Andrew Keirl named IOA International Optician of the Year

Andrew Keirl receives his IOA Award at Silmo Paris

Andrew Keirl has won the 2019 Silmo IOA International Optician of the Year Award.

The innovative award, first given at the 2018 Silmo d’Or Ceremony, recognises the importance of the optician in the optical business and their role in the choice of optimum products for their clientele.

Andrew started in optics in 1979 as a student dispensing optician with Dollond & Aitchison. In 1984, Andrew was appointed training officer for the Dollond & Aitchision Group, based at its Birmingham headquarters. During this period Andrew lectured to students taking ABDO examinations in Singapore, Malaysia and Kenya.

In 1989, Andrew was asked to join the Anglia Higher Education College (now Anglia Ruskin University) in Cambridge to instigate and develop courses in Ophthalmic Dispensing, establishing a brand new department within the Faculty of Applied Sciences. Andrew then turned his attention to a full-time programme for student dispensing opticians.

In 1995, he launched the very first Honours Degree programme for dispensing opticians, a BSc (Hons) in Optical Management. An undergraduate programme in optometry was also launched and during his last four years at Anglia Ruskin University, Andrew joined the programme as a part-time student while retaining a full-time teaching and administrative role.

At the conclusion of the Professional Qualifying Examinations Andrew was awarded prizes for the highest mark in investigative techniques and the highest overall mark obtained for a dispensing optician. Andrew now runs his own independent optical practice.

Andrew’s practice is multi-disciplinary and offers clinics for stable glaucoma patients, post-operative clinics for patients following cataract surgery and a minor eye conditions service. This year Andrew was presented with ABDO Life Membership, the highest honour awarded by the UK Professional Body for dispensing opticians.

Fiona Anderson, IOA president and chair of the selection committee, said, “Andrew is a worthy recipient of this award. The wider world of optics has benefited from his extensive contribution to our sector. Through his training, educational and academic writing, he has enhanced our knowledge, skill and art in the world of ophthalmic dispensing. We owe Andrew a great debt of gratitude.”

The winner was announced on the 28 September 2019 at Silmo Paris. As well as the prestigious award, Andrew also wins a trip for 2 to Silmo 2020.

To find out more about the IOA award click here.