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

Safety: A Wolverine Tradition
Every year, thousands of eye injuries occur on job sites, in factories, in construction zones, and in home workshops. Many of those injuries, from flying debris to chemical splashes and dust, can be prevented by wearing appropriate protective eyewear that meets safety standards. Yet compliance is a persistent problem, in part because many standard-issue safety glasses are bulky, uncomfortable, or unattractive. Wolverine, a company with more than 135 years in business, positions itself as an alternative. The brand, long associated with durable footwear and workwear, now offers safety frames designed to meet industrial requirements while looking and feeling like everyday eyewear.

Dear Members,
EyeMed Vision Care® and The Vision Council Foundation are expanding their interactive vision curriculum series with the launch of The Great Eye Check Quest, the third kit in the program and we want to make sure you have access to this incredible resource. 

Research shows that one in four school-age children has an undiagnosed vision problem that can affect learning and development. By combining interactive education with practical tips, the curriculum series, including The Great Eye Check Quest, aims to raise awareness among children and families about the importance of regular eye exams and everyday eye health.​

To download The Great Eye Check Quest, or request free printed versions, visit eyemedvisionkits.com.

Federal Section 232 Investigation from 9/26/25 Open for Comments for Opticians to discuss approval or opposition of Tariff increases on imported Medical Devices (which may include eyewear) into the US. Tariff increases could increase cost as much as 25-50%, however the idea being is that this would force more medical devise production in the US (cons and pros).

These tariffs would be in addition to the existing tariffs currently in place. The OAAK does not make a stance on the matter, but we wish to provide you with the information to comment on your views. The time to comment is very short!! You must comment by this Friday 10/10/25 and you can view the regulation proposal at:
www.regulations.gov and look up BIS-2025-0258.
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Please share with anyone in the industry and to comment anonymously please email the NO LATER than 10/10/25 to Paul Holman at [email protected]

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!