Kim Jurina, a licensed optician with deep roots in the St. Albert community, has been named a finalist for the prestigious 2025 SILMO International Optician of the Year Award, a global recognition celebrating innovation, compassion, and excellence in the optical industry.
Jurina is one of two Canadian finalists for the award, set to be presented in Paris on Sept, 27.
“When I found out, I cried,” she says. “I’ve always kept things small and community-focused. To be recognized like this, on a global level, it just shows that big ideas can come from anywhere. Even from a small shop in St. Albert.”
While her nomination marks a milestone on the world stage, Jurina’s journey began decades ago in her family’s local optical business, where she first greeted patients as a 12-year-old at the reception counter of their shop in Grandin Mall.
“That’s one of my first memories – calling patients by name and helping them feel comfortable. We were a family-run clinic, and growing up in the St. Albert community was everything,” Jurina recalls.
Her parents, Dr. Koppè and Kathi, ran successful optical clinics across St. Albert, Athabasca, and Westlock, with the flagship store in St. Albert proudly serving the community for over 50 years. Though the brick-and-mortar locations have since closed with her parents’ retirement, Jurina has continued her passion for personalized eye care in a bold new way.
In 2024, she launched Eye Stylist Inc., a mobile eyewear boutique that brings eyewear and fittings directly to her clients’ homes, offices, and senior care facilities. “I loved stepping out of the store, delivering glasses to the hospital or seniors' homes, it just felt like meaningful work,” she says. “Now, I get to do that full-time.”
Alongside Eye Stylist’s high-touch service, Jurina also founded the “Take Away & Pay It Forward” program, collecting gently-used eyewear from clients to redistribute to those in need.
“Not everyone can afford proper vision care, or physically get to a store," she said. "This is about accessibility and dignity. I want to make sure no one is left behind.”
Now, with the world watching, Jurina is expanding her impact. She’s launching the Eye Stylist Academy this fall, designed to train other opticians to create their own mobile optical businesses, empowering more professionals to serve their communities with creativity and care.
“We’re evolving as an industry," Jurina said. "People are craving real connection again and opticians have more options than ever before. I want to give them the tools, confidence, and support to go out and make a difference.
“Being the first Canadian female finalist is an incredible honour. But honestly, I already feel like a winner because I get to do what I love. And it all started with the support of the St. Albert, Athabasca, and Westlock communities. I just want to say thank you.”
