International Opticians Association - IOA

14/01/2026

There’s still time to register! See below for details.

It’s all happening tomorrow, our sessions on Rethinking Myopia Management – Evidence, Optics, and Clinical Reality. CPD hours approved for Australia, New Zealand and the UK.

The current approach to spectacle-based myopia management is drifting off-course.

Prescribing lenses without understanding the biological drivers of growth, the optical principles behind each design, or the consequences for binocular vision is leading to inconsistent clinical outcomes.

On January 15-16th, join Dr Grant Hannaford, recognised internationally for his work in biometric modelling and advanced ophthalmic optics, for a free one-hour webinar offered at three different times for clinicians:

Session 1: 15th January 7pm Eastern Time
Session 2: 15th January 7pm Pacific Time
Session 3: 16th January 7am GMT
(Sessions are identical – choose the one that suits your time zone. Visit https://savvytime.com/converter/pst-to-est-gmt to find your time zone conversion.)

What the session covers:
✔️The aetiology of myopia and the mechanisms guiding ocular growth
✔️Evidence-based strategies for influencing eye development -A clear, clinically grounded explanation of today’s major spectacle lens technologies
✔️The optical theories underpinning myopia-control lens designs: peripheral defocus, asphericity, segmental structures, light distribution, and higher-order effects
✔️How to dispense and monitor these lenses effectively in real practice
✔️The limitations: when these lenses work, when they do not, and why binocular vision function often determines treatment success
✔️Practical guidance to avoid common prescribing errors now widespread in the market

Who should attend:
Optometrists, opticians, practice owners, and anyone involved in paediatric care or myopia management who wants a clearer, evidence-driven framework for spectacle lens prescribing.

Why this matters:
Many clinicians are unknowingly using myopia-control spectacle lenses outside their validated operating range. Understanding optical behaviour, fitting geometry, and binocular vision interactions is essential for predictable outcomes. This webinar provides the missing technical and clinical foundation.

Dr Grant Hannaford is a senior lecturer at the School of Optometry and Vision Science University of New South Wales, adjunct lecturer at the Save Sight Institute University of Sydney and co-owns a multi-award winning independent optometry practice Hannaford Eyewear and the Academy of Advanced Ophthalmic Optics. He was the Silmo and the International Opticians Association - IOA 2022 International Optician of the Year and researches emmetropisation and ocular biometric development in children and lens design.

Please register at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/NZITdRb-QhKmv83mH0CYKQ

08/01/2026

Silmo Bali is coming this April. Perfect time to get away with the family for a tropical conference holiday! Registration will open soon. Visit https://www.silmoparis.com/en/silmo-academy/bali for more information including the program. Silmo Paris

Discover SILMO Academy in Bali, a place of knowledge and exchange designed for optics enthusiasts, with conferences led by international experts.

31/12/2025

Happy new year to our members! Make 2026 the year to move our profession and industry forward!

31/12/2025

📌 SAVE THE DATE | Academy Bali 2026

Where science meets practice.
Where ideas move vision forward.
Where the future of eye care takes shape.

Following several successful editions, SILMO Academy reaches a new milestone with its first international congress in Bali, dedicated to visual health, research and innovation.

🗓 6–8 April 2026
📍 Bali, Indonesia

Over three days, international experts, researchers, educators and practitioners will come together to explore the key challenges shaping the future of optics and optometry, through a CPD-accredited scientific programme structured around five major thematic sessions.

🎓 20 internationally renowned experts
🌍 A global, forward-looking perspective
🔬 Excellence, knowledge-sharing and innovation at the heart of eye care

Speakers announcement coming soon! 👀

22/12/2025

Michael Nasser chats to IOA’s education director, Dr Grant Hannaford in the latest episode of The Focused View. Check it out below!

19/12/2025

Optics Core Concepts short course is open. See below for details.

Optics Core Concepts 9th February-22nd March 2026

In partnership with the International Opticians Association - IOA, registration is open again for the first of the 5 short courses. This module is suitable for people seeking to enter the ophthalmic industry as well as those who have begun their journey and are looking to progress in their role.

