Opticians Association of Ohio

12/19/2025

🚀 We’re in The Optical Journal! 👓

The Opticians Association of Ohio is beyond excited to be featured in The Optical Journal — the award-winning, industry-leading optical news and business publication! Being spotlighted here isn’t just cool… it’s a recognition of the impact Ohio’s optical community is making regionally and nationally.

📣 The Optical Journal chose to showcase our Midwest Spec-Fest, a first-of-its-kind continuing education and networking series launching across Ohio in 2026 — uniting opticians, optometrists, ophthalmologists, techs, and optical pros for education, innovation, and connection like never before.

🎉 This feature is huge because:
✨ It amplifies Ohio’s leadership in advancing optical education and collaboration.
✨ It tells the wider optical world that Ohio is where exciting, community-driven innovation is happening.
✨ It helps bring more attention — and more professionals — to our events and mission.

Check out the full feature and see why Ohio’s optical community is getting noticed:
👉 https://www.opticaljournal.com/midwest-spec-fest-launches-across-ohio/

The Opticians Association of Ohio (OAO) is set to debut Midwest Spec-Fest, a dynamic new continuing education and networking series designed to unite the entire

11/27/2025

🦃🍂 Happy Thanksgiving from the Opticians Association of Ohio!

We are grateful for our amazing members and the continued support of our sponsors. Thank you for helping us strengthen and grow Ohio’s optical community.

Wishing you all a warm and joyful holiday! 🧡

11/26/2025

🌟 New Perspectives: Celebrating Carley 🌟

Please join us in congratulating Carley, one of our newly licensed opticians! 👏
Her journey was full of persistence, growth, and hard‑earned dedication — and she’s just getting started.

👉 In her own words:

-She started in optical through her earlier experience in customer service with Hoya.
-Her family—especially her husband—played a key role in pushing her forward, helping her through anxiety and executive dysfunction.
-That moment when she found out she passed? “I just sobbed… relieved.”

Her advice to newcomers: “This process is a marathon, not a sprint … never be afraid to reach out with questions.”

Earning a license is a milestone — but for Carley, it’s only the beginning. She’s committed to serving her community, staying on top of industry changes, and making a real difference for patients.

Let’s celebrate her achievement and cheer her onward! 🥂
Read more about Carley’s journey here: https://shorturl.at/xNT71

11/19/2025

🎉 Congratulations & Welcome to Our New Leaders! 🎉

We’re excited to introduce our recently honored new cohort of licensed opticians. 👓

These individuals represent both leadership and fresh talent — pillars of growth and excellence in Ohio’s opticianry community.

Take a moment to meet these new faces, show your support, and celebrate their achievements:
👉 https://shorturl.at/uPfY1

11/13/2025

🔍 Exciting news for Ohio’s eye care community!

The OAO is proud to unveil Midwest Spec Fest — a brand-new regional trade show designed to bring the best in eyewear, technology, and education right to our backyard. Here’s what makes it standout:

✨ Free exhibit hall access for attendees
🎓 Free CE credits for OAO members
📍 Rotating venues across Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Toledo
👓 A showcase of the latest frames, lenses, equipment & more
🎭 Fashion show + “Taste of Italy” experience
✈️ Prizes including trips to Milan’s MIDO show and Vision Expo Vegas

Whether you’re an optician, OD, lab tech, stylist, or office staff — Midwest Spec Fest is built for you.

👉 Read the full President’s Message to learn more & stay tuned for dates and registration info: https://shorturl.at/t1C6C

Let’s make this a signature event for our industry — hope to see you there!

11/12/2025

👓 Ohio Opticians — Time to Renew! 👓

All optician licenses expire December 31, 2025 — don’t wait until the last minute!

✅ CE Requirements:

Spectacle License: 12 hours (8 spectacle + 4 contact lens)

Dual License: 24 hours (8 spectacle + 16 contact lens)

First renewal? Only 2 hours of SCL training needed.

🖥️ Renew Online:
1️⃣ Complete your CE
2️⃣ Log in to elicense.ohio.gov
3️⃣ Select “Renew License” and pay your renewal fee

Stay compliant and ready for 2026 — renew before Dec 31!

10/01/2025

Welcome one of our new Trustee's Troy Denefield.

10/01/2025

Welcome one of our newest Trustee's Issy Beyer's.

10/01/2025

Welcome one of our new OAO Trustee, Keenan Anderson.

10/01/2025

Welcome our newly sworn in OAO Leadership.

10/01/2025

Welcome to Luke Cassidy, one of our newest OAO Trustees.