IOA Optician of the Year Andrew Keirl (centre) with Silmo president Amélie Morel, IOA's Fiona Anderson and Elaine Grisdale and Silmo's Isabel Beuzen

The International Opticians Association (IOA) named the UK's Andrew Keirl the 2019 IOA Optician of the Year. 

In a decision described by IOA president and chair of the selection committee Fiona Anderson as “hard given the calibre of this year’s nominees”, Keirl beat New Zealander Steve Stenersen, Thierry Caillat (France), Thomas Truckenbrod (Germany) and Charlie Saccarelli (US) to the top spot.  

Keirl is a long-serving optician and educator who developed a new ophthalmic dispensing course and department at Anglia Ruskin University. He runs his own independent multi-disciplinary optical practice, offering clinics for stable glaucoma patients and post-op clinics for cataract and minor eye conditions.  

“The wider world of optics has benefited from his extensive contribution to our sector,” said Andersen. “Through his training, educational and academic writing he has enhanced our knowledge, skill and art.” 

As well as the prestigious award, Keirl wins a trip for two to Silmo 2020.