The short course is online self-paced with optional two live Zoom sessions to minimise disruption to practices. If all 5 are completed successfully, an Advanced Ophthalmic Practice Certificate will be issued to the candidate.

Topics for this module include:

✔️Initial self assessment and welcome
✔️Roles in ophthalmic practice
✔️What is a prescription
✔️What is a dioptre
✔️Power and focal length
✔️Radius and power
✔️Cylinder and astigmatism
✔️Refractive index
✔️Derivations of core ophthalmic optics expressions
✔️Vergence
✔️Introduction to lens types
✔️Lens coatings and treatments
✔️Frame types
✔️Frame materials
✔️Parts of a frame
✔️Frame adjustments
✔️Frame parameters
✔️Facial measurements
✔️Spectacle delivery
✔️Thins lenses and transposition
✔️Introduction to prism
✔️Prism-derivations and applications
✔️Management and application of ophthalmic prism
✔️Differential prismatic effects and prisms in spherocylindrical lenses
✔️Prism case study
✔️Introduction to thin and thick lenses
✔️Developing calculators for practice use
✔️Trouble shooting cases
✔️Q&A course summary and revision

Register here at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/RJgjeJ7rRGO3VJ19rqGXRQ

To see you country band, visit https://www.facebook.com/share/p/JgV824Sryk9TVDxf/?mibextid=wwXIfr

opticsldispenser education

15/12/2025

Free webinar on myopia control lenses. See below for information.

Rethinking Myopia Management – Evidence, Optics, and Clinical Reality

The current approach to spectacle-based myopia management is drifting off-course.

Prescribing lenses without understanding the biological drivers of growth, the optical principles behind each design, or the consequences for binocular vision is leading to inconsistent clinical outcomes.

On January 15-16th, join Dr Grant Hannaford, recognised internationally for his work in biometric modelling and advanced ophthalmic optics, for a free one-hour webinar offered at three different times for clinicians:

Session 1: 15th January 7pm Eastern Time
Session 2: 15th January 7pm Pacific Time
Session 3: 16th January 7am GMT
(Sessions are identical – choose the one that suits your time zone. Visit https://savvytime.com/converter/pst-to-est-gmt to find your time zone conversion.)

What the session covers:
✔️The aetiology of myopia and the mechanisms guiding ocular growth
✔️Evidence-based strategies for influencing eye development -A clear, clinically grounded explanation of today’s major spectacle lens technologies
✔️The optical theories underpinning myopia-control lens designs: peripheral defocus, asphericity, segmental structures, light distribution, and higher-order effects
✔️How to dispense and monitor these lenses effectively in real practice
✔️The limitations: when these lenses work, when they do not, and why binocular vision function often determines treatment success
✔️Practical guidance to avoid common prescribing errors now widespread in the market

Who should attend:
Optometrists, opticians, practice owners, and anyone involved in paediatric care or myopia management who wants a clearer, evidence-driven framework for spectacle lens prescribing.

Why this matters:
Many clinicians are unknowingly using myopia-control spectacle lenses outside their validated operating range. Understanding optical behaviour, fitting geometry, and binocular vision interactions is essential for predictable outcomes. This webinar provides the missing technical and clinical foundation.

Dr Grant Hannaford is a senior lecturer at the School of Optometry and Vision Science University of New South Wales, adjunct lecturer at the Save Sight Institute University of Sydney and co-owns a multi-award winning independent optometry practice Hannaford Eyewear and the Academy of Advanced Ophthalmic Optics. He was the Silmo and the International Opticians Association - IOA 2022 International Optician of the Year and researches emmetropisation and ocular biometric development in children and lens design.

Please register at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/NZITdRb-QhKmv83mH0CYKQ

05/12/2025

The Academy of Advanced Ophthalmic Optics 12 week Advanced Ophthalmic Optics 1 Program is open for registration. IOA members receive a 25% discount. Check out the details below.

