International Optician of the Year 2023 announced

Silmo IOA International Optician of the Year 2023, Jean-François Porte

The Silmo International Opticians Association (IOA) International Optician of the Year Award has been presented to French optician, Jean-François Porte.

First given in 2018, the award recognises the importance of the optician in the optical business and their role in the choice of optimum products for their clientele. Each year, the winner is announced during the Silmo d’Or Awards ceremony.

Jean-François founded Edgard Opticians with his partner Julien Quesnel, growing the company from one to 16 independent optical practices plus eight franchise stores in major cities in France.

The business has been built on word of mouth, customer satisfaction, specialisation – with two practices dedicated to children – and designer products. Jean-François is also passionate about professional development and enhancing the skills of his staff.

He is involved with training student opticians, as well as the ‘training commission’ to overhaul the optician’s diploma, helping to develop future generations. He goes further in his role as director and vice president of the Rassemblement des Opticiens de France – defending the point of view of opticians and protecting the profession.

Thomas Truckenbrod receives an IOA special recognition award

Donald Crichton, IOA president, said: “I am delighted Jean-François Porte has been awarded this prestigious award. He is an example of what can be achieved when you pursue excellence. Amongst a very talented shortlist, he has triumphed and he deserves our hearty congratulations.”

As well as the prestigious award, Jean-François wins a trip for two to Silmo 2024.

During the evening ceremony, the IOA also presented a special award to Thomas Truckenbrod in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the optical profession.

Having only been given twice before, the award recognises Thomas’s important influence on the optical profession and his numerous honorary offices.

As president of the Zentralverband der Augenoptiker und Optometristen for 13 years, as well as two years as vice president, Thomas ensured the integration, validation and development of opticians. While driving the profession forwards, he has continued his family opticians business in Leipzig, which stretches back more than 100 years through five generations.

“It is truly gratifying to be the president of an Association that is aligned with leaders in our profession such as Thomas Truckenbrod – and to be able to show our appreciation for his astonishing contribution and leadership throughout his career,” commented Donald Crichton.

Both awards were presented by IOA director of development, Elaine Grisdale.

To find out more about the IOA, visit www.ioassn.org