2026 UOA Conference Recap | Advancing Opticianry Through Education & Innovation

Nearly 250 opticians, educators, students, industry partners, and association leaders gathered in Chicago, June 25–27, for the 2026 UOA Conference. 

Centered around the theme One Vision | One Voice | One UOA, the conference brought professionals together to strengthen opticianry through education, advocacy, innovation, leadership, and collaboration. Throughout three days, attendees explored emerging technologies, exchanged ideas with colleagues from across the country, celebrated professional excellence, and helped shape the future of the profession. 

Whether you joined us in Chicago or are catching up afterward, here are the moments and milestones that defined this year’s conference.

Innovation Shaping the Future of Opticianry 

Innovation was a central theme throughout the conference as attendees explored technologies transforming today's optical industry. 

Demonstrations from MEI Systems, EssilorLuxottica, Optikam, and Eyebot highlighted advancements in manufacturing, diagnostics, myopia management, and patient care. Exclusive visits to Europa Eyewear and MEI Systems provided a behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship, automation, and operational processes driving the next generation of optical manufacturing. 

The sessions reinforced how emerging technology is helping opticians improve efficiency, expand services, and enhance patient outcomes.

Strengthening Opticianry Education 

Educators from UOA member schools participated in a collaborative working session focused on strengthening optician education nationwide. 

Participants shared successful teaching strategies, discussed common challenges, and identified practical initiatives to better prepare future opticians for an evolving profession. 

Read The Future of Opticianry Education Relies on Collaboration to explore the session's key takeaways and learn how we can work together to strengthen the future of opticianry.

Advocacy & Leadership 

Advocacy remained a central focus as attendees discussed state and federal initiatives, workforce development, and opportunities to strengthen the profession's collective voice. Members also elected FY27 leadership and welcomed new Board members, reinforcing UOA's commitment to collaboration and professional engagement.

Celebrating Leaders in Opticianry 

The Eye on Impact Awards celebrated individuals whose leadership and dedication continue strengthening the profession. 

Congratulations to this year's recipients:

• Mary Seguiti – Educator of the Year 

• Heather Branderhorst – Rising Star 

• Sandy Brown – State Leader of the Year 

Their work continues to inspire excellence throughout the opticianry community. 

A Profession That Gives Back 

Conference attendees raised more than $20,000 for the Vision of Hope Foundation and the Optical Heritage Museum. A special thank you to the Professional Opticians of Florida, whose spirited bidding contributed $6,000. Donations remain open through July 31.

What Attendees Are Saying 

"It [One Vision | One Voice | One UOA Leadership Conference] was the most productive and uplifting experience for me. I've yearned for something like it for 20+ years, so it was heaven. Being surrounded by people with the same goals and who are invested in their roles was a wonderful difference. I also loved the intimacy of the hotel and the meeting rooms. Honestly, I cannot say enough to express the impact the leadership had on me. I'm hooked."

- Aubri St. Clair, ABOC, Founder, Rocky Mountain Opticians Association 

Looking Ahead 

The conference concluded with exciting announcements for the future of opticianry. 

Members welcomed FY27 leadership, announced Minneapolis, Minnesota, as the host city for the 2027 UOA Conference, and launched UOA's new Get Certified. Stay Certified. initiative. 

Together, these milestones reinforce UOA's commitment to professional excellence, certification, advocacy, and continued advancement of the profession. 

Thank You

Thank you to every attendee, speaker, volunteer, sponsor, exhibitor, and industry partner who helped make this year's conference a success. We look forward to seeing you in Minneapolis. 

Help Shape Future UOA Conferences 

Did you attend the 2026 One Vision | One Voice | One UOA Conference? We'd love to hear about your experience. Your feedback helps us improve future conferences and better serve the opticianry community. 

About United Opticians Association (UOA) 

Founded in 2024 through the unification of the Opticians Association of America and the National Federation of Opticianry Schools, UOA is the national organization representing opticians and accredited college programs across the United States. Dedicated to advancing the profession through education, credentialing, and advocacy, UOA serves as a unified voice for spectacle and contact lens opticians. By supporting national policy efforts and expanding professional training, UOA strengthens the workforce essential to quality vision care and advocates for the high standards necessary to ensure patient safety and public trust. 

Learn more on our website at opticians.org