National View on Opticianry | May 2026
- United Opticians Association
- May 1
- 5 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
One Vision. One Voice. One UOA.
This month, we are focusing on the educators, advocates, and innovators who are driving the industry forward. From the halls of the Tennessee Capitol to the tech-heavy floor of One Vision | One Voice | One UOA Leadership Conference, here is how we are elevating the craft of opticianry together.
Experience Hands-On Learning with Leading Optician Innovators in Chicago this June
Experience the Future during One Vision | One Voice | One UOA Leadership Conference Day 1: Educators, Innovators & Explorers powered by MEI Systems. Get ready for a hands-on experience with the technology driving the next generation of eyecare. We are proud to host these Optician Innovators as they showcase the tools and products redefining the standard of care for opticians nationwide. Meet our partners:
EssilorLuxottica: Step into the future of myopia management with the Essilor® Stellest® lens, a breakthrough designed to slow progression in children.
eyebot: Experience the eyebot Kiosk, a touch-free vision test making precision prescriptions more accessible than ever.
MEI Systems: Discover EasyFit Technology, the block-less, eco-friendly edging solution that brings high-end lab precision directly to your shop.
Optikam: Master the Digital Measuring System, capturing pinpoint accurate as-worn measurements for the ultimate patient fit.
Speaker Sneak Peek: Day 2 |
The innovation doesn't stop on Day 1. Here is a look at a few of the experts joining us to lead the conversation on what's next for your practice:
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The Learning Lab: Education & Professional Growth
Missed Our Recent Episodes? | The Mission:Optician Podcast |
How do ANSI standards impact your clinical precision and patient safety? Michael Vitale (The Vision Council) sits down with Gwen Cooper (UOA) to explore why standards are the backbone of safe eyecare. Michael breaks down the latest updates to ANSI Z80.1 and Z80.3, highlighting the real-world implications for opticians, consumers, and manufacturers. An Industry Perspective on Opticianry with Scott Harris Shapiro Scott (Europa Eyewear) joins Gwen to discuss the intersection of advocacy, education, and the future of our craft. Discover how certification impacts consumer perception and how better-trained opticians directly reduce returns, improve patient outcomes, and drive practice revenue. In these episodes, you will learn:
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New! The UOA Education Hub |
Our website is now more robust than ever. Whether you are seeking on-demand training or formal academic prep, our online resource center provides the tools to elevate your skills and clinical confidence. Interested in earning a degree in opticianry? Click here to learn more. |
Investing in the Next Generation: 2026 Student to Leadership Grant Recipients |
The future of eyecare is only as strong as the leaders we cultivate today. In case you missed our recent announcement, we’ve partnered with HOYA Vision Care to send the next generation of opticianry to the One Vision | One Voice | One UOA Leadership Conference. We are proud to announce the 15 recipients of the 2026 Student & Apprentice Grants! These future leaders will join us in Chicago to connect with industry changemakers and gain the insider knowledge needed to shape the future of our craft. |
Advocacy in Action
Tennessee Triumph: Grassroots Power
The power of a unified voice was on full display this month in Tennessee. The Tennessee Board of Dispensing Opticians (TDOA) successfully fought back against legislation that would have dissolved the state’s licensing board, stripping away the essential oversight and licensing standards that protect TN patients.
The TDOA successfully mobilized a grassroots plan of action:
Delaying the Vote: Volunteers flooded the State Capitol to educate legislators on the technical expertise required of opticians, successfully stalling the initial vote to allow for deeper discussion.
Targeted Education: Members met privately with lawmakers to explain the real-world implications of deregulation, while a national wave of emails and phone calls from Tennessee Eyecare Professionals ensured the issue remained a priority on every legislator's desk.
The Result: The bill to preserve the licensing board has officially passed both the House and the Senate and is waiting for Governor Bill Lee’s signature. This victory is a powerful reminder that our profession’s future depends on our willingness to show up, speak out, and defend the standards that protect our patients.
Business & Marketing: Gear Up for National Sunglasses Day
National Sunglasses Day is June 27th! |
Maximize your marketing without spending a dime. The Vision Council Foundation has released a comprehensive Sunglasses Toolkit. With digital branding and fact sheets, as well as ready-to-use social content and marketing campaigns, you have everything you need to promote UV safety and encourage sunglass sales. The Foundation is also offering 25 free educational pamphlets to share with your patients. Simply fill out the form below to order. |
Upcoming Events: Come Hang Out With Us!
Annual Meeting & Delegate Assembly |
We’re hitting the road to ensure the voice of opticianry is heard at every major table.
Promote your next opticianry event on our website. Submit the details here. Final Reminder: Eye on Impact Awards |
Nominations Close TODAY, May 5th!Who is the leader or rising star shaping our future? Nominate your peers for State Leader of the Year or the Rising Star Award. Winners will be celebrated at the One Vision | One Voice | One UOA Leadership Conference during our special Eye on Impact Awards Dinner powered by ZEISS, featuring keynote speaker Matt Havens. |
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