IOA receives blessings from Pope Francis

Alessandro Spiezia with Elaine

Elaine Grisdale meets Pope Francis

The International Opticians Association (IOA) has received blessings from Pope Francis (Jorge Mario Bergoglio) after the organisation’s director of development, Elaine Grisdale, was granted an audience alongside optician, Alessandro Spiezia, and Amelie Morel, president of Silmo.

Alessandro Spiezia was awarded the IOA 2019 Special Recognition Award at Silmo Paris in October, in recognition of more than 50 years of commitment, professionalism and dedication to the profession. He has been the optician to a number of pontiffs, most recently Pope Francis.

“Francesco welcomed us with his smile as if we were his children,” said Alessandro. “This serene and friendly face will be the image that we will always carry with us, and that will help us to overcome all difficulties. For me, it is a great honour to be able to share this with special friends and family who share a love for the profession to which I have dedicated my life.”

Elaine Grisdale commented:“We were delighted to be given the opportunity to meet Pope Francis and talk to him about the valuable work that the IOA does to raise standards in eyecare and eyewear around the world. I would like to thank Alessandro Spiezia for his organisation and kind invitation for this once in a lifetime experience.”

The IOA is a non denominational organisation which welcomes members of all faiths and none.

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