If it was already important to honour those who every day provide essential services to the population, with the spread of Covid-19 throughout the world, the Essilor Prize for Excellence in Optics now makes even more sense. At a difficult time for companies in the optical sector, who kept their doors open throughout lockdown and who now face the impact of the decline in economic activity, this award recognises the courage of them all, and the service provided by their professionals to the community, as a sign of support and confidence in their future.

And, without further ado, we present the winners of this first edition: Óptica Brasil, Lisbon (Best Service); Alberto Oculista, Saldanha branch, Lisbon (Best Customer Appeal); André Ópticas Group, Lisbon (Best Communication/Visual Health Information); Optocentro, Lisbon (Best Social Impact); and again Alberto Oculista, Saldanha branch, Lisbon (The Grand Prize “Optic of the Year”). By direct vote of the jury, the “Career” prize was also awarded to Francisco Mendes Bolas, from Óptica Havaneza, Évora, and the “Innovation/Research” award to the professor and researcher José Manuel González-Meijome, responsible for the creation of an international network research in optometry.

Watch the ceremony here.