UOA is the only national voice for opticians, advancing the profession through advocacy, education, and a united community.
02/02/2026
Course Title: Explore the Floor - Technology Edition
Instructor: Cira Collins
Description: In this class, learn with feet on the ground how to make the most of your Expo hours on the show floor. We will begin in the classroom, where you will build your strategy for exploring new technology, learn how to establish and build relationships with vendors, and keep your finger on the pulse of the technological surge happening right now.
While we will specifically focus on electronically-enabled and smart eyewear by delivering specific skills for evaluating products in this category, you will still be equipped to explore practice-enhancing software, exam and treatment equipment, and, of course, new spectacle lens and contact lens advancements.
This is one of 9 courses that are exclusive to OptiCon for 2026!
Title: Vision Beyond Vision
Instructor: Michael Gatti, Sr. Mgr. Professional Engagement, HOYA Vision Care
Description: Experience examples of real-world magic that expose the unseen forces guiding your decisions and patient interactions. You’ll discover how awareness of your own perception can transform the patient’s experience, build trust, and elevate your recommendations. Expect to leave with a new perspective on how you think, lead, and connect.
Learning Objectives:
Demonstrate how easily perception can be influenced
Describe cognitive and emotional biases
Integrate bias awareness into daily practice
Course Title: Creating and Presenting Effective Continuing Education for Opticians
Instructor: Pete Hanlin, Vice President Professional Services, EssilorLuxottica
Description: Presenting effective continuing education requires practical subject knowledge, the ability to organize that knowledge into a cohesive outline with identified learning objectives, and the ability to present that knowledge in a meaningful/engaging manner.
This course provides insights into these requirements.
Description: Scleral lenses have improved the lives of patients and enriched the lives of practitioners who fit them. This course will cover the scleral lens fitting process as well as lens evaluation and troubleshooting scleral lens fits. Dual Sag lenses, Toric multifocal, and using Micro Vaults/Notches will also be discussed.
Course Title: Dispensing for VPDs - Neuro-Visual Challenges and Optical Solutions
Instructor: Phernell Walker, Chair, American Board of Opticianry
Description: Visual Processing Disorders (VPDs) disrupt how the brain interprets visual stimuli, often affecting spectacle tolerance and patient behavior.
This course equips opticians to identify neuro-visual indicators linked to BVD, TBI, stroke, autism, special needs and learning differences. Participants will explore optical solutions and lens strategies.
This is one of 9 courses that are exclusive to OptiCon for 2026!
Title: Delivering 5-Star Eyecare: How to Turn Satisfied Patients into Raving Fans
Instructor: Kelli Koenigsberg, Director of Education, Walman Optical
Description: In today’s competitive eyecare landscape, great service isn’t enough—it’s the experience that sets your practice apart. This course explores how to transform everyday patient interactions into moments that inspire loyalty, trust, and enthusiastic referrals.
You will learn proven communication techniques, customer service principles, and team strategies that elevate the patient journey from good to exceptional.
Walk away with tools to strengthen relationships, enhance satisfaction, and create true fans of your practice.
We’re thrilled to announce the official launch of the McCray Optical Supply and United Opticians Association Design Challenge, open now through March 14, 2026!
The winning design will be revealed at the 2026 UOA Leadership Conference, taking place June 25-27, 2026. Attendees at the Conference will be the first to receive the official 2026 UOA Lens Cloth. Thousands will get the cloth at conferences at events nationwide! Click here for details. https://www.uoaleadership.org/cloth-competition
12/30/2025
From our friends at Abo Ncle
Thank you for your patience! We'll post an update once we're back online.
12/24/2025
Looking Back with Pride, Moving Forward with Purpose
As we close out 2025, the United Opticians Association extends our deepest gratitude to our member state societies, individual members, and industry partners. Your unwavering support and collaboration have been the cornerstone of our success this year.
As we look forward to the new year, we reflect on what made 2025 exceptional: your commitment to advancing opticianry education, strengthening our community, and elevating standards across the profession. Together, we’ve built momentum for an even brighter future.
From all of us at UOA, we wish you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year.
Thank you for being part of this journey!
12/23/2025
Join the UOA June 25-27 when Opticians from around the nation will converge on Chicago to learn together, play together and explore together!
UOA is evolving—just like the profession we serve. Our refreshed UOA logo reflects unity, diversity, and forward momentum, debuting in concert with the launch of registration for our One Vision | One Voice | One UOA Leadership Conference.
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The OAA is the collective voice of the opticianry industry. The ongoing mission of the OAA is to work with members, partners and other professionals—both inside and outside of our industry—to assure that opticians receive the recognition, respect, opportunity and protection you deserve.
Likewise, we work tirelessly to further a positive and informed brand image for opticianry, in both local and national markets.
Our History:
Opticianry is a longstanding and noble field of practice—one, in fact, that dates back as far as the mid-1300s.
The Opticians Association of America is a well-established and integral part of that legacy. Established in 1926 as the Guild of Prescription Opticians, the OAA holds the distinguished honor of being the only national organization representing the professional, business, educational, legislative and regulatory interests of opticianry.
For over 90 years, the OAA has been dedicated to the advancement of the American optician.
OAA Executive Committee:
Bob Reynolds, HFOAA - President
Dibby Bartlett, HFOAA - 1st Vice President
Johnna Dukes, HFOAA, OGA Member - 2nd Vice President
Russ Fritz, Jr., HFOAA, OGA Member - Secretary/Treasure
Sandy Brown, HFOAA - Immediate Past President
OAA Board of Directors
Tom Barracato, HFOAA, Guild Member - Guild Council Chair.
George Bourque, Jr., HFOAA, OGA - Representing Firm Membership
Sue Shire, HFOAA, Member - Director Representing States
Ron Harbert, HFOAA, Guild Member - Representing Firm Membership
