(Clockwise from top left) Alicia Hartman, Eye Q Stylist; Ryan Horne SPEX By Ryan; Rama and Assia Valentin, Atelier Mira; and Todd Rogers, Todd Rogers Eyewear.
ALEXANDRIA, Va.—Vision Expo has announced the finalists for the first annual OPTImum Retail Award. This new awards program celebrates independent boutique retailers by showcasing their products, storefronts, visions and most importantly—their stories. The finalists are: Atelier Mira Brooklyn, N.Y.; Eye Q Stylist Opticians, Holetown, Barbados; Spex By Ryan, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada; and Todd Rogers Eyewear, Andover, Mass. From Feb. 16 to March 5, an online vote will take place to help select the winner. To vote, as well as see the photos and stories of the finalists, click here.

Finalists will share their stories and vision for their brand at Vision Expo East during a free Pop Up Talk in the Galleria Lounge (#G280) on Friday, March 16, from 3:00 to 3:30 p.m. The winner will be revealed during the Exclusive Boutique Buyer VIP Event on Saturday, March 17, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.

To determine these finalists, award submissions were reviewed and voted on by a committee of industry leaders, including James Spina, 20/20 Magazine’s editor in chief and senior VP; Christian Roth, designer and co-founder of CHRISTIAN ROTH Eyewear; and Arian Fartash, OD and Instagram social influencer, @glamoptometrist.

The finalists will be highlighted on Vision Expo’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn social media channels. Visit the Vision Expo East website to find out more about these awards and events.