Independent Practice of the Year winners
A huge congratulations to Simon Berry Optometrist who won the 2025 SightCare Award for Independent Practice of the Year Award, sponsored by HOYA.
Simon Berry Optometrist stood out for their unwavering commitment to providing personalised and professional eye care. Their dedication to innovation and patient satisfaction sets a benchmark for independent practices across the country.
We spoke to Simon Berry Optometrist about their recent win:
What was your initial reaction when you and your team found out that your practice had won the Independent Practice of the Year award?
Shock…. and then thinking we shouldn’t have sat quite so far back!
I really didn’t think we’d win the award, it was nice just to be short-listed. After the shock came a sense of pride. I am really proud of our team and our Practice. I’m pleased that their hard work has been recognised.
What do you believe was the key factor that set your practice apart and led to this win?
That’s a difficult one because I think that every Independent Practice has a spark that no-one else has. I think maybe if there was any one factor for me it is that we stick to our core values. Regardless of what it happening around us – COVID, austerity, what feels like the collapse of the NHS! – whatever is happening around us we aim to be unique and always support the community around us. Our Practice evolves as our patients needs change.
Has this recognition inspired you to set new goals or be more ambitious in your practice? If so, how?
Not so much setting new goals, but I guess the award has validated the way we do things. I’m constantly feeling that ‘imposter syndrome’ and sometimes thinking the direction I take the Practice is the wrong one. For me, being Independent means setting your own course and trying to be innovative and unique. This award has given us a boost and will keep the doubts at bay for a bit!
What exciting developments or future plans can we expect from your practice following this achievement?
This is a big year for our Practice. My Visual Fixation System is about to be re-launched, there is a new Gilesgate Story Challenge currently being written and lots of other great things that I don’t really want to say yet incase they don’t happen! This is a great start to 2025 and I guess….. watch this space!
How have you celebrated and shared this success with your patients, community, and staff? What has the response been like?
We have put the trophy on display right in the middle of the Practice. It’s really nice to see patients as excited and proud of it as we are. It’s things like this that really make the Practice feel like a true community.
