Silmo’s Amélie Morel (left) and Isabel Beuzen (right) with winner Jean-François Porte and IOA’s Elaine Grisdale (centre)

Jean-François Porte is this year’s winner of the prestigious International Opticians Association (IOA) Silmo International Optician of the Year Award.

Porte, who founded Edgard Opticiens with his partner Julien Quesnel, has grown the company from one to 16 independent optical stores, plus eight franchise stores in major French cities. The business has been built on word of mouth, customer satisfaction, specialisation (two stores are dedicated to children) and designer products, said the judges. “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 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 (the Association of French Opticians), defending the point of view of opticians and protecting the profession.”

Donald Crichton, IOA president, said he was delighted Porte won. “He is an example of what can be achieved when you pursue excellence. Among a very talented shortlist, including our very own Angela Mitchell, he has triumphed and he deserves our hearty congratulations!”

As well as the prestigious award, Porte wins a trip for two to Silmo 2024.

The IOA Silmo International Optician of the Year Award was first given in 2018. It recognises the importance of the optician in the optical business and their role in the choosing optimum products for their clients.