The Optical Distributors and Manufacturers Association (ODMA) Awards for Excellence are back, four years after they were last presented following the cancellation of O=Mega21 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The awards acknowledge and reward the very best in fashion, innovation and technology within the optical industry, said ODMA CEO Amanda Trotman. “We have had an overwhelming response in 2023 from organisations keen to be part of this year’s ODMA Awards for Excellence programme. It’s obvious there have been lots of great new products in recent years and innovation aplenty in our industry. I’m thrilled distributors and manufacturers have taken the time to share the details of these initiatives and are keen to celebrate their achievements.”

Across the 10 award categories, 87 submissions have been received, ranging 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, sustainability initiatives, has also been introduced.  

This year’s judging panel includes Australian independent optometrist Richard Banks; dispensing optician and TAFE Digital clinical health head teacher Keleigh Walsh: University of New South Wales’ Scientia Professor Fiona Stapleton; fashion designer Stefanos Stefanou; and manufacturing sustainability specialist Penny Prasad, director of The Ecoefficiency Group.

Finalists and category winners will be announced on Friday 8 September at the O=Mega23 trade fair, 8-10 September in Melbourne.

For more about the event, click here.