The Right Optics podcast is brought to you by Silmo, the leading eyewear and optics trade show. Broadcaster Nick Coffer interviews key personalities from the optics world. Hear their stories, their passion for optics and their insight into the industry.

L'Œil et l'Autre : quand l'optique devient une mission humaine

In this episode, Nick Coffer is joined by Fabienne Vulliez-Ladava, an optician specialising in visual impairment and founder of L'Œil et l'Autre. Trained in both France and Canada, she has built a practice entirely dedicated to supporting people with low vision — combining technical expertise with a deeply human approach.

In France, several millions of people are affected by visual impairment. Yet they remain too often poorly directed and insufficiently supported. It is not technology that falls short — magnifiers, therapeutic filters, microscopic and telescopic systems all exist — but the organisation around the individual, and the time devoted to them. Fabienne also addresses the situation of caregivers, frequently left without clear information about their loved ones' conditions, and advocates for a multidisciplinary network bringing together ophthalmologists, orthoptists, occupational therapists and associations. She also shares her commitment within the CNOF to advance optician training — and her vision of a profession recognised for what it can truly offer.

Key takeaways:

  • Millions of people overlooked: visual impairment affects a significant share of the French population, yet remains a blind spot in the healthcare system when it comes to guidance and support.
  • The technology exists — the organisation does not: magnifiers, filters and specialist optical systems are available; what is still missing is structured, person-centred care.
  • Caregivers, the forgotten ones: family members and support carers are often left without adequate information about visual conditions, despite being on the front line every day.
  • A case for multidisciplinary care: ophthalmologists, orthoptists, occupational therapists and associations must work together to deliver truly comprehensive support.
  • Raising the profile of the optician: through her involvement with the CNOF, Fabienne Vulliez-Ladava champions a clear ambition — to evolve the training and recognition of a profession capable of contributing far beyond the simple dispensing of corrective lenses.

Podcast in French