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

UOA's NEW Executive Director Gwen Cooper joins the UOA and the Optical Community and the OAAK and Alaska Opticians look forward to partnering with her on our mission to unify Opticianry in Alaska and throughout the nation! Please click on the announcement below and join your fellow Alaska Opticians in welcoming Gwen to the community!

The 2025-26 OAAK Board Nominations form submission closed today and preparations are being made to present the current 2024-25 Board and the NEW Nominated Board members will be sworn in at the Association Meeting at the 2025 Annual Convention on 3/29/25 from 11:15-12pm. Thank you to everyone who sent nominations and the the OAAK members willing to serve for the future of the OAAK and all of Alaska Opticians!

Are You Aware of the Potential Impact of Recent Tariffs on Your Business and Your Patients?  The United Opticians Association (UOA) and The Vision Council are working together to minimize the impact of newly proposed 301 tariffs on the optical industry. Our shared mission is to ensure you can continue to provide accessible and affordable vision care to your patients.

A recent Vision Monday article laid out how these tariffs could lead to higher costs for eyewear, optical materials, and lab services. Opticians may have a more difficult time delivering the quality vision solutions their patients rely on. Seniors, children, and low-income individuals would be disproportionately impacted.

UOA’s advocacy efforts related to tariffs focus on:

1. Fighting for key exclusions to protect optical products as essential medical devices.
2. Reducing financial strain on consumers and optical businesses.
3. Exploring alternative sourcing for critical ophthalmic components.

Help us ensure you can continue to focus on what matters most—helping people see clearly and live better.
Visit our social media channels. Let's get the word out about opticianry! 

We are working for you and your profession! Vision Monday Article - Highlights 5 Reasons Opticianry Is Critical to Your Community! 

The United Opticians Association (UOA) is dedicated to ensuring that you receive the recognition you deserve as critical members of the vision care team. In a recent Vision Monday article, “Opticians Are a Critical Part of the Vision Care Team”, our CEO and General Counsel, James Morris highlighted the role you play in your communities on behalf of patients:

1. Opticians are often the most frequent vision care provider patients see, you ensure they receive the right eyewear for their needs.
2. Opticians fit and dispense eyewear, identify serious eye conditions, and play a key role in patients’ eye health and overall well-being.
3. Opticians play an important role in underserved communities where economic, geographic or systemic barriers to vision care are prevalent.
4. Opticians are critical to closing the gap between optical shops, clinics and mobile vision & community outreach programs to ensure eyecare is delivered to those who need it most.
5. Opticians have a positive impact on workplace safety, productivity, and educational outcomes.

Through advocacy efforts, professional development, and initiatives that expand access to vision care, the Government Relations Committee of the UOA is pushing for regulatory recognition, consumer rights, and prescription accessibility—all while promoting the essential role of opticians.
You are more than eyewear experts—you are essential healthcare providers. Join us in celebrating and promoting the profession!  Share the Vision Monday article link to your social media channels and let people know how important you are to eye care and eye health!