbes@socialties.com.au.
Frame entry submissions open 15 March and close 12 April, with voting occurring 17 April to 13 May. Finalists will be announced on 15 May.
“ODMA is excited to provide another excuse to celebrate fantastic product and Australian optical business successes,” Trotman said.
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