The Transitions® Innovation Awards program recognizes and celebrates partners and individual optical industry professionals from Canada and the U.S. who have shown the highest level of commitment to innovating their business.
Independent eyecare professionals and practices
Optical industry professionals and educators
National and regional retailers
Optical laboratories
Managed Vision Care companies
Lens manufacturers and buying groups
2024 Transitions® Healthy Sight Ambassador
This award goes to an individual in Canada* or the United States.
*In Quebec, an eye care professional subject to the Professional Code and a code of ethics may participate in the 2024 Transitions® Academy or submit an application for the Transitions® Innovation Awards but must do so at his or her own expense. This includes Transitions® Academy registration fees, flights, accommodation, or any other related expenses. In the context of the Transitions® Innovation Awards, if your application is selected as one of the finalists for the Transitions® Innovation Awards, the attendance fee will be at your own expense and will not be covered by Transitions.
Retailer of the Year, North America
This award will be presented to one retailer with 20 or more locations in Canada* or the United States.
*In Quebec, an eye care professional subject to the Professional Code and a code of ethics may participate in the 2024 Transitions® Academy or submit an application for the Transitions® Innovation Awards but must do so at his or her own expense. This includes Transitions® Academy registration fees, flights, accommodation, or any other related expenses. In the context of the Transitions® Innovation Awards, if your application is selected as one of the finalists for the Transitions® Innovation Awards, the attendance fee will be at your own expense and will not be covered by Transitions.
Eyecare Practice of the Year, North America
This award will be presented to one independent eyecare practice or retailer with 20 or fewer locations in Canada* or the United States.
*In Quebec, an eye care professional subject to the Professional Code and a code of ethics may participate in the 2024 Transitions® Academy or submit an application for the Transitions® Innovation Awards but must do so at his or her own expense. This includes Transitions® Academy registration fees, flights, accommodation, or any other related expenses. In the context of the Transitions® Innovation Awards, if your application is selected as one of the finalists for the Transitions® Innovation Awards, the attendance fee will be at your own expense and will not be covered by Transitions.
Channel Partner of the Year
This award is presented to an optical laboratory, Managed Vision Care company, lens manufacturer or buying group in Canada* or the United States.
*In Quebec, an eye care professional subject to the Professional Code and a code of ethics may participate in the 2024 Transitions® Academy or submit an application for the Transitions® Innovation Awards but must do so at his or her own expense. This includes Transitions® Academy registration fees, flights, accommodation, or any other related expenses. In the context of the Transitions® Innovation Awards, if your application is selected as one of the finalists for the Transitions® Innovation Awards, the attendance fee will be at your own expense and will not be covered by Transitions.
INNOVATION
Implementation of innovative technologies, processes or ideas
Strategic and creative marketing, education, or social media programs and promotions
QUALITY
Quality of education provided to optical employees, patients or customers
Efforts to promote healthy sight in their local community
SERVICE
Sustainability efforts
Diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts
Support and involvement with public service programs
Amplifying peer-to-peer conversations and patient interactions
EDUCATION
Demonstrates alignment with Transitions’ educational initiatives, such as the Transitions® Certification Program
Incorporates Transitions Optical’s resources into staff and industry training
Promotes participation in training events, such as CE seminars and educational opportunities provided by lab and lens manufacturer partners.
Empowers patients and customers to understand the importance of light management as a vital component of healthy sight.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE
Nominees will be evaluated solely on the criteria listed for each Transitions® Innovation Award. In evaluating nominees, Transitions will give no consideration to the volume or value of past, current, or anticipated business generated by the nominee for Transitions or any of its affiliates. Similarly, selection as a Transitions® Innovation Award finalist or winner does not impose any obligation to purchase, order, arrange for, or recommend any products or services from Transitions or any of its affiliates.
Thank you for your interest in the Transitions® Innovation Awards Program! Please note that submissions for 2024 are now closed. Stay tuned for exciting updates and details on when submissions will reopen in 2025!
In the meantime, if you have any questions, feel free to contact us at CService@transitions.com.
Ric Peralta has worked in and around the optical industry for 35 years. He is currently an optician at Focal Point Optometry and the owner of the Optical Jedi blog, which started as an education blog but is now a forum for industry education through speaking engagements and private consultations.
In 2024, Ric helped bring Transitions® Certified Live to the West Coast, expanded his educational outreach through trade publications and Instagram Reels, and inspired the next generation by presenting at local school career events. He also coaches staff nationwide on culturally responsive ways to present Transitions® lenses and extends his advocacy beyond the optical field as a board member of the diabetes nonprofit GrownUpT1Ds.
Vision Source is a network of 3,000 private practices across the United States. Vision Source supports the network by partnering and collaborating with industry experts such as Transitions to provide unique opportunities for Vision Source members.
In 2024, Vision Source advanced training across all 115 regions through workshops, online learning, and regional roadshows, including Transitions® Certified Live events. Their colleague-to-colleague approach and 100,000+ course completions on the Vision Source Learning platform drove measurable growth in patients receiving Transitions lenses and improved vision.
With eight locations across Central Florida, Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida, P.A. is dedicated to delivering exceptional patient care while actively supporting its community.
In 2024, the practice improved its patient experience with Press Ganey scores above the national average, trained staff with Transitions® GEN S™ demo tools, and hosted monthly light management workshops that produced 12 Certified Transitions® Experts. They also strengthened community impact by providing free eyecare through local partnerships and supporting area nonprofits and businesses, ensuring greater access to health and wellness services.
Theodore & Pringle Optical is a retailer with 177 locations across Canada. They have built a purpose-driven culture that consistently earns recognition as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers.
In 2024, the retailer advanced education through the Leonardo platform with 12,000+ completed courses, hosted a National Health & Wellness Conference featuring a Transitions training session, and added value for customers by integrating eyewear purchases into the Loblaw rewards program.
