DULUTH, Ga.—National Vision Inc., one of the largest optical retailers in the U.S. market, announced late last week the winners of its 2016 National Vision Vendor Awards.

The winner in the company’s “Best New Product” category was Essilor for its Airwear Colors ready-to-wear prescription sun lenses. National Vision said this award was presented in recognition of “a new optical product or promotional idea that added the greatest value … through innovation and creativity.”

“We are proud to honor this group of outstanding vendors whose valued partnership this year has helped us better serve our patients and customers,” National Vision chief executive officer Reade Fahs said in a statement. “Most importantly, each of this year’s winners have ultimately helped us impact more lives as we worked together to make quality eyecare and eyewear more affordable and accessible to all Americans.”

Among the other vendors honored was the Richards Group, which was named Vendor of the Year for its work in conceiving and developing the “Owl Campaign,” which National Vision said “played a key role in elevating the America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses brand.”

Other categories and winners were:
• Business Management – Century Displays (Presented to a partner that provides excellence in overall administration and management of business aspects.)
• Most Innovative Partner – Protiviti (Presented in recognition of creativity and ingenuity in overall approach to partnership by the business consulting firm.)
• Account Manager of the Year – Nicole Rund of Harte Hanks (Presented to an account manager that provides excellence in service and truly demonstrates a spirit of partnership.)

The presentation of the awards was made at the company’s annual vendor conference and charity golf tournament, which was held Oct. 10 to 11 at Chateau Elan in Braselton, Ga.