Help ensure our profession is represented with the respect and accuracy it deserves on a national scale.
Participate Today!

Dear Fellow Opticians, 

We hope this message finds you well! 

We’re reaching out to ask for your support in an important initiative that can positively impact the future of our profession — the Occupational Information Network, commonly known as O*NET. 

O*NET is a national program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor that collects and updates detailed occupational information used by millions — from employers and educators to job seekers and policymakers. Among the occupations currently under review is Opticians, Dispensing, and your insights are vital to ensuring that the data accurately reflects the knowledge, skills, and daily work of today’s practicing opticians. 

The United Opticians Association has been contacted to assist in this process. After reviewing the project in detail, we fully endorse this effort and encourage our members to take part. Your participation is voluntary, confidential (UOA will not see individual responses), and has no impact on your membership status. 

By contributing, you help ensure our profession is represented with the respect and accuracy it deserves on a national scale. 

Getting involved is easy — all it takes is a quick email to the data collection lead by August 29, 2025. You can learn more and find the full participation details HERE. 

Thank you for lending your voice to strengthen the future of opticianry. 

Warm regards, 
Bob Alexander, ABOM, NCLEM 
Director of Member Education 
United Opticians Association

UOA Executive Director, Gwen Cooper, and VP Aarlan Aceto attended Optometry’s Meeting & 5th World Congress to explore new partnerships and elevate the voice of opticians on the national stage.​​

The conversations were meaningful—meetings with key partners solidified important relationships and set the groundwork for future collaboration. We’re especially excited about the ongoing discussions with Government Affairs teams.​

This event reminded us of the wide range of perspectives across opticianry and the importance of thoughtful, inclusive leadership. The UOA remains committed to leading with unity, purpose, and strategy. We’re energized and ready to continue the work.​

Thank you to our Board and to all who support this mission. Together, we’re shaping a better future for opticians across the nation.​

In Unity,​

The United Opticians Association

7/9/25-The UOA held its virtual Delegate meeting to vote in the 2025 Board and Officers. The individuals holding these voted on positions has been emailed to all current OAAK Members. Interested in seeing these results and other important Optical news? Please click on the Membership button today and become an OAAK member! The positions voted on were as follows:

-Membership Pillar 4 year term
-Education Pillar 4 year term
-Board of Directors-ABO Pillar 4 year term
-Board of Directors-NCLE Pillar 4 year term
-Board of Directors-NCLE 1 year term Pillar

UOA Officers:
-President
-Vice President
-Treasurer
-Secretary

Download the App TODAY! The OAAK will be moving forward in 2025 with scanning your digital wallet card for CE Events!!

The United Opticians Association recently visited PDS Optical, a major supplier supporting opticians who serve in VA hospitals across the country. 

UOA Director of Education Bob Alexander and Executive Director Gwen Cooper were treated to a behind-the-scenes lab tour to see firsthand how glasses are crafted for our nation’s veterans. We had the opportunity to have an in-depth walkthrough of the lab, the chance to ask meaningful questions, and gain valuable insights on how opticians serve our veterans. 

Our conversation with PDS Optical focused on how we can work together to support policy initiatives that uplift the profession of opticianry and advocate for the dedicated professionals serving in government healthcare systems. 

Together, we’re building a stronger, more recognized future for opticians through collaboration, strategic partnerships, and a shared commitment to excellence. ​

Thank you, PDS Optical, for your hospitality and shared vision. 

ABO-NCLE Website has fresh new update and format 7/1/25!! Visit today to explore the new format! ​https://abo-ncle.org/