The OWA offers both in-person and virtual events to cultivate connection, inspiration, and leadership. Network with your peers and fuel professional and personal development with the OWA's versatile events.

Become A Member Of The OWA!
The OWA is committed to enhancing and promoting the leadership role of women in the optical industry, and we're always looking for new new faces to join our mission. If you're looking for a way to network, grow and be supported in this industry, then the OWA is for you!

Membership in the OWA is open to all women in the optical industry.

Individual membership fees are $125.00 US. If more than one person from your organization is a member of Optical Women's Association, the membership fee is $95.00 US per member.

Career Transition

The OWA is pleased to offer a special discounted dues rate of $55 to women in "career transition". This benefit is meant to provide financial relief to women in the optical industry who are currently unemployed or furloughed at the time of joining or renewing. This will allow those actively pursuing a new role in the industry continued access to numerous benefits to assist in their search, including the OWA Job Board, motivational and inspirational podcasts and monthly emails, and Fireside Chats. This special rate allows for membership through the current year only but may be reviewed annually as needed.

Please email a brief employment status description to [email protected] to apply for this rate. A personalized discount code will be sent to you to allow you to join/renew at the Career Transition rate.

​Episode 1: Why Opticians Need a National Voice The wait is over. Today, we officially launch Mission:Optician—the only podcast dedicated to your professional growth and the advancement of our industry. 


What role do you play in improving patient outcomes, and why does our profession need a unified national voice? In this debut episode, UOA Executive Director Gwen Cooper sits down with Bob Alexander, Licensed Optician and Director of Member Education, to pull back the curtain on the mission behind UOA. They discuss the future of opticianry not just as a job, but as a critical healthcare pillar.  


Key Takeaways from the Debut: 

• Why education and minimum competencies for opticians are a national priority. 
• How state associations serve as the essential foundation for national progress. 
• A sneak peek at the innovators and topics coming to the show in 2026. 

Tune in on your favorite platform: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | PlayerFM

2026 Leadership Conference: One Vision | One Voice | One UOA 
Join us in Chicago this summer to help shape the future of your profession. With Early Bird rates extended to April 15th, now is the time to commit to your professional advancement. Our curriculum is built for you, the modern leader, featuring hands-on labs with EssilorLuxottica, MEI Systems, Optikam, and eyebot—all designed to sharpen your technical edge. 

Beyond the classroom, you’ll gain exclusive, behind-the-scenes access with facility tours at Europa Eyewear and MEI Systems.  

One highlight of our gathering is the Eye on Impact Awards dinner, powered by Zeiss. It is a night dedicated to recognizing excellence in opticianry, capped by an electrifying keynote address that will leave you ready to command your market and lead with confidence. ​

Pro Tip: State Association and UOA members always save the most. Whether your membership is through your State Association or directly with UOA, you qualify for the lowest rates. If you aren't a member yet, joining now + registering still costs less than the standard non-member rate. State Association members: remember to ask your Director for the special UOA member code to access your discount, or email [email protected].