SILMO 2026: 20/20 Europe and Jobson Optical Group celebrate the first european edition "Most Influential Women in Optical"

26 women honoured, including Lorraine Berton, recognised for her leadership in the Italian optical industry.

20/20 Europe and Jobson Optical Group, publisher of leading optical industry titles including 20/20 and Vision Monday, proudly celebrated the first European edition of the “Most Influential Women in Optical” (MIWO) initiative during a special luncheon held at SILMO Paris on 25th September.

Originally launched in the United States by Vision Monday in 2003, the “Most Influential Women in Optical” initiative has, for more than two decades, recognised women whose leadership, talent, commitment and contribution are making a difference across the optical industry. Following the success of the US programme, Jobson Optical Group brought the initiative to Europe in 2026, with the European edition driven by 20/20 Europe, published by Matilde Sometti in Italy.

The inaugural European edition recognised 26 outstanding women from across the European optical and eyewear industry, celebrating their achievements across five categories: Business Leaders, Mentors, Rising Stars, Founders and Innovators.

Among them was Lorraine Berton, recognised for combining her entrepreneurial experience in eyewear manufacturing with her leadership at ANFAO and MIDO. Through these roles, she has championed Italian eyewear on the international stage, while making history as the first woman to lead ANFAO.

All 26 honourees attended the SILMO luncheon, accompanied by colleagues, friends and supporters, and personally received their recognition on stage. The event brought together approximately 160 guests, including optical and eyewear professionals, industry leaders, colleagues, supporters and sponsors. The room was filled with representatives from across the sector, creating an atmosphere of celebration, connection and meaningful networking.

Beyond recognising the achievements of the 26 women, the event provided an important opportunity for the European optical community to come together and celebrate the contribution of women across every area of the industry.

“We could not have imagined a more meaningful way to launch the European edition of Most Influential Women in Optical,” said Matilde Sometti, Publisher of 20/20 Europe. “Having all 26 honourees with us in Paris, together with their colleagues, supporters, sponsors and so many people from across our industry, made the event incredibly special. The enthusiasm we have received since the event has been overwhelming and confirms how relevant this initiative is for the European optical community.”

The organisers would like to extend their sincere thanks to SILMO Paris for its collaboration and support in bringing this important initiative to Europe, as well as to all the Sponsors whose contribution helped make the first edition possible: SILMO (silmoparis.com), The Vision Council (thevisioncouncil.org), READ ON (readon-mobile.com), MIDO (mido.com) and Go Eyewear Group (goeyeweargroup.com).

The organisers look forward to continuing to build on the initiative and to further celebrating the women who are shaping the future of the European optical and eyewear industry.

The European edition is organised by 20/20 Europe in collaboration with Jobson Optical Group and Vision Monday.