SILMO 2023 IOA Optician of the year ~ winner

The International Opticians Association (IOA) announced the winner of the Silmo IOA International Optician of the Year Award at a prestigious evening in Paris at the Cirque Alexis Gruss Big Top

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.

This year’s winner is Jean-François Porte who founded Edgard Opticians with his partner Julien Quesnel, growing the company from 1 to 16 independent optical stores plus 8 franchise stores in major cities in France.

Elaine Grisdale, the IOA director of development was on stage along with Amélie Morel the elected President of Silmo to announce the winner to a packed invited house.

The business has been built on word of mouth, customer satisfaction, specialisation (two of his stores are dedicated to children) and designer products.

As well as the successful development of his eyecare business, Jean-François is passionate about professional development and enhancing the skills of his staff.

Being involved with the training of student opticians, and in particular the ‘training commission to’ to overhaul the optician’s diploma, is how Jean-François has helped develop future generations coming into the profession. He goes further in his role as director and vice president of the Rassemblement des opticiens de France (ROF), defending the point of view of opticians and protecting the profession.

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!”

Jean-François wins a trip for two to SILMO 2024.

To find out more, visit www.ioassn.org/award