An independent panel of experienced industry experts has been appointed to judge the Optical Distributors and Manufacturers Association (ODMA) Awards for Excellence.
The awards, recognising the best in fashion, innovation and technology within the optical industry, is returning in 2023 after a four-year hiatus.
This year’s judges include independent optometrist Mr Richard Banks, optical dispensing educator Ms Keleigh Walsh, UNSW Scientia Professor Fiona Stapleton, fashion designer Mr Stefanos Stefanou, and sustainability expert Ms Penny Prasad.
ODMA CEO Amanda Trotman said the association has had an overwhelming response from organisations keen to be part of this year’s ODMA Awards for Excellence program.
“It’s obvious that there have been lots of great new products in recent years and ‘innovation a plenty’ in our industry. I am thrilled that distributors and manufacturers have taken the time to share the details of these initiatives and are keen to celebrate their achievements,” she said.
“It will be four years since the prior awards were presented, given the cancellation of O=MEGA21 due to the COVID pandemic.”
Trotman said 87 submissions have been received across 10 categories, from optical frames and sunglasses to children’s frames, sports eyewear, lens design, lens coatings, optical equipment, over-the-counter products, accessories and point-of-sale initiatives.
A new category ODMA has introduced for the first time in 2023 recognises Australian businesses that are employing environmentally sustainable business processes and/or manufacturing or distributing sustainable eyewear and eyecare products.
“It is great to see how the industry has embraced submissions in this new category and to hear how optical manufacturers and suppliers are finding ways to be more environmentally friendly, whether that be through materials used, production and distribution processes or changes to packaging,” Trotman said.
Submissions closed in July; judging will conclude on 14 August. Finalists will be announced by the end of August and winners will be announced at O=MEGA23 on 8 September.
Judging panel
Richard Banks
With more than 30 years’ experience as an optometrist and more than 20 years running his own practice in Woollahra, Richard is well-qualified to comment on a range of optical products and services.
Richard has undertaken post-graduate studies in ocular therapeutics, allowing him to prescribe eye medications for common anterior eye diseases. He also has training in fitting orthokeratology contact lenses and other myopia-control modalities.
Before Richard established his practice in Woollahra in 1999, he gained wide experience in a number of established practices in Australia and the UK.
Richard states that the ethos of his practice has always been to provide the highest levels of personalised professional care in all aspects of eyecare. He provides a holistic approach to optometry, supported by well-established contacts with local GPs and ophthalmologists.
Keleigh Walsh
Keleigh Walsh began her career in the optical industry in the early 1990s. While working in the retail section of a superstore chain, with a fully functioning surfacing and fitting laboratory instore, she undertook her Diploma in Optical Dispensing through the Guild of Dispensing Opticians.
With a one-hour lab onsite, Keleigh was given the advantage of experiencing the other side of spectacle production, surfacing, edging and fitting, firsthand.
After five years Keleigh moved to a smaller franchise practice in Sydney’s CBD, where she continued her journey as an optical dispenser for another five years, before moving to an independent optometry practice closer to home.
From here, Keleigh ventured across to the wholesale side of optics where she travelled around the state and country, visiting optical laboratories and retail practices, and attending trade shows, including ODMA’s events, assisting her customers to find solutions to their everyday challenges.
Keleigh was invited to join the team of optical dispensing teachers at TAFE NSW. Here she has been able to continue to share her passion for the optical industry, dispensing skills and product knowledge with students from all around the country.
Keleigh has been teaching for more than 14 years and is currently the head teacher in the clinical health section at TAFE Digital, has consulted to optical suppliers and was part of the recent redesigning of the ever-popular W&G PD Ruler.
Fiona Stapleton
Fiona is a well-known and respected optical industry member and a prior ODMA Awards judge. Fiona’s credentials include:
- Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering, 2018
- Life Fellow, British College of Optometrists, 2019
- Diplomate, Cornea, Contact Lens and Refractive Technologies, American Academy of Optometry, 2015
- Fellow, Cornea and Contact Lens Society of Australia. 2012
- Fellow, British Contact Lens Association, 2009
- GradCertOcTher (University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 2008)
- PhD, Thesis entitled ‘The pathogenesis and epidemiology of contact lens related disease’ (City University, London, England, 1991)
- MSc (by research), Thesis entitled ‘The investigation of spectral sensitivity in diabetes’ (University of Manchester, England, 1988)
- BSc (Hons, Optometry) (University of Wales, Cardiff, Wales, 1985)
Stefanos Stefanou
Born into the fashion industry in London, Stefanos’ childhood memories include sleeping amongst the rolls of fabric in the family business and the clatter of clothing racks along the cobblestone streets, rolling in and out of West End showrooms.
Stefanos’ fashion industry career has a focus in concept, design, product and business development. He has worked with some iconic brands both here and internationally. As co-founder, Stefanos also launched a boutique women’s label at Paris Fashion Week. He has a design background across diverse categories from denim to suiting for both men and women.
Stefanos is currently working with a small-to-medium enterprise as general manager of apparel, where he has built a corporate segment for the business, providing wardrobe solutions for clients’ including concierge, security, building and centre management needs across the country.
Recently he has developed a brand for sustainable corporate uniforms and apparel through sustainable brand ‘inka’. Engaging in contemporary recycling initiatives and circular economy opportunities is something Stefanos is very passionate about.
Penny Prasad
Penny has more than 25 years’ experience working with manufacturing industries. Before founding The Ecoefficiency Group, she worked as a consultant and researcher on ecoefficiency projects across various industries including metal fabrication, poultry production, and dairy processing.
Penny has extensive experience in the food manufacturing industry and has worked managing both production and sustainability for some of Australia’s largest food production organisations.
She is a Certified Measurement and Verification Professional, Professional Credentialed Specialist for Alliance for Water Stewardship and a member of Reconciliation Queensland.
Penny’s qualifications include a Bachelor Chemical Engineering (Honours), Master of Energy Studies, Graduate Certificate in Developmental Planning, Certified Measurement and Verification, Registered Consultant for Climate Active Program and Professional Credentialed Specialist with the Alliance for Water Stewardship.
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