The Advanced Ophthalmic Optics 1 Program
16th February to 10th May 2026

This 12 week program is aimed at optometrists including recent graduates and qualified and/or experienced optical dispensers who wish to further their ophthalmic optics knowledge and its applications in practice.

CPD points have been accredited by the Optometry Board of Australia and the General Optical Council UK. Those who are unable to attend the live webinars, there be recordings on the online learning platform.

Topics covered include:
1. Fundamental ophthalmic optics
2. Advanced ophthalmic optics (2 weeks)
3. Prism
4. Aspheric lenses
5. Predicting lens performance
6. Advanced lens and PPL selection (2 weeks)
7. Degressives & Anti-fatigue lenses
8. Measurement and measuring devices
9. Measurement compensations
10. The future and ocular biometry

Early bird registration of $1732.50AUD including GST or $1125.00USD until the 18th of January 2026. Full fee of $2310.00AUD including GST or $1500USD thereafter. ProVision and IOA members will continue to receive the early bird rate. Email thao@aaoo.net.au for further information.

To register click on https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/iCccjiC6QpmNbfIZi6Vutw

25/10/2025

Contact Lenses & Sub-Specialties 3rd November-14th December 2025

In partnership with the Academy of Advanced Ophthalmic Optics, registration for the fifth of the 5 short courses is open. This module is suitable for anyone wishing to expand their knowledge of optometry in an assisting role in practice.

The short course is online with live Zoom sessions. If all 5 are completed successfully, an Advanced Ophthalmic Practice Certificate will be issued to the candidate.

Topics for this module include:

✔️Initial self-assessment and welcome
✔️Introduction to contact lenses
✔️Contact lens parameters and ordering
✔️Contact lens care and complications
✔️Sports vision
✔️Introduction to eye health
✔️Eye nutrition
✔️Sun care
✔️Occupational and eye safety
✔️Dry eye aetiology
✔️Dry eye nutrition
✔️Dry eye non-pharmaceutical treatments
✔️Dry eye pharmaceutical treatments
✔️Introduction to paediatric optometry
✔️Working with special needs
✔️Binocular dysfunctions
✔️Learning related vision dysfunctions
✔️Geriatric dispensing
✔️Geriatric specific and neurological conditions
✔️Falls and low vision
✔️Domiciliary eye care
✔️Developing patient management templates
✔️Developing patient management systems
✔️Q&A course summary and revision

Register here at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/l53CVWWrSRerOXqDsGJH6w

To see you country band, visit https://www.facebook.com/share/p/JgV824Sryk9TVDxf/?mibextid=wwXIfr

17/10/2025

SILMO Academy takes off for Bali!

After several successful editions, SILMO Academy continues its mission of excellence, training, and knowledge sharing in service of vision and optical professionals.

In 2026, a new and ambitious milestone awaits: for the first time, SILMO Academy will land in Bali for an international congress dedicated to visual health, research, and innovation.

For three days, from April 6 to 8, 2026, international experts, researchers, educators, and practitioners will come together to explore, learn, and exchange ideas on the major challenges shaping the future of optics and optometry.

A scientific program of excellence with thematic sessions will structure this edition:

✔️Putting People First
Placing the human being at the center of optical practice and patient care.

✔️Healthy Ageing
Exploring preventive and therapeutic approaches to the visual challenges of aging.

✔️Gaining A Competitive Edge in Practice
Enhancing the performance, differentiation, and sustainability of professional practices.

✔️Light Management
Understanding, anticipating, and controlling the effects of light on vision and eye health.

✔️Future Advances in Optometry and Optics
A forward-looking perspective on emerging technologies and research that will transform the profession.

Organised under the aegis of Silmo Paris, this edition of SILMO Academy Bali 2026 will offer a rich and inspiring program, combining high-level scientific content, shared experiences, and international perspectives, all in an exceptional setting. A unique opportunity not to be missed for all professionals who wish to anticipate the evolution of their field and actively contribute to the future of global visual health.

