A NEWPORT optician who scooped multiple accolades in 2017 is in the frame for a win again after being shortlisted in the ‘Dispensing Optician of the Year’ category at the Association of Optometrists Awards 2019.

Russell Ham, who works at the Specsavers store at Austin Friars, is one of just three dispensing opticians across the UK in the running for the award category.

Judges will be looking for people with an encyclopaedic lens knowledge, who can demonstrate how they keep up-to-date with new innovations in frames and lenses, and how they have supported the professional development of other staff members in-store.

Mr Ham said: "It’s an honour to have been selected for these prestigious awards. There are many talented people in the optical industry so I’m delighted to have already got this far. Winning the award would be the icing on the cake."

Russell experienced a host of award success in 2017, including being named ‘Optician of the Year’ at the Macular Society’s Awards for Excellence, receiving a five-star award from the Wales Council for the Blind and being shortlisted for ‘Health Care Professional of the Year’ at the South Wales Argus Health and Care Awards.

Jason Williams, Specsavers Newport director, said: "Russell had an excellent 2017 and we’re confident he can replicate this success at the AOP Awards. He epitomises the dedication and professionalism of all of the staff in our store, and we will be rooting for him at the ceremony."

Members of the public can cast their vote by visiting www.aop.org.uk/awards before 5pm on Wednesday, December 12. Results will be announced at a black-tie dinner on Sunday, January 13, 2019 at ExCeL in London.