Preserve the Story of Vision
Support the Optical Heritage Museum
 
The history of eyewear is a history of craftsmanship, innovation, and human connection. From mid-century frame consultations to iconic 1960s designs and early sunwear, each artifact tells the story of how people have seen the world — and themselves — across generations.
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The Optical Heritage Museum is proud to preserve this story.
As the nation’s only museum dedicated solely to optical heritage, we care for thousands of irreplaceable artifacts representing decades of design, education, and innovation. Every frame, tool, photograph, and display piece in our collection is a physical record of a profession built on skill, precision, and service.

Today, that record is in jeopardy.
Due to ongoing funding challenges, the Optical Heritage Museum faces a real threat to its future. Without ongoing support, the future of this collection — and the ability to properly preserve, store, and share it — is uncertain.
 
This is not an abstract risk.
Museum artifacts require controlled environments, proper archival materials, and secure space. If the facility closes, these items cannot simply be boxed up or replaced. Once damaged, dispersed, or discarded, this history is gone forever.

Saving the Optical Heritage Museum means:

• Preventing the loss of thousands of one-of-a-kind optical artifacts
• Protecting the craftsmanship and education that shaped modern opticianry
• Preserving a professional legacy for students, educators, and future generations
• Ensuring the public can continue to learn the story behind the eyewear they wear every day

This is a critical moment.
We are asking for immediate support to help sustain the museum’s operations, preserve its collection, and keep this history accessible. Whether through a donation, sponsorship, membership, or simply sharing our message, every action helps keep the doors open and the collection intact.
 
If optical history matters to you — if you believe skilled professions deserve to be remembered — now is the time to act.
Help us save the Optical Heritage Museum.
Because once a profession’s history is lost, it cannot be rebuilt

​Enter Today... And Get The Confetti Ready!
Entries Are Open for INVISION’s 2026 America’s Finest Optical Retailers Contest!
 
Are you one of North America’s best independent eyecare practices or eyewear boutiques? Enter by the Early Bird deadline on January 15th and have an INVISION editor review your entry and provide personalized tips to improve it before the final March 15th deadline.
Don't miss your chance to be honored for creating one of the country's very best eyecare businesses. Winners will be featured in our July/August print issue and throughout the year in INVISION and on invisionmag.com.

Best Practices: Adam Cherry on Lens Selection
In this episode of Best Practices, host Steve Alexander sits down with Adam Cherry, president and owner of Cherry Optical Lab, to explore how thoughtful lens selection quietly shapes comfort, confidence, and the long-term experience patients associate with an optical.
Steve and Adam dig into how lens decisions set the foundation long before brands, upgrades, or pricing enter the conversation. From material choice to weight and thickness, they unpack how physical comfort becomes something patients register immediately, even if they’re unable to articulate it. The discussion highlights how starting with how lenses feel and perform throughout the day changes the way recommendations are received and trusted, creating a more intentional, human experience.

Watch The New Episode Now

ABOUT THIS PODCAST:  Tune in to Best Practices twice a month as we deliver practical, actionable insights for eye care professionals seeking to elevate practice performance, patient satisfaction, and clinical outcomes. Each episode features experts sharing their insights about the most pressing issues facing independent eye care practices today.

Designed with busy optometrists, opticians, and staff in mind, the podcast focuses on steps you can implement immediately to improve care and grow your practice; all it should cost you is a little time and effort.

Hello Fellow Opticians,

We are extending greetings from our partners at The Vision Council, the trade association for the vision industry. They are interested in insights from opticians and would like to invite you to join their Research Advisory Panel, an exclusive community where eyecare professionals share their perspectives to help shape the future of vision care and eyewear.

As a panel member, you will:

• Participate in occasional online surveys and discussions
• Receive digital gift cards (ranging from $5–$250) for surveys, interviews and focus-groups
• Be entered into prize drawings when individual incentives are not offered
• Gain access to select survey results to see what your peers are saying

To get started, please complete this short (5-7 minute) survey to determine your
eligibility. If you qualify, you’ll receive a $5 gift card once your responses are reviewed.

You can start taking the survey by clicking here:

Take the Survey Here!

Your responses are confidential, and only The Vision Council’s research team will have access to your responses. If you have any questions, you can contact them at
[email protected].

Thank you for your time and for contributing your valuable insights!
P.S. If necessary, you can copy and paste the survey link into your browser: https://visioncouncil.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6GxRy1MGaYGTGRw?source=UOA

Eyecare Business has published their Top 10 Game changers in the eyecare profession for 2026, and they include OAAK's own member and President-Paul Holman and UOA's Executive Director-Gwen Copper!! Click below to view all amazing 10 Game changers and know that Alaska and the OAAK is where the changes and push for excellence starts! Be proud to be a member of the OAAK and if you are not a member join today and make your mark in the eyecare industry!!

Support Opticianry Education Today!
The Opening Your Eyes Scholarship program, powered by The Vision Council Foundation, plays a pivotal role in alleviating tuition and educational expenses for students who are dedicated to obtaining a degree in ophthalmic dispensing. The program has enabled over 35 opticianry students with limited resources to complete their degrees and enter the workforce with a passion for eye health at 16 partner schools across the country.

36% of eyecare providers cite a severe shortage of opticians.
This work is just beginning!

During this season of giving, please consider joining The Vision Council family in changing the lives of aspiring opticians. The Season of Giving campaign will run from now until Giving Tuesday, held on December 2.

Contributions of all sizes will make a difference!
Make a contribution today! The Vision Council Foundation offers various partnership packages with impactful promotional opportunities for your business. Should you be interested in a deeper investment in the scholarship program, please contact Abigail Crosby, Partnership and Business Development Manager.

The United Opticians Association (UOA) is excited to support our industry partners to bring you opportunities that help elevate opticianry.

​Do you know a woman in the optical industry who deserves to be celebrated? Vision Monday is now accepting nominations for its annual Most Influential Women in Optical special report, with planned coverage in the March 2026 issue.
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Submit your nomination today to honor their contributions! Nominations close: 12/8/25

Made for today’s frames and fashions.
The subtle golden hue in ZEISS DuraVision Gold UV looks great with today’s trending frames—especially with frame designs in gold, brown, and black. Patients love how this shade enhances their hair color and skin tones. Whether paired with clear or tinted lenses, your customers will enjoy their visually stunning, highly functional eyewear.
Experience the difference with ZEISS DuraVision Gold UV.

• Very smudge-resistant and easy to clean
• Exceptional durability
• Crystal-clear clarity
• Tailored for modern frames and sophisticated style