In an extension to the deadline, opticians have a further two weeks to enter for the Silmo IOA International Optician of the Year Award.
This innovative award, first given in 2018, recognises the importance of the optician in the optical business and their role in the choice of optimum products for their clientele.
The award is presented by the International Opticians Association (IOA), an international body dedicated to the enhancement and development of the profession worldwide, in a strategic partner with Silmo.
IOA president, Fiona Anderson, said: “We are impressed by the calibre of entries so far, but we are keen for any optician worldwide to submit their nomination for an outstanding colleague.”
As well as being able to demonstrate that they are a qualified dispensing optician in the country where they practice, the winner of this award will display the following attributes:
• Professionalism: the client is at the heart of their business and receives excellent care
• Excellent communication skills: both personally and via social media
• Entrepreneurial spirit: with solid business acumen highlighted through the success of their enterprise
• Innovation: within their business model / product offer / shop design
• Specialisation: with a reputation in a specific branch of optics
• Creativity: both in the products they offer and the way they practice
• Engagement: with the profession, the community, charitable endeavours and industry
• Advocacy: championing the profession of dispensing
IOA members, country members and industry partners will be able to nominate opticians worldwide. These people will be contacted and asked to fill in a dossier. The dossiers will be scrutinised by a panel made up of a number of industry experts. A shortlist will be established and the winner will be announced during the prestigious Silmo d’Or ceremony in Paris, France, this September.
Nominations should be made on the form here by 31 May 2022.
As well as the award, the winner will also win a trip to Silmo 2023 (economy air fare and hotel).
The 2021 winner, chosen from a competitive field, was Helen Whitaker, the first woman to win the award. Helen runs Secure Vision optical in British Columbia, Canada. Helen is also the founder of the Secure Vision Mobile Optical Academy. Beyond her work in her local area, Helen also supports Innovative Communities, particularly the Kenya – Kawangware Initiatives, sponsoring children and traveling to the community to host an eye clinic for the local learning centre.
To find out more visit www.ioassn.org/award