Independent Practice of the Year Award Winners

We spoke to SightCare Independent Practice of the Year Award winners, Donovan Smith Opticians, about how winning an award at the 2023 SightCare Conference has impacted their team.

How did you/your team feel when your practice was announced as the Independent Practice of the Year winner?

Those of us at the conference were quite emotional actually. The presentation on stage was very professional increasing the tension but effectively illustrating the great practices nominated. The rest of the team were immediately informed and understandably were delighted.

What was the stand out feature that you believe set you apart from your competitors in this category?

Our history, refit, technology and clinical expertise were all relevant but the stand out feature was our new website with attached videos.

Does this win make you want to be more ambitious about your practice and if so how?

It’s certainly encouraged me to enter more awards because this is the first we’ve ever entered.

How do you believe opticians/practices can have a positive influence through social media?

Social media enables practitioners to educate the public to promote eye care and hopefully prevent sight loss.

What future plans can be expected from you?

My future plans are to retire from seeing patients but help ensure the practice continues as a successful independent practice so our present Optometrists have a chance to acquire shares and eventually take over.

How have you been been able share your award success with your patients, community and staff?

Firstly, we treated the staff to a meal to celebrate one evening after work. The trophy and frame are prominently on display in the practice and we verbally mention it when we can! A window banner and newspaper editorials will soon follow plus we can now mention we are an ‘award winning practice’ on our website!