Prominent Australian optical industry figure Mr Grant Hannaford has been recognised as the 2022 International Optician of the Year at SILMO Paris.
Hannaford was one of only four finalists, including fellow Australian Ms April Petrusma, to be shortlisted for the award bestowed by the International Opticians Association (IOA) at SILMO.
The 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.
In a post shared on LinkedIn, Hannaford’s wife and business partner, Ms Thao Hannaford, congratulated her husband on his award and thanked the IOA and SILMO Paris for providing the opportunity for opticians around the world to be recognised for their incredible work.
“His career in the optical industry spans over 27 years beginning as a practicing dispensing optician, an aid worker recognised by the Australian government, positions on industry boards past and present, a university lecturer to more recently a clinical researcher,” she said.
“I know I speak on behalf of Australia when I say we are incredibly proud of Grant who has become the bridge connecting optometry and optical dispensing, creating a clinical practice model for the benefit of our patients so we may provide them with the best possible outcomes.”
The IOA said Hannaford, who is co-founder and director of the Academy of Advanced Ophthalmic Optics, has made Hannaford Eyewear the destination for leading edge innovation and excellence in clinical care for the Southern Highlands in Australia, as well as delivering optical dispensing training for optometrists at the University of New South Wales.
“Together with my wife, Thao, we have grown Hannaford Eyewear over the past 18 years from a single optometrist practice to a multi-practitioner location, quadrupling revenues in the process,” Hannaford said.
The IOA said the Hannaford’s have developed and mentored more than 50 staff in optometry, optical dispensing and administrative roles, a number of whom now operate their own business as a result.
Hannaford Eyewear recently won the optometrist category in the 2022 Australian Small Business Champion Awards.
“Grant has also developed the Academy of Advanced Ophthalmic Optics where he has been a mentor, provided practitioner education on the implementation of advanced ophthalmic lenses and been recognised and accredited by the Optometry Board of Australia as an avenue for continuing education with General Optical Council accreditation forthcoming,” the IOA said.
IOA president Ms Fiona Anderson presented the 2022 International Optician of the Year award.
“I am delighted Grant has been awarded this prestigious award. He embodies an optician whose patients are at the heart of all that he does. A truly worthy winner and he deserves our hearty congratulations,” she said.
In addition to the title and certificate, Hannaford also received lifetime IOA membership and a trip to SILMO Paris 2023.
More reading
Hannaford Eyewear takes home national business accolade
Two Australians named finalists for IOA International Optician of the Year Award 2022
Myopia management for dispensers by Grant Hannaford – Part 1
Myopia lens fitting requirements by Grant Hannaford – Part 2
