The International Opticians Association (IOA), in partnership with SILMO, is proud to announce the finalists for the 2026 IOA International Optician of the Year Award, celebrating six exceptional professionals whose careers exemplify excellence in patient care, education, innovation, entrepreneurship, fashion and service to the global opticianry profession.
Selected from nominations submitted around the world, this year’s finalists reflect the remarkable diversity of modern opticianry. From advancing education and mentoring future generations, to pioneering specialist clinical services, building successful businesses, embracing innovation and helping patients both see and look their very best, each finalist has made a significant contribution to the profession and serves as an inspiration to colleagues internationally.
The finalists, listed in alphabetical order, are:
Educator, mentor and self-described “opticianry futurist”, Cira Collins brings an infectious sense of possibility to the profession. Combining scientific curiosity, emerging technology and business insight, she challenges opticians to think not only about where the profession is today, but where it might go next. Through leadership, education and mentorship, including her work with the American Board of Opticianry and GoodVision USA, Cira has inspired countless professionals to embrace innovation while maintaining the highest standards of patient care. Her vision for the future of opticianry continues to influence the profession internationally.
Jessica Gowing has dedicated her career to improving the lives of children through expert paediatric dispensing. As Senior Dispensing Optician at Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital in London, she combines exceptional technical expertise with a deep understanding of the unique needs of growing children and their families. Jess has a specialist interest in fitting spectacles for children with craniofacial conditions and other complex facial differences, often incorporating innovative technologies such as 3D printing to create bespoke frames where conventional spectacles cannot provide an adequate fit. Alongside her clinical work, she is a passionate educator, regularly delivering workshops and teaching sessions for ophthalmic professionals. Her commitment to innovation, education and outstanding patient-centred care exemplifies the very best of specialist dispensing.
Martyn Howlett has dedicated his expertise to some of the patients who need skilled dispensing care most. As Senior Dispensing Optician and Team Lead at SeeAbility, he works with children and young people with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs, developing highly individualised approaches that improve spectacle acceptance and successful wear. Named Dispensing Optician of the Year in 2024, Martyn is also an educator, speaker and passionate advocate for the role of dispensing opticians within multidisciplinary care. His work demonstrates the profound difference that expertise, innovation and truly individualised care can make to patients and their families.
With nearly five decades in eye care, Karen Michaelson continues to demonstrate how opticianry can evolve, connect and respond to emerging areas of need. Her work through Eyes on Dementia has brought vision care, dementia awareness, traumatic brain injury and cognitive change into an important and growing professional conversation. A Dementia Friends Champion Team Trainer, volunteer, professional leader and advocate, Karen also supports Special Olympics Minnesota Healthy Athletes and serves in leadership roles across the profession. Recognised by Vision Monday among its Most Influential Women of 2026, Karen’s career reflects a lifelong commitment to education, compassion and professional service.
Janine Santiago represents the very best of community-focused independent practice. Through Sun City Optics Surrey, she has created a patient-first model of care that combines professional excellence with accessibility and affordability, particularly for international students, newcomers to Canada and young families. Her commitment extends well beyond the consulting room, with culturally relevant education and outreach designed to make eye health and eyewear more understandable and accessible. Recognised with the City of Surrey’s Young Entrepreneur Award, Janine exemplifies how entrepreneurship, advocacy and compassionate care can strengthen both the profession and the communities it serves.
A highly respected New Zealand dispensing optician, educator and practice owner, Steve Stenersen has given enormously to the profession throughout his career. From generously providing hands-on practical teaching and mentorship to generations of students, to co-authoring the Australian and New Zealand Practical Optical Dispensing textbook, Steve’s influence extends across education, practice and professional standards. A Life Member of the Association of Dispensing Opticians New Zealand (ADONZ), he continues to contribute to the advancement of dispensing opticianry through education, professional assessment and the ongoing development of scope of practice. Steve’s career is a remarkable example of leadership, generosity and lifelong service.
Together, these six outstanding finalists embody the qualities that define excellence in modern opticianry, clinical expertise, craftsmanship, education, innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership, fashion, and an unwavering commitment to helping patients both see better and look and feel their very best.
The winner of the 2026 IOA International Optician of the Year Award, will be announced at the prestigious SILMO d’Or Awards in Paris on Saturday, 26 September 2026.
The IOA warmly congratulates Cira Collins, Jessica Gowing, Janine Santiago, Karen Michaelson, Martyn Howlett and Steve Stenersen on being named finalists and thanks them for their outstanding contributions to the global opticianry profession.
Topic: Premio IOA
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