International Opticians Association - IOA

25/10/2025

Contact Lenses & Sub-Specialties 3rd November-14th December 2025

In partnership with the Academy of Advanced Ophthalmic Optics, registration for the fifth of the 5 short courses is open. This module is suitable for anyone wishing to expand their knowledge of optometry in an assisting role in practice.

The short course is online with live Zoom sessions. If all 5 are completed successfully, an Advanced Ophthalmic Practice Certificate will be issued to the candidate.

Topics for this module include:

✔️Initial self-assessment and welcome
✔️Introduction to contact lenses
✔️Contact lens parameters and ordering
✔️Contact lens care and complications
✔️Sports vision
✔️Introduction to eye health
✔️Eye nutrition
✔️Sun care
✔️Occupational and eye safety
✔️Dry eye aetiology
✔️Dry eye nutrition
✔️Dry eye non-pharmaceutical treatments
✔️Dry eye pharmaceutical treatments
✔️Introduction to paediatric optometry
✔️Working with special needs
✔️Binocular dysfunctions
✔️Learning related vision dysfunctions
✔️Geriatric dispensing
✔️Geriatric specific and neurological conditions
✔️Falls and low vision
✔️Domiciliary eye care
✔️Developing patient management templates
✔️Developing patient management systems
✔️Q&A course summary and revision

Register here at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/l53CVWWrSRerOXqDsGJH6w

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17/10/2025

SILMO Academy takes off for Bali!

After several successful editions, SILMO Academy continues its mission of excellence, training, and knowledge sharing in service of vision and optical professionals.

In 2026, a new and ambitious milestone awaits: for the first time, SILMO Academy will land in Bali for an international congress dedicated to visual health, research, and innovation.

For three days, from April 6 to 8, 2026, international experts, researchers, educators, and practitioners will come together to explore, learn, and exchange ideas on the major challenges shaping the future of optics and optometry.

A scientific program of excellence with thematic sessions will structure this edition:

✔️Putting People First
Placing the human being at the center of optical practice and patient care.

✔️Healthy Ageing
Exploring preventive and therapeutic approaches to the visual challenges of aging.

✔️Gaining A Competitive Edge in Practice
Enhancing the performance, differentiation, and sustainability of professional practices.

✔️Light Management
Understanding, anticipating, and controlling the effects of light on vision and eye health.

✔️Future Advances in Optometry and Optics
A forward-looking perspective on emerging technologies and research that will transform the profession.

Organised under the aegis of Silmo Paris, this edition of SILMO Academy Bali 2026 will offer a rich and inspiring program, combining high-level scientific content, shared experiences, and international perspectives, all in an exceptional setting. A unique opportunity not to be missed for all professionals who wish to anticipate the evolution of their field and actively contribute to the future of global visual health.

More information coming soon on www.silmoparis.com

07/10/2025

Biometrics: Refining Normative Eye Models and the Implications on Lens Design

Join ophthalmic physicist and researcher Dr Grant Hannaford for his discussion on normative eye modelling and the impact on lens design and prescribing.

Abstract: Normative eye models underpin lens design and clinical optics, but relying on a reduced model eye introduces error. Cleaning biometric data and conditioning models on actual prescriptions sharpens predictions, while incorporating multiple biometric variables provides more accurate, patient-specific outcomes. This refinement reduces optical penalties and leads to better lens choices, fewer remakes, and improve visual comfort.

Key Learning Points
1. A discussion on how clean biometric data prevents outliers from distorting models and reduces clinical risk.
2. An exploration of accurate modelling requirements including multiple biometric factors beyond axial length.
3. How to use refined, prescription-specific models to minimise residual aberrations and improve patient outcomes.

Dr Grant Hannaford is a senior lecturer at the School of Optometry and Vision Science UNSW, adjunct lecturer at the Save Sight Institute USYD and co-owns a multi-award winning independent optometry practice Hannaford Eyewear and the Academy of Advanced Ophthalmic Optics. He was the Silmo and the International Opticians Association’s 2022 International Optician of the Year and researches emmetropisation and ocular biometric development in children and lens design.

This is Rodenstock sponsored event and is open to all optometrists, opticians, optical dispensers, scientists and academics. The focus is on the science behind modern ophthalmic optics. CPD hours approved for Australian optometrists and pending for New Zealand optometrists and dispensing opticians. Register at

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/vYtLieSmRkG1A7emyMz_Fg


*This is not an IOA event. IOA provides links to eternal events for the benefit of their members globally.

