The shortlist has been announced for the IOA SILMO International Optician of the Year Award. The finalists are:
- Cira Collins (USA)
- Jessica Gowing (UK)
- Martyn Howlett (UK)
- Karen Michaelson (USA)
- Janine Santiago (Canada)
- Steve Stenersen (New Zealand)
The innovative IOA SILMO International Optician of the Year 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 partnership with SILMO.
More about the finalists
Cira Collins: An educator and “opticianry futurist” who blends emerging technology, science, and business strategy to push the profession forward. She serves in leadership roles with organizations like the American Board of Opticianry and GoodVision USA, mentoring professionals to embrace innovation.
Jessica Gowing: Senior Dispensing Optician at London’s Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, specializing in pediatric care. She utilizes 3D printing technology to design custom frames for children with complex facial differences and craniofacial conditions, while also leading clinical workshops.
Martyn Howlett: Team Lead at SeeAbility and 2024 Dispensing Optician of the Year, who creates personalized frame-fitting solutions for children with autism, learning disabilities, and complex needs to improve spectacle wear.
Karen Michaelson: A practitioner with nearly 50 years of experience who bridges vision care with cognitive health through her initiative, Eyes on Dementia. Named one of Vision Monday’s Most Influential Women of 2026, she is an active advocate, volunteer trainer, and leader in the eye care field.
Janine Santiago: Founder of Sun City Optics Surrey in Canada and recipient of the City of Surrey’s Young Entrepreneur Award. She provides accessible, affordable, and culturally relevant eye care targeted toward international students, young families, and newcomers.
Steve Stenersen: A New Zealand practice owner, textbook co-author (Australian and New Zealand Practical Optical Dispensing), and Life Member of ADONZ. He is recognized for his long-standing service, hands-on mentorship, and contributions to educational standards and scope of practice.
IOA President Helen Whitaker says, “We are impressed by the calibre of entries and delighted to announce this short list. The finalists will now have the chance to supply a dossier of evidence to back up their achievements in the eight areas of expertise we are looking for. I hope that showcasing these outstanding opticians will inspire the whole profession.”
The winner of this award, all qualified opticians in the country they practice in, 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.
What happens next
The finalists will be contacted and asked to fill in a dossier. The dossiers will be scrutinised by an international panel made up of industry experts. The winner will be announced during SILMO in Paris, France.
As well as the award, the 2026 winner will also win a trip to SILMO 2027 (economy air fare and hotel).
The 2025 winner, chosen from a competitive field, was Blair Wong. Blair is a blind inspirational educator, eyecare professional and 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..
To find out more visit ioassn.org/award.
