The UOA at VEW 2025 launched their new website with a strong focus on state certification and licensure, along with legal advocacy for the Optician Profession and also launched the new UOA state society members which includes the OAAK. Additionally, OAAK's own President, Paul Holman is now voluntarily serving as Policy Analysis Consultant on the Government Affairs Committee for the UOA to help monitor and create open awareness for legal advocacy for the profession. Visit https://opticians.quorum.us/ today to explore the new features and remember every OAAK member automatically has UOA membership as part of your membership! Not a member? Click on Membership today and become a OAAK and UOA member for these and so many other benefits!

The UOA held its first member only meeting 8/27/25 for OAAK members and the topics covered were:

-The UOA is exploring Corporate Sponsorship for the future to help support the organization and all its members

-UOA Logo and Pin branding to become available down the road for UOA members!

-The UOA is looking for UOA members individuals (this includes all OAAK members!) to submit their interest in serving on one of three committees: Marketing, Members and Government Affairs
If you are interested in serving in one if these three committees, please email Paul at [email protected] so I can submit your request to the UOA. I encourage all OAAK members with interest to serve on these national committees and make an impact on your profession!

-The UOA is working to develop high school develop programs for states to help bring the next generation into our profession and working to develop an educational online course for its members. Interested in being in the "know" and making a difference in your profession? Become a OAAK member today for this and many other benefits!!

1. Our Partner State Association, Oregon invites all OAAK members to join them on 9/7/25 from 11-1pm for 2 ABO Credits!! want to join this event? Become a member today for the link to this event!

2. Our partnership with SECO and the NAO brings to you an ALL-DAY event offering SIX ABO and NCLE Credits!! 9/27/25 from 5-12:30pm, please remember for this event you can register and attend as much or as little of the full day’s events as you wish to, or are able. want to join this event? Become a member today for the link to this event!

3. Mark your calendars for the OAAK Virtual CEC Event for 1 ABO Credit that the partner State Association of Oregon will join as well! On the topic of: Sports Eyewear for your Pediatric Patient on Sunday 9/28/25 from 11-12pm. (Please join the Zoom call no later than 10:45am for roll call) ALL OAAK Members received the Zoom link to join the Virtual CEC class, want to join this event? Become a member today for the link to this event!

Starting again in Fall 2025, UUniversity™ will host "Acing the ABO,” a free 7-week live ABO exam prep course presented by nationally acclaimed instructor, Andrew Bruce, LDO, ABOM, NCLEM, FCLSA. Andrew’s highly popular ABO prep course is valued at $350, but we're offering it to UUniversity members absolutely FREE!!  ​

Join the United Opticians Association for a dynamic main stage panel discussion that opens the door to the future of opticianry. Vision Forward: Innovations and Insights in Opticianry is designed to spark curiosity and challenge conventional thinking. This event will bring together forward-thinking optical professionals to explore emerging technologies, transformative trends, and bold new directions in the profession.

Led by a diverse panel of experts representing cutting-edge innovations, this conversation will be structured around four core themes:

• New Tech – From smart eyewear to AI-driven tools, discover how new technology is reshaping both the tools and scope of opticianry.

• New Experiences – Explore how opticians are crafting elevated, personalized patient journeys by blending technology, design, and service.

• New Science – Dive into developing fields like neuro-opticianry and learn how the science of vision is becoming more interconnected with brain health and function.

• New Business Horizons – See how opticians are reimagining practice models, incorporating wellness, and tapping into fresh markets and revenue streams.
This forward-looking discussion is more than a glimpse into what’s coming—it’s a call to action for opticians to embrace innovation, expand their roles, and help shape the future of eye care.
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Whether you’re an educator, a student, a seasoned professional, or just starting out, this panel will leave you inspired and empowered to navigate—and thrive in—the evolving landscape of opticianry.
Meet these speakers in the UOA booth just after the session!