06/10/2025

Meet your IOA Education Director : Dr Grant Hannaford of Australia, 2022 Silmo Paris IOA International Optician of the Year.

Grant is an internationally recognised authority in ophthalmic optics, lens design, and optical dispensing education. With almost three decades of experience in clinical optics and professional training, he is committed to elevating global standards of optical practice through education, research, and leadership.

Grant holds a Doctor of Ophthalmic Science (DOphSc) from Aston University in the UK and is a Fellow of the British Dispensing Opticians (FBDO Hons), with additional academic degrees in science and the humanities from the University of New England. He is a Director of a multi award winning independent practice Hannaford Eyewear in New South Wales, Australia, and the co-founder of the Academy of Advanced Ophthalmic Optics (AAOO), which provides postgraduate education to optometrists, opticians and optical dispensers throughout Australasia, Europe, and North America.

As Education Director for the IOA, Grant leads strategic education initiatives to support the development of dispensing professionals across diverse global contexts. He is instrumental in creating educational frameworks that promote lifelong learning, clinical excellence, and cross-border collaboration among optical professionals.

In addition to his international work, Grant has served as the President of the Optical Dispensers Education Trust in New South Wales, where he supported the advancement of education and professional development within the Australian optical community. He is also a past Vice President of the Australian Dispensing Opticians Association (ADOA), where he contributed to advocacy, policy, and practitioner representation.

Grant’s academic and clinical research focuses on biometric lens modelling, wavefront aberrations, and spectacle lens design customisation. He has delivered lectures and workshops across multiple continents and continues to collaborate on curriculum development for professional and academic programs.

Grant’s work uniquely bridges the gap between theoretical optics and clinical application, equipping opticians with the tools to manage complex visual needs using evidence-based approaches. With a deep commitment to advancing the role of optical dispensers worldwide, he advocates for greater recognition of their expertise in the evolving landscape of eye care.

Grant is an adjunct lecturer at the School of Optometry and Vision Science the University of New South Wales UNSW and the Save Sight Institute the University of Sydney. A passionate educator, researcher, and clinician, he remains at the forefront of shaping the future of optical dispensing through innovation, professional standards, and a global vision for the profession.

06/10/2025

Advanced Dispensing 20th October-30th November 2025

In partnership with the Academy of Advanced Ophthalmic Optics, registration for the second of the 5 short courses is open. This module is suitable for anyone wishing to expand their knowledge of optics and dispensing.

The short course is online with live Zoom sessions. If all 5 are completed successfully, an Advanced Ophthalmic Practice Certificate will be issued to the candidate.

Topics for this module include:

✔️Initial self assessment and welcome
✔️Best form
✔️Accurate transposition
✔️Lens design foundations: cardinal points and the fair point sphere
✔️Toric lenses
✔️Techniques for describing lens surfaces, toric transposition
✔️Aspheric lenses
✔️Tints and transmission
✔️Single vision lens designs
✔️Multifocal lenses principle: bifocals, progressives
✔️Atypical applications
✔️Identifying atypical prescriptions
✔️Consultation for atypical prescriptions or lens usage
✔️High power and low acuity patients
✔️Spectacle magnification
✔️Anisometropia and visual effects
✔️Iseikonic lenses: developing a lens solution
✔️Afocal iseikonic lenses
✔️Developing calculators for practice use
✔️Vergence relationships
✔️Power compensations: distance, tilt and wrap
✔️Power compensations in three space
✔️Introduction to myopia: aetiology, management and communication
✔️Spectacle lens design principles for myopia management
✔️Efficacy of interventions for myopia management
✔️Myopia lens applications case studies
✔️Q&A course summary and revision

Register here at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/P6f6R9KIRai4BCuJe0rFpw

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05/10/2025

Meet your IOA board member Frank Ofori of Ghana.

Frank is a licensed optical dispensing technician, holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Management and Computer Studies from Wisconsin International University College. He also holds a Master of Public Health degree from Ensign Global University, where he conducted a thesis on "Assessment of Knowledge and Attitude toward Refractive Error Corrections among Adults in Ghana: A Case Study at the Eastern Regional Hospital."

