National View on Opticianry | June 2026
- United Opticians Association
- Jun 1
- 5 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
The Future of Opticianry is Built Together
This month, United Opticians Association is bringing the profession together through leadership development, industry education, workforce conversations, and national advocacy efforts. From the full release of the One Vision | One Voice | One UOA Leadership Conference agenda to new Mission:Optician conversations and upcoming national events, June is packed with opportunities to connect, learn, and strengthen the future of opticianry.
Full Schedule Announced for One Vision | One Voice | One UOA Leadership Conference
The agenda is officially live for the 2026 One Vision | One Voice | One UOA Leadership Conference in Chicago, June 25-27.
This year’s event brings together opticians, educators, industry leaders, labs, students, and advocates for three days of collaboration, hands-on learning, industry insight, and meaningful conversations shaping the future of opticianry.
Attendees can expect:
Hands-on workshops and demonstrations
Industry panel discussions and breakout sessions
Leadership and advocacy conversations
Networking opportunities across every sector of opticianry
UOA Board & Officer elections
Facility tours and collaborative working sessions
Eye on Impact Awards Ceremony & Keynote
Downtown Chicago Experience
Tomorrow, June 3, registered attendees should watch for a comprehensive conference communication and attendee questionnaire designed to help finalize and personalize their event experience.
If you have not registered yet, now is the time. You will want to be included in these important attendee communications as planning and event details continue rolling out.
Vendor Experience Webinar Recap Now Available
Industry partners and vendors: if you couldn’t attend the Vendor Experience Webinar live, the recap is now available online.
The recap includes everything you need to know to maximize your conference experience, from event logistics and setup details to visibility opportunities designed to help you build strong relationships with conference attendees.
Whether you are exhibiting, speaking, or attending as an industry partner, the information and accompanying PowerPoint Deck is designed to help you show up prepared, visible, and engaged.
ICYMI: UOA & NAO Announce Next Steps in Merger Exploration
Last week, the United Opticians Association (UOA) and the National Academy of Opticianry (NAO) announced that both organizations formally approved the next phase of merger exploration efforts.
The announcement follows the jointly approved Letter of Intent and authorizes the beginning of the formal merger or asset-transfer evaluation process between the organizations.
Both organizations emphasized that all current operations, member services, educational programming, and the Ophthalmic Career Progression Program (OCPP) will continue without interruption throughout the process.
As due diligence continues, leadership teams will evaluate:
Financial and legal considerations
Program integration opportunities
Operational planning and staffing
Member services and educational continuity
This exploration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening opticianry education, advocacy, workforce development, and long-term sustainability for the profession.
If you missed last week’s announcement, the full press release is now available on the UOA website.
The Learning Lab: Education & Professional Growth
New on Mission:Optician: Brandon Butler, Artisan Lab Network
What role do independent labs play in today’s optical industry, and why should opticians be paying attention?
In this episode of Mission, Brandon Butler, President and CEO of Artisan Lab Network, joins Gwen Cooper, Executive Director of United Opticians Association (UOA), for a timely conversation about the evolving landscape of lens manufacturing and independent optical labs.
Drawing from more than two decades of experience in optics, lab operations, and lens manufacturing, Brandon explains how industry consolidation has changed the options available to independent practices, why strong optician-lab relationships matter more than ever, and how independent labs continue preserving craftsmanship while improving patient outcomes.
The conversation also explores Brandon’s commitment to workforce development through the training and hiring of formerly incarcerated individuals, creating meaningful pathways into the optical industry while addressing workforce shortages.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
The economics behind independent lab operations
How consolidation has reshaped lab options for independent practices
Why optician-lab relationships directly impact patient outcomes
How the Artisan Lab Network is helping reclaim the art of lens manufacturing
Why workforce development matters to the future of opticianry
Also Catch Up on Our Recent Conversations
Steve Alexander (Anagram)
Steve Alexander joined Gwen Cooper to unpack vision benefits, reimbursements, and the systems shaping today’s optical industry. This conversation helps opticians better understand how vision plans impact both practices and patient experiences.
Alysse Henkel (formerly of The Vision Council)
Alysse Henkel joined Gwen Cooper and Bob Alexander to discuss findings from the 2025 Consumer Attitudes Survey, exploring what consumers expect from opticians and how research-backed insights can strengthen advocacy efforts across the profession.
Build Your Future in Opticianry
Earning an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Opticianry is a major step toward professional mastery and long-term career growth.
Accredited opticianry programs provide the academic foundation, technical training, and clinical experience needed to thrive in today’s evolving optical industry.
Whether you are just entering the profession or looking to expand your credentials, formal education can open doors to leadership, specialization, and advanced career opportunities.
Explore accredited institutions and find a program aligned with your goals.
Formal Educators — You Asked for This. Will You Be in the Room?
Opticianry educators: the future of our programs depends on shared insight, collaboration, and honest conversations about where we go from here.
On June 25 in Chicago, we are hosting a full-day, in-person Formal Educators Working Session designed by educators, for educators.
This collaborative workshop will focus on the real-world future of opticianry education through open discussion, problem-solving, and strategic planning.
Topics Include:
SUCCESS
Benchmarking what is working across the country and identifying the strategies helping programs thrive.
TROUBLE
Addressing current program challenges in a judgment-free, collaborative environment focused on solutions.
NEW
Exploring the future of education, emerging technologies, workforce development, and innovations like Smart Mirror AI.
If you are a formal opticianry educator, this is your community and your opportunity to help shape national stewardship for the profession.
View the Educators In-Person Working Session schedule and secure your seat at the table.
Business & Marketing: Gear Up for National Sunglasses Day
National Sunglasses Day is June 27th!
National Sunglasses Day is one of the easiest opportunities of the year to spark patient engagement, promote UV safety, and increase eyewear conversations inside your practice.
To help practices maximize visibility without increasing marketing costs, The Vision Council Foundation has released a comprehensive Sunglasses Toolkit packed with ready-to-use resources.
Inside the toolkit, you’ll find:
Social media graphics and captions
Educational fact sheets
Digital branding assets
UV safety messaging
Patient-facing promotional materials
The Foundation is also offering 25 free educational pamphlets to help you continue the conversation with patients in-office. Simply fill out the form below to request your complimentary materials while supplies last.
Everything is designed to help you market smarter, educate patients more effectively, and participate quickly.
Upcoming Events: Come Hang Out With Us!
UOA is hitting the road to ensure the voice of opticianry is represented at every major table shaping the future of the industry.
UOA is hitting the road to ensure the voice of opticianry is represented at every major table shaping the future of the industry.
AOA Optometry's Meeting | Phoenix | June 17-20 |
Earn up to 6 hours of ABO/NCLE-approved continuing education while connecting with peers and industry professionals from across the country. |
One Vision | One Voice | One UOA Leadership Conference | Chicago | June 25-27
Join us for hands-on labs, industry tours, panel discussions, breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and UOA Board & Officer elections.
Attending the conference? Help spread the word and show your support for the profession using our downloadable social media graphics.
ASCA Annual Conference | New Orleans | July 11-14
Connect with education leaders and help elevate opticianry as a premier career pathway within schools and workforce development conversations.
Promote Your Event Through UOA
Hosting an opticianry-related event, workshop, conference, or educational opportunity?
Submit your event to be featured on the UOA website and help increase visibility across the profession.
State of UOA Recording Now Available
Missed last month’s State of UOA presentation?
The recording is now available online and includes updates on advocacy initiatives, organizational progress, workforce development efforts, and UOA’s strategic direction moving forward.
Stay informed about the conversations and initiatives shaping the future of opticianry.
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