Silmo Paris has announced the finalists of the International Optician of the Year (IOA) Award. Organized by the International Opticians’ Association, the award recognizes licensed opticians who have demonstrated outstanding dedication, professional achievement, and contributions to the profession.

The 2025 IOA Award finalists are:

• Kim Jurina, founder of Eye Stylist (Canada)
• Charlie Saccarelli, CEO of Chadwick Optical (U.S.)
• Barry E. Santini, president of Long Island Opticians (U.S.)
• William Snelgrove, cofounder of Kawartha Vision Care and director at the Ontario Opticians Association (Canada)
• Blair Wong, chair of the department of eye health technology at Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology, executive director of the Opticians Association of Massachusetts, and chair of the board for GoodVision USA (U.S.)
• Frits Van Den Bosch, optical business owner (Belgium)

The international optical trade show will take place from Sept. 26-29 at the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre, gathering eyewear professionals from around the world to showcase innovation, product design, and expertise within the sector. The IOA Award Ceremony is set for Saturday, Sept. 27.