Hannaford Eyewear declared best optometrist at the Australian Small Business Champion Awards

Bowral's Hannaford Eyewear was named as the best optometrist in the country, at the Australian Small Business Champion Awards ceremony on September 2, at The Star Sydney.

Principal optometrist, business co-founder and doctoral candidate at Aston University Thao Hannaford, said she was hopeful at the ceremony, but did not expect it.

The business was founded by Thao and her husband Grant Hannaford in 2004.

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"I said to Grant, 'I hope we win because the team deserves to be recognised'," she said.

She dedicated the award to her husband and their team of early-career optometrists, optical dispensers and assistants.

The pair are passionate about giving graduate optometrists industry experience, and the opportunity to develop rapport with clients.

There were more than 3500 entries for the awards this year, which aim to champion the commitment of small businesses and their owners in Australia across 102 categories.

The practice has been a finalist in the ASBCA four times, and was up for business of the decade award one year.

"It's very exciting knowing how many people apply," she said.

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The principal optometrist said it was "overwhelming" on the night, and that it was a great opportunity to be recognised on a national level with business peers.

Hannaford Eyewear received an award statuette and certificate, but it is not the first accolade it has been given.

The practice was awarded Business of the Year and the winner of the Outstanding Health Improvement Services Award at the Southern Highlands Local Business Awards in 2020 and accolades at business awards in the Illawarra and South Coast.

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It also received an award from the Australian Dispensing Opticians Association.

The Hannafords have been awarded Paul Harris Fellowships by Rotary International for their efforts in Nepal and Mongolia, and recognition for their aid efforts.

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