OWA at SILMO 2026 [Photos]

The Optical Women’s Association (OWA) marked an important milestone in its international expansion with START STRONG, powered by the OWA, held at SILMO Paris. The global connection breakfast brought optical professionals together for a morning focused on leadership, learning, and building meaningful relationships. The event reflected OWA’s commitment to creating an international community that supports women’s professional growth and success across the optical industry.

A highlight was the In Focus program, which offered practical perspectives on maximizing the trade show experience. Barbara Hébert Motz of MOREL shared the exhibitor perspective, while Tamara Johnson of New Look Vision Group and Alessandra Germanetti of EssilorLuxottica Retail discussed how buyers set priorities, discover opportunities, and measure success. Opening remarks from SILMO President Amélie Morel helped set the tone for a morning centered on collaboration and connection.

Beyond the educational sessions, START STRONG created opportunities for attendees to exchange ideas, meet OWA leaders, and develop relationships across roles, organizations, and borders. The enthusiasm at SILMO reinforced OWA’s belief that a stronger industry begins with people supporting and learning from one another.

-Nancy Gries

View the full hi-res gallery of Silmo 2026 photos here.

SILMO is bigger than Expo, but more than that, it’s immersive. Curated brand spaces, hands-on experiences, innovation hubs, SILMO Talks, and a strong focus on sustainability make the show feel less about what’s new and more about what’s next.

It also gave me a new appreciation for continuing education in the US. SILMO puts learning and connection front and center, from hands-on vendor experiences to START STRONG, the Most Influential Women in Optical luncheon, and my experience as an International Optician of the Year finalist. Seeing my OWA sisters there and meeting European colleagues made a huge industry feel surprisingly small.

SILMO was overwhelming, electric, and unforgettable. From the SILMO d’Or awards to the relationships formed along the way, my biggest takeaway was community. Eye care may span oceans, but ultimately we all want the same thing: to help people see and feel their best.

-Cira Collins

View the full hi-res gallery of Silmo 2026 photos here.

As I reflect on my second trip to SILMO, it felt different. This time, it was familiar enough that I could give others directions and guidance, which is saying something because the first visit can be overwhelming! My favorite part, as always, was reconnecting with old friends and meeting so many amazing women who are part of OWA’s growing international community.

Then came the pinch-me moment: being named one of six finalists for the International Optician of the Year. I didn’t bring home the title or trophy, and you know what? That’s OK. Hearing Elaine Grisdale and Helen Whitaker explain how the finalists were selected helped me understand the significance of being recognized for a nearly 50-year career, and especially for my work raising awareness around elder vision care. That is what I will carry with me. That is the big win, and it will continue to be my WHY. Winning is the work, the passion, the relationships, the risks, the mentoring, the teaching, and all those years of choosing this profession. No trophy is required for me to understand what that means.

-Karen Michaelson

“The energy and willingness to connect that we saw at SILMO reinforced why this work matters. We want professionals across the world to feel that there is a community they can turn to for support, inspiration and opportunities to grow. START STRONG is an exciting part of that journey, and we look forward to building on this momentum.” -Nancy Gries

As the OWA continues to develop its international community, initiatives such as START STRONG will help create more opportunities for members and prospective members to engage with the association, access leadership development and contribute to a more connected and inclusive optical industry.