Monmouth independent opticians Monnow Eyecare is celebrating a triple win at the Optometry Wales Awards, achieving success in every category it entered.
The achievement comes at a poignant moment for the business, which is preparing a temporary relocation following devastating flood damage to its Cinderhill Street premises in November.
The practice took home Student of the Year, Optical Assistant of the Year, and Rising Star of the Year.
Student of the Year recipient, Emily Taylor, was recognised for her impressive dedication to clinical excellence and advocacy for people with sight loss. During her optometry degree, she volunteered as an Eye Care Liaison Officer, offering low-vision support and guidance to patients. She later secured Wales’ first joint hospital–community pre-registration placement, spending part of her training in hospital clinics while also working within Monnow Eyecare, before passing her final exams at the first attempt.
Optical Assistant of the Year winner, Max Horler, began his journey with Monnow Eyecare as a Saturday assistant while still at school. After gaining further experience in retail and later as an optical assistant in Monmouth, he returned to the practice and is now training as a dispensing optician. His award reflects his outstanding patient care, passion for learning, and the energy and professionalism he brings to the team every day, the firm said.
After moving to the UK Rising Star award winner Adib Missaghi qualified as an optometrist and, within a year of qualifying, bought into the business. He now plays a significant leadership role in the wider sector, sitting on the Welsh Optical Committee, acting as the North Monmouthshire Cluster Representative, contributing to the Regional Optical Committee, and supporting Optometry Wales nationally.
Over the past month, Adib has also taken on the responsibility of leading the practice’s emergency response to severe flooding, working seven days a week to safeguard the business and its patients while Practice Director, Helen, was unexpectedly unable to return from a long-planned expedition to Antarctica.
Helen said:
“Once again, my team has made me incredibly proud. To win three awards from three nominations is extraordinary, and each win is so richly deserved. What Adib has achieved – professionally, clinically, and in leading our practice through the worst crisis we’ve ever faced – shows that Monnow Eyecare will be in exceptionally safe hands for many years to come.”
The awards arrive just weeks after Monnow Eyecare suffered severe flood damage that resulted in the loss of all consulting rooms and significant sections of the building. Although most clinical equipment was saved, the destruction was extensive. With the support of Monmouthshire County Council, local businesses, patients and volunteers, the team has worked tirelessly to maintain continuity of care, the firm said. The practice is now awaiting final Health Board approval to move into temporary premises on the Monmouth Business Park, approximately three-quarters of a mile from the original site, with an expected reopening in early January.
Helen added:
“This practice is like my fourth child, and seeing the damage has been devastating. But the support from our community, our patients, and our incredible team has been overwhelming. We will be back, and we will be stronger. Independent businesses like ours are built on people, and we have some of the very best.”
