BIOS Awards
BIOS recognise the outstanding contributions made by individuals and teams in promoting and advancing the profession and the Society.
We have two main types of awards. Our Fellowships and Service Awards recognise exceptional service to the profession and the Society, usually over several years. Since 2025, we have also introduced a number of annual awards, celebrating a wide range of achievements across orthoptics.
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Fellowships & Service Awards
BIOS Fellowships and Service Awards recognise exceptional service to the profession and the Society. These are awarded to recipients as part of our Annual Awards.
BIOS & BOS TU Service awards
Criteria for Nominations/Award being given
Nominees/award winners should be persons who have rendered exceptional service to the Society or the profession of orthoptics, for example as:
- an Honorary officer, member of council /a trustee, representative of the society/profession, EPDC committee member
- in another role, like a CAG lead
- an ambassador for the profession
- someone from another profession (e.g. another Allied Health Profession) who has helped further the development of orthoptics
Service awards are automatically bestowed for Trustees, Council members and CAG leads, as they come to the end of their term of office. Individuals can also be nominated for exceptional service.
Who can be nominated for an award?
Nominees should be:
- Orthoptists who are members of BIOS
- Other professionals who have consistently acted in a role as ambassador for the profession and practice of orthoptics, e.g. like other AHPs
- Awards may be given posthumously within 5 years of the recipient passing away
BIOS Fellowships
This is the highest honour that the British & Irish Orthoptic Society can bestow upon an individual for their services to the profession of orthoptics.
Criteria for nominations
Nominees for the election of Honorary Fellows of the Society should be persons who:
- Have rendered exceptional service to the Society or the profession of orthoptics, for example as:
- an Honorary officer
- member of Council /a Trustee
- representative of the society/profession
- various roles including the above
- an ambassador for the profession
- someone from another profession (e.g. another Allied Health Profession) who has helped further the development of orthoptics
- Have rendered exceptional service to the science, study or practice of orthoptics
Who can be nominated for an award?
Nominees should be:
- Orthoptists who are members of BIOS
- Other professionals who have consistently acted in a role as ambassador for the profession and practice of orthoptics, e.g. like other AHPs
- Awards may be given posthumously within 5 years of the recipient’s passing away
Nomination Process
The nomination process for both Service Awards and Fellowships is very similar.
- Nominations can be made by any member of BIOS, using the nomination form, to their Regional or National Trustee or via the BOSTU General Secretary.
- All nominations should be seconded by a member of the Board of Trustees, Council, or the BOSTU Executive Board.
- A CV or description highlighting the work undertaken should accompany the nomination.
- The Trustee/General Secretary should consider nominations and submit these at one of the scheduled Trustee meetings for presentation at a subsequent AGM or Conference or regional clinical meeting.
- BIOS Board of Trustees will consider nominations on a yearly basis but may not make awards every year.
- Where the voting for the award is not unanimous, a show of hands by voting Trustees will take place and the Honorary Chair will have a casting vote.
The Honorary Chair of BIOS will write to inform recipients of their award and will invite them to accept their award at a ceremony on the day of the BIOS AGM or Conference in that year, whichever is deemed most appropriate.
Expenses for award winners (and partners) will be paid by BIOS.
BIOS Annual Awards
Our annual awards are nominated by members and recognise excellence across the orthoptic community.
Excellence in a Support Role Award: This award is for our non-registered support workforce or assistants working within orthoptics, and celebrates the positive contribution that support roles make to patient outcomes and the teams they work in. It is awarded to an individual or team in a support role whose contributions have enhanced patient services, improved efficiency, or fostered a positive team environment.
Service Improvement and Innovative Practice Award: This award recognises orthoptists who have addressed challenges with innovative solutions, enhancing services or patient care.
Rising Star Award: This award is for excellence within an early career environment where individuals have shown initiative, skill or commitment beyond expectation in their early careers and celebrates their efforts in ensuring our profession is in great hands for the future.
BOSTU Rep of the Year Award: In celebration of the vital work our British Orthoptic Society trade union representatives do day in day out across the country, this award recognises regional or national BOSTU representatives who provide support and advice to our members, showing committed dedication to engagement and advocacy of our profession within industrial relations.
Outstanding Leadership Award: This award recognises orthoptists at any stage of their career who demonstrate effective clinical leadership in their role. Those that show the ability to inspire and support colleagues with drive, initiative and responsibility or commitment and resilience. Celebrating those who lead service development, promote professional values and improve patient care through leadership.
Clinical Research and Audit Award: This award recognises those within our profession committed to reviewing services, interventions and ways of working. Those looking for opportunities to improve practice and outcomes for the profession and public through clinical audit or research projects at whatever level, large or small scale in both HEI’s or clinical settings. We celebrate their efforts that inform best practice and improve clinical outcomes.
Educator of the Year Award: For excellence in a clinical tutor or educator role within a Higher Education Institute. Recognising those who have made outstanding contributions to education and training within orthoptics, supporting students and colleagues alike.
Champions Award: This award celebrates those colleagues who have made efforts outside the direct orthoptic arena. Nominations were also welcomed for this award from individuals from outside our profession who have championed orthoptics or aspects of our work, helping to raise our visibility and impact.
Past winners and nominees:
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Strategic Plan
BIOS has a clear vision of what we want to achieve over the next few years, which is set out in our Strategic Plan.
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Projects
Find out more about some of the work we’re doing to support the orthoptic profession.
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Policy & campaigns
Find out about our work representing the orthoptic profession and campaigning on the issues that mean the most to our members.
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