The IOA recognised Bernard Maitenaz with a posthumous award
A posthumous award for Bernard Maitenaz was announced by the International Opticians Association (IOA) at a ceremony in Paris attended by his son Benoit and grandson Alban.
Maitenaz, who was the inventor of the Varilux progressive lens, passed away aged 94 in February this year.
The IOA said Maitenaz made a ground-breaking contribution to the optical profession and made a lasting and permanent mark on the wellbeing of spectacles wearers.
Elaine Grisdale, director of development at the IOA, said at the ceremony: ‘Bernard was an innovator and his innovation was something that has revolutionised people’s lives along with the whole sector.’