What an incredible week it has been at NTE West! As our network came together to connect, learn, and grow, we also had the distinct honour of celebrating the absolute best of independent optometry at the inaugural Prisms Awards.
Earlier this year, Eye Recommend launched our first-ever industry awards program, The Prisms, to formally recognize the individuals across our network whose leadership, patient care, and dedication shape the future of our profession.
We received outstanding nominations from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Yukon, showcasing the deep talent and heart within our community.
On the final evening of NTE West, we gathered to crown the winners. These individuals truly embody the spirit of independent eye care, consistently going above and beyond for their patients, teams, and communities.
Please join us in congratulating the winners of the 2026 Prisms Awards!
🏆 The Trailblazer Award
Recognizing optometrists under 40 who are already making a profound mark on the profession and the practices they work in.
2026 Winner: Dr. Andrea Lasby—Mission Eye Care
🏆 Humanitarian of the Year
Honouring optometrists whose commitment to service goes far beyond the walls of their practice and deeply into their communities.
2026 Winner: Dr. Suraj Sharma—Beyond Vision
🏆 Patient Care Excellence Award
Celebrating the non-optometrist team members who show up for patients every single day, delivering exceptional care and consistently going above and beyond.
2026 Winner: Katrin Duran—Lakeland Family St.Paul
🏆 Thought Leader of the Year
Applauding the optometrists, operations leaders, and managers who are pushing the profession forward with innovative thinking and bold ideas.
2026 Winner: Dr. Tom Wilk—Mountain View Optometry
Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate a peer, colleague, or team member, and thank you to our incredible nominees for your tireless dedication to your practice and patients. You make the Eye Recommend network what it is today.
2026 Nominees
An awards program is only as strong as the community that supports it, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who took the time to nominate their peers this year.
By sharing these stories of dedication and leadership, you have shone a bright light on the incredible talent within our network.
Your nominations do more than just put names forward—they highlight the true standard of excellence in our profession and remind us all of the profound impact we can make when we support and celebrate one another.
The Prisms | East
Based in an eastern province? Stay tuned! Nominations for our eastern network will open soon, and we can’t wait to celebrate your incredible achievements at NTE East.
Congratulations once again to our visionary 2026 Prism Award winners!