A HALSTEAD optician is in the running to be named Optometrist of the Year.

Joanne Williams, of Wardale Williams Opticians, has been shortlisted as a finalist for the UK’s Optometrist of the Year in the Optician Awards 2017.

These prestigious awards are held every year to recognise the achievements of those working in the optical profession.

To be named Optometrist of the Year is highly regarded within the optical world and it is awarded to those that demonstrate outstanding commitment to patients and the profession.

Joanna’s nomination illustrated her willingness to go above and beyond carrying out thorough and detailed eye examinations.

Examples included visiting schools to talk to the children about eye tests and assess them for reading difficulties, baking tasty treats for a healthy eating initiative and cycling from London to Brighton to raise funds for charity.

Her devotion to helping children through Colorimetry particularly impressed the judges, as well as setting up a dry eye clinic and introducing a cutting-edge 3D retinal scanner to the Sudbury branch of the opticians.

Joanna said “I am absolutely delighted to have been shortlisted for this award. Win or lose, the process of working towards the award was an amazing and rewarding process and has made me really think about what I do on a daily basis.”

The judges gathered in London in early February to select the finalists across 16 different categories.

The Optometrist of the Year Award is a hotly contested category and Joanna is shortlisted with five other optometrists from around the country.

The winner will be announced during a black tie ceremony in Birmingham on April 1.