ACTRESS Kara Tointon has launched Specsavers’ nationwide search for the Spectacle Wearer of the Year 2011.

The Strictly Come Dancing winner and former Eastenders actress, 27, is helping the UK’s largest optical retailer to find ordinary people who look extraordinary in their glasses.

Kara Tointon says: 'I love wearing my glasses so I am very excited to be launching this year's competition. It's amazing how a pair of glasses can completely change your look. They can transform you from dowdy to fabulous in a flash!
 
'In my own case, glasses are my friend because not only have they helped me see, they have also helped me counter my dyslexia through the use of coloured lenses which aid me in learning my lines for acting out scenes.

'This competition is very important, not only from a fashion point of view. On a more serious note, it is important that children and teenagers who need to wear glasses for reading and learning are not put off wearing them because they are teased. All proceeds from this competition go to the anti-bullying charity Kidscape, sending a very strong message to bullies and giving children the confidence to wear their glasses loud and proud.’  

As well as fronting the campaign, Kara is supporting anti-bullying charity Kidscape. Specsavers will donate £1 for every eligible competition entry to the charity, as well as all proceeds from a high profile auction led by Specsavers ambassador Gok Wan, which will take place at the competition final in London in November.

Every year, Specsavers scours the UK to find the girls and boys next door who look amazing in their specs. The competition is open to men and women aged 16 and over, who are current specs wearers or wear glasses for fashion purposes.  Specsavers and top London agency MOT Models will be specs-spotting this summer in city centres up and down the country.

William Vance, store director of Specsavers in Havant and Waterlooville, says: ‘We see so many people in the store who look absolutely amazing in their glasses. The Spectacle Wearer of the Year competition gives us the opportunity to shout about the talent right on our doorstep who wear their specs with pride and plenty of style – and who are great role models for younger specs wearers to aspire to.’

One local specs wearer could follow in the footsteps of Sam Lax, from Bournemouth who was crowned the Meridian Spectacle Wearer of the Year 2010.

Sam Lax says: ‘I never dreamt that I would make it to the final when I posted my entry last year but I’m so glad I did. I have to say it was pretty nerve-racking walking down the catwalk in front of the judges’ table and such a big audience, but it was an amazing experience. The whole thing was unforgettable.’

Regional finalists will be announced in August 2011 and the grand final will be held in London in November 2011.

The winner will scoop a one year modelling contract with top London agency MOT Models, a two week premier, all-inclusive holiday for two in Barbados or St Lucia courtesy of Virgin Holidays and Almond Resorts with £250 worth of spending money, a makeover with TV celebrity hairdresser Andrew Barton, a year’s supply of skincare products from Simple, a fantastic goody bag including hair and skincare products, a £150 Specsavers eyecare voucher and the coveted Spectacle Wearer of the Year trophy.

Entries can be made in any Specsavers store or by logging on to www.specsavers.co.uk. Or check out the special Facebook site. The closing date for entries is Saturday 30 July 2011.