More information coming soon on www.silmoparis.com

07/10/2025

Biometrics: Refining Normative Eye Models and the Implications on Lens Design

Join ophthalmic physicist and researcher Dr Grant Hannaford for his discussion on normative eye modelling and the impact on lens design and prescribing.

Abstract: Normative eye models underpin lens design and clinical optics, but relying on a reduced model eye introduces error. Cleaning biometric data and conditioning models on actual prescriptions sharpens predictions, while incorporating multiple biometric variables provides more accurate, patient-specific outcomes. This refinement reduces optical penalties and leads to better lens choices, fewer remakes, and improve visual comfort.

Key Learning Points
1. A discussion on how clean biometric data prevents outliers from distorting models and reduces clinical risk.
2. An exploration of accurate modelling requirements including multiple biometric factors beyond axial length.
3. How to use refined, prescription-specific models to minimise residual aberrations and improve patient outcomes.

Dr Grant Hannaford is a senior lecturer at the School of Optometry and Vision Science UNSW, adjunct lecturer at the Save Sight Institute USYD and co-owns a multi-award winning independent optometry practice Hannaford Eyewear and the Academy of Advanced Ophthalmic Optics. He was the Silmo and the International Opticians Association’s 2022 International Optician of the Year and researches emmetropisation and ocular biometric development in children and lens design.

This is Rodenstock sponsored event and is open to all optometrists, opticians, optical dispensers, scientists and academics. The focus is on the science behind modern ophthalmic optics. CPD hours approved for Australian optometrists and pending for New Zealand optometrists and dispensing opticians. Register at

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/vYtLieSmRkG1A7emyMz_Fg


*This is not an IOA event. IOA provides links to eternal events for the benefit of their members globally.

06/10/2025

Meet your IOA Education Director : Dr Grant Hannaford of Australia, 2022 Silmo Paris IOA International Optician of the Year.

Grant is an internationally recognised authority in ophthalmic optics, lens design, and optical dispensing education. With almost three decades of experience in clinical optics and professional training, he is committed to elevating global standards of optical practice through education, research, and leadership.

Grant holds a Doctor of Ophthalmic Science (DOphSc) from Aston University in the UK and is a Fellow of the British Dispensing Opticians (FBDO Hons), with additional academic degrees in science and the humanities from the University of New England. He is a Director of a multi award winning independent practice Hannaford Eyewear in New South Wales, Australia, and the co-founder of the Academy of Advanced Ophthalmic Optics (AAOO), which provides postgraduate education to optometrists, opticians and optical dispensers throughout Australasia, Europe, and North America.

As Education Director for the IOA, Grant leads strategic education initiatives to support the development of dispensing professionals across diverse global contexts. He is instrumental in creating educational frameworks that promote lifelong learning, clinical excellence, and cross-border collaboration among optical professionals.

In addition to his international work, Grant has served as the President of the Optical Dispensers Education Trust in New South Wales, where he supported the advancement of education and professional development within the Australian optical community. He is also a past Vice President of the Australian Dispensing Opticians Association (ADOA), where he contributed to advocacy, policy, and practitioner representation.

Grant’s academic and clinical research focuses on biometric lens modelling, wavefront aberrations, and spectacle lens design customisation. He has delivered lectures and workshops across multiple continents and continues to collaborate on curriculum development for professional and academic programs.

Grant’s work uniquely bridges the gap between theoretical optics and clinical application, equipping opticians with the tools to manage complex visual needs using evidence-based approaches. With a deep commitment to advancing the role of optical dispensers worldwide, he advocates for greater recognition of their expertise in the evolving landscape of eye care.

Grant is an adjunct lecturer at the School of Optometry and Vision Science the University of New South Wales UNSW and the Save Sight Institute the University of Sydney. A passionate educator, researcher, and clinician, he remains at the forefront of shaping the future of optical dispensing through innovation, professional standards, and a global vision for the profession.