Grant Hannaford named as the International Optician of the Year in Paris

The optical dispenser, lens designer, and director at Hannaford Eyewear, in Bowral, went with his wife Thao, to the International Opticians Association's (IOA) prestigious Silmo d'Or ceremony in September.

He was one of four finalists up for the accolade, with others hailing from Canada, France and Australia.

"They were all really good candidates," he said.

The award recognises the importance and dedication of opticians, and the impact they have on their clients.

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Communication skills, professionalism, innovations, entrepreneurial spirits, passions to specialise in specific branches of optics, advocacies for the industry and engagements with the community and charitable endeavours were analysed.

They had to submit dossiers with their portfolios, which were assessed by a panel of experts.

"We gave it everything we had," he said.

While Mr Hannaford was honoured with the global accolade, he said there was still a lot of work that needed to be done.

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"It gives a sense of how small I am in a big picture," he said, and mentioned it would not have been possible without mentors and the support of his wife.

The optical dispenser led the way in ophthalmics, as the first in Australia to complete an Optnet course in lens design in 2018.

He is a lecturer at the University of New South Wales' School of Optometry and Vision Science, a doctoral candidate at Aston University in England, and taught at universities across Australia.

"It's important for continual education," he said.

The Hannafords also founded the Academy of Advanced Ophthalmic Optics for people to expand their knowledge in the optics industry, and have taught across Europe.

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They opened Hannaford Eyewear's doors in 2004, and the practice has grown ever since, seeing more than 30,000 patients.

It was named as the best optometrist in the country, at the Australian Small Business Champion Awards this year, won two accolades at the Southern Highlands Local Business Awards, and been a finalist in local business awards.

They were given Paul Harris Fellowships by Rotary International for their efforts in Nepal and Mongolia, where Grant has worked with different eye hospitals overseas.

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