On Wednesday, October 8, Jackson and Gill Opticians in Hay-on-Wye officially received the coveted National Opticians of the Year Award from the trade association Optical Success Academy, during a ceremony held at the practice.

A catered lunch was served and a number of community leaders were in attendance, along with Hay’s Town Crier and current and former employees, as well as friends and family.

In June, the owner of the business Annette Latham-Jackson competed at the Optical Success Academy conference in Manchester, with more than 100 of the top independent opticians in the UK. Due to her impressive story of growth and innovative business practices, they were crowned the winner of the Independent Optician Practice of the Year.

The Director of Optical Success Academy Conor Heaney travelled to Jackson and Gill Opticians practice on Wednesday to present Annette and the team with their award and to recognise their achievements.

Jackson and Gill Opticians began on November 1, in 2010, when two friends and colleagues, Annette Latham-Jackson and Felicity Gill took over JM Penning Opticians from retiring optometrist Jo Penning.

Their philosophy has always been to provide everyone with a very personal service, combining the latest technology in eye examinations and unique brands of eyewear. Both Annette and Felicity recognised the need to provide the very best eyecare for the town of Hay and surrounding villages and used their own life experiences to build a truly independent practice, going that extra mile for each and every client.

Annette, who now owns and runs the practice by herself, says that her ethos is “to always treat everyone with kindness and respect, and to always give people a reason to walk through the door.”

“And that is even more important today when people have more choices than ever,” said Annette.

“As an independent business, I believe we still have a place in the world today because people still value personal service and being treated like an individual, rather than just a number. I feel very fortunate to have a practice in Hay-on-Wye, which is a truly independent town.

“I would to thank all the staff that have been involved with the practice since the beginning; those that have gone and those that are new, all those that have helped along the way, and the town of Hay-on-Wye because without them we wouldn't be flourishing, and to some of my friends too. Thank you.”

Jackson and Gill Opticians were recognised for offering their clientele something truly different in terms of eyewear style and a highly personal customer experience. The annual award from Optical Success Academy, an industry association consisting of the top independent opticians in the UK and Ireland, represents the best of the best. The future looks bright indeed for Jackson and Gill Opticians.

Jackson and Gill Opticians is located in the Backfold, Castle Street, Hay-on-Wye and is open Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm and alternate Saturdays 9am -4pm.

For more information about the practice, please visit: www.jacksonandgill.co.uk