Success for Silmo Singapore and IOA

June 9, 2023 Donald Crichton

From 12-14 April, the inaugural Silmo Singapore event welcomed more than 250 international and local brands from over 15 countries. With 50% of the 2,175 attendees coming from overseas, it staked its claim as the region’s new optics meeting hub, while providing the perfect platform for the IOA to bring its members together again.

 

As well as being Silmo’s first foray into Southeast Asia, Silmo Singapore was also the first opportunity since the pandemic for the International Opticians’ Association (IOA) to meet face to face.

 

One of Silmo and IOA’s key collaborations is the Silmo IOA International Optician of the Year award and two of its most recent recipients, Grant Hannaford (Australia, 2022) and Helen Whitaker (Canada, 2021), presented at the Silmo Academy plenary sessions and the less formal Silmo Talks, both held as part of the regional optical fair at the Suntec Singapore Exhibition and Convention Centre. So the event provided a great opportunity for dispensing opticians from across the world to discuss the future of the association and how it can adapt to the changing environment we operate in.

 

 

 

Organised chiefly by IOA development director Elaine Grisdale, the Silmo Academy is aimed at optometrists and opticians seeking key insights and best practices from renowned international experts. The two-day scientific symposium explored topics such as myopia management, lifestyle and ophthalmic practice, plus primary care. However, for me, the show’s highlight was the area featuring three unique spaces exploring future trends and innovation in the eyewear and eyecare sector.

 

Examining the future of eyecare

I was honoured to present the speakers at the Silmo Talks, which were held on a stage in the middle of the exhibition hall, much like a market square meeting place where anyone who was interested could stop by and listen.

 

Byby Hippo eyewear

 

‘Futurology’ was presented by eyewear designer Sebastien Brusset, CEO of JAW studio, who examined the theme of techno-responsibility through the lens of innovations and trends that will gradually shape the future of optics and eyewear. During Silmo Paris 2019, a ‘hackathon’ was organised between interactive product design students and optical professionals, who worked together for 48 hours on the future of the optical industry. This resulted in the topics of ecology, social responsibility and technology becoming the three main principles that shape the content of Silmo Trends and Silmo Talks.

 

Eyewear designer Sebastien Brusset

 

Jean-Philippe Sayag, CEO of social finance group ACEP, gave a fascinating presentation about the optical shop of the future, the integration of artificial intelligence into all that we do and how eyecare professionals need to keep up with the smart eyewear market. He also described how the metaverse will impact the optical industry – can you imagine having a physical practice but also a complete online replica that anyone can visit using virtual reality?

 

Jean-Philippe Sayag, CEO of ACEP Group

 

Shamir presented the most engaging exhibitor booth, with president and CEO Yagen Moshe being kind enough to show me the latest developments in coatings, measuring devices and the interactive Metaform display.

 

Shamir CEO Yagen Moshe (white shirt), IOA president Donald Crichton (blue suit) and Shamir Asia-Pacific president Edmund Song (checked shirt) with the red-themed Silmo Singapore Shamir team

 

Having made his mark at the annual Association of Dispensing Opticians of New Zealand (ADONZ) conferences, Kiwi business training manager and speaker didn’t disappoint at Silmo either. Presenting on growing your business and customer service, Stephen’s energy and humour quickly earned him a new fanbase. He’ll definitely be invited back!

 

Stephen Caunter

 

Although I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting any New Zealand practitioners this time, I’m sure Silmo Singapore will become an appealing destination for Southern Hemisphere eyecare professionals and support staff as the event grows. Make a note in your diary for next year’s, from 24-26 April 2024!

 

 

Donald Crichton is the new president of the International Opticians’ Association and teaches dispensing part-time at the University of Auckland.