Thao and Grant Hannaford after they were admitted as Liverymen of The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers in London last year.

The International Opticians’ Association (IOA) has partnered with the Australian Academy of Advanced Ophthalmic Optics (AAOO) to deliver industry-leading education for optical dispensers across the world.

Founded by award-winning optical dispenser and optometrist duo Grant and Thao Hannaford, the AAOO’s professional CPD and mentorship programmes focus on giving optical professionals a practical framework for growth, said IOA president Donald Crichton. “We welcome this new partnership and have exciting plans with the AAOO.”

Driven by a desire to offer fair and equitable education globally, the Hannafords said partnering with IOA represents an opportunity to offer superior optics education on a global scale. “The partnership with IOA will drive our common goal of ensuring communities around the world receive the best eyecare available by equipping practitioners with advanced ophthalmic knowledge and practical skills.”

Realising that the ophthalmic industry in Australia is changing rapidly, the Hannafords developed their practice model to deliver a range of CPD modules focused on optical dispensing and optometry. Advancements in ophthalmic lens technology in the past decade have redefined the boundaries between clinical optometry and optical dispensing, they said. “The AAOO aims to bridge the gap between these two essential parts of the industry by elevating the knowledge and skillset of both optometrists and dispensing opticians, so they may work in harmony for the benefit of patients, maximising visual outcomes.”

IOA membership is complimentary for dispensing opticians who are members of ADONZ. IOA members can read Grant Hannaford’s first IOA and AAOO here with webinars and more to come.