OPTOMETRIST OF THE YEAR 2015 NOMINATION.
Lincolnshire optometrist nominated for national award
An optometrist from Spalding has been nominated for a national award after exceptional patient praise.
Andy Molsom of Molsom and Associates, is in the running for the ‘Optometrist of the year’ award as part of the Macular Society’s Awards for Excellence. The nomination recognises his exceptionally good practice in the care of people with macular degeneration.
Age-related macular degeneration affects the central vision and is the most common cause of sight loss in the UK. More people are affected as our population ages.
‘Optometrist or optician of the year’ is open to practitioners working in any environment, such as a high street business, hospital or a local society who provide outstanding services to people with macular disease.
Mr Molsom, who was also nominated for the awards in 2013, said: “I am very proud to have been nominated again for this award. It’s a great honour that a patient has thought my care is worthy for this Award of Excellence.
"By investing in the very latest technology, we are able to deliver an exceptional service for our patients. The latest 3D OCT retinal digital scanner helps us to find those patients who are at risk of sight problems, especially wet AMD, at such an early stage that treatment can make a real difference to retaining good eyesight and with it independence for our patients.”
“We are the only optometrist locally who have over 5 years’ experience using this exceptional digital scanning technology, and over 10 years using digital retinal photography, thus offering our patients excellent eye care services.”
“As an independent practice we always do our very best for all our patients, irrespective of the health of their eyes. People with sight problems however need extra care and time to counsel them appropriately.
"I want to thank my staff for their commitment over the years. It is a great privilege to serve local people; improving their eyesight so that they can enjoy life to the full. None of this would be possible without my great team of staff offering the exceptional service we strive for.”
Kathleen Anna Pell, who nominated Mr Molsom for the award, said: “By making sure I had regular examinations on my eyes Mr Molson quickly noticed the change in my right eye that dry macular had changed to wet macular and arranged treatment without delay.
“Mr Molson is well known in this area as a competent and caring optometrist and I recommend him for this award.”
Mr Molsom’s nomination will now be handed over to the judges, who will decide on the overall winners and present them with their awards at the Society’s annual London conference on 26 September.
‘Optometrist or optician of the year’ is one of four awards presented by the charity. There are also honours for ‘Clinical service of the year’, ‘Support and community rehabilitation professional of the year’ and the ‘Chairman’s award for volunteering.’
Cathy Yelf, Chief Executive of the Macular Society, said: “It is clear from his nomination that Mr Molsom works hard to improve the lives of people affected by macular degeneration, with excellence in advice and information. We are extremely grateful for his efforts in Spalding.”
The Macular Society is the national charity for anyone affected by central vision loss. We provide free information and support to improve lives today and we fund research so that one day we can overcome macular disease.
The Macular Society’s annual award scheme has been made possible because of the generous sponsorship of Vision Aid.
For information, advice or support concerning macular degeneration, contact the Macular Society’s helpline on 0300 3030 111 or email help@macularsociety.org
Ends
Notes to Editors:
1) Please find attached a photo of Andy Molsom.
2) Macular disease causes a loss of central vision. The macula (correct) is the central and most sensitive part of the retina. People with advanced macular disease cannot read, drive or recognise faces. Half of all people in the UK registered as sight impaired or severely sight impaired have macular degeneration.
3) The Macular Society is the national charity for anyone affected by central vision loss. Our 16,000 members make us the biggest patient group in the sight loss sector and the voice of people with macular conditions. We provide free information and support to improve lives and ensure no one has to face macular degeneration alone. We have more than 300 Macular Society support group around the UK and beyond. We fund research so that one day we can overcome macular degeneration.
4) The Macular Society Awards were launched in 2009 to recognise the wonderful, and often unsung, work being carried out all around the country for people with macular degeneration.
5) For more information about the awards, or to nominate someone, visit www.macularsociety.org/awards.
For more information on this press release contact Felicity Crump, Press and Campaigns Officer, Macular Society on 01264 321987 or felicity.crump@macularsociety.org