Martyn Howlett, Head of Dispensing at SeeAbility, was recently shortlisted for 'International Optician of the Year' at the SILMO d'Or 2026 Awards in Paris, making him one of just six international finalists for the award. 

The SILMO d'Or Awards, a prestigious annual awards ceremony launched over 30 years ago, recognise the creativity and innovation that define the best of the optical industry. The award is presented by the International Opticians Association, which dedicates itself to enhancing and developing the optical profession across the world.  

Martyn Howlett was nominated alongside five other talented nominees from Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA, who were shortlisted by a panel of industry experts in recognition of their innovation, professional excellence and contribution to the optical profession. Although Martyn wasn't selected for the award, being a finalist is a testament to the invaluable contributions he has made to the optical sector. 

As Head of Dispensing at SeeAbility, Martyn leads a team of Dispensing Opticians who supply glasses to children and young people with learning disabilities and autism, many of whom likely have lived with undiagnosed sight impairments for a number of years. He is passionate about proactive dispensing, ensuring that every child has an equal right to sight.   

The awards ceremony took place last Saturday at the Optical Fair in Paris, which was attended by tens of thousands of optical professionals, including more than 800 organisations who exhibited their products and services.   

This isn’t the first time that Martyn’s invaluable contributions to the optical profession have been noticed - in 2024, he was recognised as the UK’s ‘Dispensing Optician of the Year’.

Lisa Donaldson, Director of Eye Care and Vision at SeeAbility, commented: 

"Martyn has dedicated so much of his career to ensuring children with learning disabilities receive the eye care and glasses they need to thrive. He never forgets the difference a pair of glasses can make to a child’s life, and his passion, kindness and determination have helped transform the lives of countless children and families. To be a finalist for this award is incredible, and all of us at SeeAbility couldn’t be prouder of him!"

Martyn commented: 

“It is an enormous privilege to be a part of the SeeAbility Special Schools Eye Care Service. To be recognised as a finalist for 'International Optician of the Year' is an incredible honour.  

This also represents something greater than me - a team of very dedicated people who will stop at nothing to see every child have an equal right to sight.  

This nomination is testament to our tireless work at SeeAbility to establish a fully integrated and commissioned service to children and young people with learning disabilities.  

Evidence has shown that children with a learning disability are 28 times more likely to have a complex sight problem. Over half have no previous eye care history, with more than 40% of those we have seen in school having a significant prescription requiring glasses.  

At SeeAbility we have strived to not only change the lives of those in Special schools through the provision of Eye Care, but also to see change taking place in government policy around those with a learning disability. To be nominated for this award makes me immensely proud of all that we have achieved and to know we have changed the lives of children, young people and their families.”