Optique Line's John Nicola with the winning Architekt Kollektion display kit

Celebrating the best of O=Mega19’s exhibitors’ products, services and displays, the inaugural O=Mega19 Awards of Excellence highlighted the show’s best in fashion, innovation and technology. The independent panel of industry stalwarts comprised of Professor Fiona Stapleton from the School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW Sydney; Steven Daras, optical dispenser and course coordinator TAFE Digital; independent optometrist Richard Banks; and Lyndal Frollano, former creative director Harper’s Bazaar Magazine. The winners were:

• Optical frames women: Silhouette - 20 Years TMA special Edition (model 1589/75)
• Optical frames men: Marchon Eyewear - Lacoste (Paris collection) – L2504PC
• Sunglasses: Fritz Distribution – Far Fetched by Fritz Frames
• Children’s frames: Tomato Glasses - Tomato Glasses TKDC16
• Sports eyewear: Bolle - Shifter RX
• Lens design: Rodenstock - Impression FreeSign 3 DNEye Pro
• Lens coating: VSP Optics - SunSync Elite
• Dispensing equipment: Rodenstock - DNEye Scanner 2
• Consulting room equipment: Optimed - Revo FC
• Accessories: Good Optical Services – The Eye Doctor ‘Sterileyes’ anti-bacterial eye compress
• Product environment (POS, retail): Optique Line - ZEISS Eyewear Architekt Kollektion display kit
• Contact lenses: VTi/CLC NaturalVue (EtafilconA) multifocal 1-day

The best large stand was won by Maui Jim, for its Hawaiian-themed stand, complete with beach bar and Hawaiian dancers, LBJ Optical won best medium stand and Proper Goods won best small stand.