Frank is a member of the council of elders and the former General Secretary and National Organiser of the Opticians Association of Ghana. He is currently a member of the Professions Specific Committee for the Board of Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC) focusing on Optometry and Optics. Additionally, he provides assistance to the council on various aspects related to the field of opticianry.

As the proprietor of SpecsMan Optics, Frank oversees an establishment comprising an optical dispensary, a laboratory, and an equipment wholesale department. He generously opens his facility for clinical placements and acts as a preceptor for optician trainees from the School of Dispensing Optics his Alma Mater.

03/10/2025

Congratulations to IOA board member Fiona Anderson on your appointment as Master of the The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers!

Welcome to our new Master, Fiona Anderson!

On Wednesday the new Master of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers was installed. Following this the new Master and members of the Company celebrated with a Court Luncheon at Apothecaries' Hall.

Fiona said about being appointed Master: “I feel both honoured and privileged to take office as Master… In my year I will do all I can to advance our mission: supporting .”

To our members who were not able to attend, or who would like to hear more about the new Master, Fiona will be answering questions and telling you about her history with the Spectacle Makers and her career as a at this month's Eye-to-Eye next Tuesday (7 October). Booking is now open on our Members' Area.

03/10/2025

Meet your IOA board member, Vitor Martins of Portugal!

Vitor began working in the optical sector in 1999, having successfully completed the Optics Technician Course in 2002. Of the 26 years, 6 were as an employee and the rest with his own brand. The idea was to carry out Charity Missions around the world, delivering prescription glasses to people who would otherwise not be able to obtain them.

Vitor has already delivered over 500 pairs of glasses with prescriptions above 5.00D to seven different countries: Sao Tome, Cape Verde, Peru, North Macedonia, Guinea Bissau, Kenya and Angola. He also developed another social project that recycles used frames, having already recycled five thousand. The project was developed in partnership with two social solidarity institutions, where Vitor trained four staff to dismantle used frames and thereby generate social inclusion.

Vitor’s company has grown over the years to include multiple locations and his product quality, service and differentiation has led to several national and international recognitions including:

✔️the award given by Mido in Milan, the "Bestore Innovation Award" at an international and national level
✔️the Municipal Gold Medal of Merit for services rendered to the population
✔️the Incentive Award for helping local sports
✔️the Five Star Regional Award in the district of Coimbr

Vitor is the 2024 Silmo Paris International Optician of the Year.

28/09/2025

And the winner is Blair Wong!

Blair is an American Licensed Optician, a Master in Ophthalmic Optics, and holds a Master Degree in Education. With over 45 years of experience, he is a nationally recognised educator and leader in the optical profession.

Blair is the founder and Chair of the Eye Health Technology and Opticianry department at the Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology in Boston, Massachusetts and serves as the Executive Director for the Opticians Association of Massachusetts. He has recently retired from the New England College of Optometry where he served as an Associate Professor of Optics and Vision Science for over 30 years.

Blair is the President of the Board of Directors for GoodVision USA, a nonprofit organization and global leader in creating sustainable vision care infrastructure for vision needy populations around the world. He is a blind individual, having lost his vision to Retinitis Pigmentosa, and is an advocate for the visually impaired and blind communities. Congratulations Blair, you are truly inspirational! *photo by Opticians Association of Massachusetts (OAM)

27/09/2025

Wishing our finalist all the best for the upcoming coming announcement of the 2025 International Optician of the Year!

Kim Jurina (Canada)
Charlie Saccarelli (USA)
Barry Santini (USA)
Bill Snelgrove (Canada)
Frits van den Bosch (Belgium)
Blair Wong (USA)

26/09/2025

With the recent approval of the Stellest lens in the USA, it seems a good time to share this article about some of the common pitfalls surrounding the prescribing of spectacle lens solutions for myopia control.

The range of conditions that must be met for successful interventions should be at front of mind for all of us when helping parents navigate the lens selection pathway.

Myopia Control Spectacle Designs: Why Expert Assessment Matters Authors: Dr Grant Hannaford & Thao Hannaford 1. General Principles of Myopia Control Spectacle Designs Current myopia control spe…

19/09/2025

IOA’s education director, 2022 International Optician of the Year, ophthalmic physicist and researcher Dr Grant Hannaford talks about why precision matters and the impact on vision development in children in this months’ issue of NZ Optics.

This is a trade publication for the Ophthalmic community