Edition 2017

International Optometrist of the Year Award 2017

On September 27, as part of the inauguration of the 2017-2018 academic year, the Faculty of Optics and Optometry of Terrassa presented Professor James Wolffsohn, from Aston University (UK), with the International Optometrist of the Year Award, 2017 edition.

During the event, held in the Romanesque complex of the Sant Pere churches in Terrassa (9th–12th century), Professor Wolffsohn delivered the inaugural lecture titled "How to Make the Most of Your University Student Experience". He encouraged students to seize every opportunity to grow as individuals and future professionals. The full lecture can be found here.

James Wolffsohn

Optometry Degree Manchester, PhD Cardiff University

Professor at Aston University (UK), Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor. Chair of the British Contact Lens Association and Chair of the 2nd Dry Eye Workshop Diagnosis Sub-committee.

Following a first-class Optometry degree from Manchester, a pre-registration year at Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, a PhD at Cardiff University, and a clinical/research fellowship at the University of Melbourne, Australia, Professor Wolffsohn was appointed by Aston University in 2000, where he was Head of Optometry from 2004-2009 and Deputy Executive Dean for Life and Health Sciences from 2009-2016, being awarded a personal Chair in 2007.

He is now Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor.

James has published over 185 peer-reviewed academic papers and delivered numerous international presentations. His main research areas include the development and evaluation of ophthalmic instrumentation, contact lenses, intraocular lenses, and the tear film.

He is the academic Chair of the British Contact Lens Association, having served as past president, and is Chair of the 2nd Dry Eye Workshop Diagnosis Sub-committee.