The awards are presented by Optician, the UK’s leading optical magazine, which has been published weekly since 1891. The award ceremony takes place at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane in London and the 2024 ceremony was hosted by radio and television presenter Colin Murray.
The 18 awards cover all aspects of the UK optical profession and retail business. They are judged by a panel of experts from across the optical business and academic community.
The Outstanding Achievement Award is sponsored by healthcare firm Topcon and was judged by a panel of experts from across the optical business and academic community. Professor Gilmartin, who first joined Aston University in 1974 as a lecturer, was recognised for his extensive research into myopia (shortsightedness) over his long career.
Professor Gilmartin’s award was presented by Topcon managing director Andrew Yorke and accepted on Professor Gilmartin’s behalf by Professor Shehzad Naroo, who himself recently picked up an award from the College of Optometrists.
The judges said: “Optics is blessed with a legion of dedicated professionals who have devoted their lives to the visual needs of others. The judges discussed a number of nominations and agonised over picking a single name from such an august list.
“The panel chose our winner not just for the work they have been recognised for but the continuing talent pool they have spawned. One judge described our winner as the godfather of myopia, another said he had created a global legacy of talent in myopia. He’s a man who mentors, enthuses and educates others without ever talking down.”
Professor Gilmartin said: "It is a great honour to receive this award and I feel a great sense of gratitude for the support I have received throughout my career from Aston University, The College of Optometrists, and from the many international and national colleagues, especially those whom I was fortunate to be their PhD supervisor. I joined the first honours degree course at the City University in 1965 and it has been a privilege to see how the profession has developed across many spheres of clinical work, teaching and research."
