The finalists for the silmo IOA award for international optician of the year 2023 are...
THE FINALISTS FOR THE SILMO IOA INTERNATIONAL OPTICIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD 2023 (from left to right, top to bottom): Jean-François Porte (FRA), Angela Mitchell (NZL),Phernell Walker (USA), Carrie Wilson (USA), Vitor Manuel Simões Martins (PRT)
This innovative award, presented for the first time in 2018, recognises the importance of the optician in the world of optics and their role in choosing optimal products for their customers. The award is presented by the International Opticians Association (IOA), an international body dedicated to the improvement and development of the profession worldwide, in partnership with SILMO.
Find out more about the finalists
Jean François Porte
Angela Mitchell
Vitor Manuel Simões Martins
Phernell Walker
Carrie Wilson
IOA President Donald Crichton said: "We are impressed by the quality of the entries and delighted to announce this selection. The finalists will now have the opportunity to provide a portfolio of evidence to support their achievements in the eight areas of expertise we are seeking. I hope that these outstanding opticians will inspire the profession as a whole."
The winners of this prize, who are all qualified opticians in the country where they practice, will have the following characteristics :
- Professionalism: the customer is at the heart of their business and receives excellent care.
- Excellent communication skills: both personally and via social networks.
- Entrepreneurial spirit: with a strong business sense underpinned by the success of their business.
- Innovation: in their business model, product offering or shop design.
- Specialisation: with a reputation in a specific branch of optics.
- Creativity: both in the products they offer and in the way they practise.
- Commitment: to the profession, the community, charities and the industry.
- Defending the profession of optician.
The next steps
The finalists will be contacted and invited to complete an application. The applications will be examined by an international jury of industry experts. The winner will be announced at the next SILMO Paris.
In addition to the prize, the winner will receive a trip to SILMO Paris 2024 (economy class airfare and hotel).
The 2022 winner, chosen from a competitive shortlist, was Grant Hannaford. Grant has established Hannaford Eyewear as a destination for cutting-edge innovation and excellence in clinical care for Australia's Southern Highlands, as well as optical dispensing training for UNSW optometrists.
To find out more, visit www.ioassn.org/award.