​Mark your Calendar for the SECO/NAO Live Virtual CEs coming up SEPTEMBER 27TH and DECEMBER 1ST, 2025. Six hours of ABO and/or NCLE Credits will be presented at both events at no charge!! Stay tuned for further updates and announcements to come!!

 One of our speakers at the 2025 OAAK convention Andrew Bruce; Andrew reached out to me during the convention and generously wanted to provide a Q&A session with additional resources in your advancement journey to become ABO certified and licensed! This is an incredible opportunity and he asked each of you to please provide a day/time that might work best for you personally so he could start to plan the event virtually for you all and set a deadline to reply by today. So far, he has not heard back from anyone and so I discussed with Andrew that everyone's busy schedules we wanted to extend the time to take advantage of this. Please email Andrew directly back no later than this Friday 4/11 if you are interested: [email protected]
A good day and time in April or May that might work for you so he can begin to plan this event for you. If you have any questions or confusion, please feel free to reply to this email and I would be happy to help. I hope you will all take advantage of this rare opportunity and the added benefit of being a OAAK member! 🙂 Have a great day and sending all my best in your journey to success in the amazing profession of Opticianry!

​Want to make an impact in the optical industry? Transitions, in partnership with its Optical Advancement Board, is now accepting applications for the Optical Advancement Grant educational grant program—designed to support and empower the next generation of opticians and optometrists.
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We’re awarding five $1,000 grants to graduating high school seniors or recent grads planning to attend opticianry school in the U.S. Plus, two $5,000 grants are available for current Year 1– Year 3 optometry students at an accredited U.S. school or college.

But that’s not all! As a grant recipient, you'll also have the chance to become a Transitions Change Agent—a part of our exclusive Peer-to-Peer program—and could even gain an invitation* to Transitions Academy in Orlando, Fla. This annual event is one of the biggest in the industry, packed with networking, education, and career-changing opportunities.
Don’t miss out! Apply by April 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Ready to take the next step toward your future in optical? Apply now!

Winners will be notified the week of May 19, 2025.

Join the NAO today at www.nao.org for all the Opticianry benefits from the leader in education and to view the volume 1 newsletter for 2025!!

OAAK 2025 Annual Convention Online Registration Extended to 3/26/25!! Don't Delay and Register today by clicking on ANNUAL CONVENTION!!! ​

The 2025 OAAK Convention Schedule has been launched!! Please click on Annual Convention today to view the official schedule. Not registered yet? There is still time! Please also access the Annual Convention Link today to register as an attendee and get your OAAK 2025 membership or also renew your 2025 OAAK membership if not attending the annual convention. Vendors please fill out the vendor request form to sponsor and have a table at the trade show to meet our members!  Deadline for registration is 3/1/25!! Register today!!

​ATTENTION!!! LAST CHANCE FOR OAAK 2025 CONVENTION REGISTRATION AT EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT RATE!!! SPECIAL PRICE ENDS 1/15/25!! REGISTER TODAY!!

​Join Fellow Opticians and Techs for FREE Online ABO/NCLE Credits!
-Join SECO/NAO and Opticians from all over the world on this virtual event on Saturday 12/7/24 for 6 FREE ABO and NCLE Credits. Please go to NAO 2024 Pre-Registration | SECO University today to register!

​Join Fellow Opticians and Techs for FREE Online ABO/NCLE Credits!
-Join SECO/NAO and Opticians from all over the world on this virtual event on Saturday 11/9/24 for 6 FREE ABO and NCLE Credits. Please go to NAO 2024 Pre-Registration | SECO University today to register!

​Get Ready for the Premier Event of the Year!
We are thrilled to announce the upcoming 2025 Opticians Association of Alaska Annual Education Convention, set to take place from March 28-30, 2025 in Anchorage, Alaska. This event is the highlight of our year, bringing together opticians from across the state for an unparalleled experience of learning, networking, and professional growth.
Event Highlights:

• Inspirational Keynote Speakers: Hear from leading experts and visionaries in the field of opticianry who will share their insights, experiences, and the latest advancements in eye care.
• Educational Sessions: Participate in a variety of sessions designed to enhance your skills and knowledge. Earn continuing education credits while staying updated on the newest trends and technologies in opticianry.
• Exhibit Hall: Explore the latest products, services, and innovations from top vendors in the industry. Discover new tools and technologies that can help elevate your practice.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow opticians, share experiences, and build lasting professional relationships. Our social events, including the Special Member only event Friday night 3/28/25 and networking dinners, provide ample opportunities to engage with peers.
• Theme Night Saturday Banquet and Prizes: Celebrate with fellow members and vendors with a night full of fun, laughs, music and prizes on 3/29/25!
• OAAK Students ABO Prep Course: Gain practical experience and knowledge through a day course with UOA's own Dr. Aarlan Aceto 3/29/25 in your preparations in taking the ABO and becoming a certified Optician! 

Why Attend?

• Professional Development: Enhance your skills and knowledge with top-notch educational content.
• Networking: Build connections with industry peers and leaders.
• Inspiration: Get inspired by thought-provoking keynote speakers and industry experts.
• Recognition: Celebrate the accomplishments of your peers and the progress of the opticianry profession in Alaska.

Registration Details:

• Early Bird Registration: Save on registration fees by signing up before January 15, 2025.
• Standard Registration: Open until March 1, 2025.
• On-Site Registration: Available at the convention venue.

Venue: The Lakefront Anchorage 4800 Spenard Road, Anchorage, AK 99517
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Mark your calendars and don’t miss this opportunity to advance your career, connect with fellow professionals, and contribute to the future of eye care in Alaska.
Register today and be part of the 2025 Opticians Association of Alaska Annual Education Convention!