The Polaris Award
The Polaris Award, presented for the first time in 2026, honors an individual dedicated to promoting the mission of the OWA globally. Long recognized as a universal navigational tool, Polaris, aka the North Star, represents guidance, purpose, and a reminder to stay true to one's path.
Since 1997, the OWA has maintained its course of supporting women in the optical industry. Its success comes from the strength and passion of its members, making it a powerful source of inspiration, leadership, and resilience internationally.
All Polaris Award Recipients
Alessandra Senici
2026 Honoree
Alessandra Senici is a pioneering leader in the optical industry whose contributions have helped to shape education and drive awareness around topics such as vision care, practice management, and people development. She has held several leadership positions at EssilorLuxottica and Luxottica, including Head of Leonardo, the most comprehensive digital learning ecosystem for the vision care world, and Head of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications during the company’s most significant evolutions.