United Opticians Association

09/01/2026

From now through October 15, join UOA for $45 and add your voice to the work opticians across the country are doing to strengthen this profession.

If your state association is already a UOA member, you're already part of this community! Reach out to your state association to learn more about your membership and how you can get involved.

Become a member: opticians.org/membership

09/01/2026

What happens when vision plan requirements start shaping the way opticians provide care? 

Steve Alexander, vice president of industry and strategic partnerships at Anagram, returns to Mission:Optician for a continued conversation on vision plans, practice independence, and the future of opticianry with Bob Alexander, director of education at UOA. 

Steve breaks down how vision plan structures and reimbursement models influence the decisions opticians make every day, and why giving opticians more control over product recommendations and the patient experience matters for the future of the profession. 

In this episode, you will learn: 
+  How lab choice, chargebacks, and reimbursement structures shape product decisions and profitability 
+  How reducing administrative barriers can improve patient relationships and staff morale 
+  The demographic shifts in eye care that could open new opportunities for opticians to expand their roles 

This episode is brought to you by Anagram. 

Listen to the full conversation: http://opticians.org/missionoptician   

Link in bio. 

08/28/2026

Meet Robert Russo, Professor Emeritus, ABOC, NCLEC

Bob is past chairperson of Vision Care Technology, and has taught for national organizations including the ABO/NCLE Education Conference, OptiCon, and Vision Expo East and West.

He's a past President of the National Federation of Opticianry Schools, and his honors include NFOS Educator of the Year, NYSSO Optician of the Year, and the National Academy of Opticianry's Joseph Bruneni Memorial Education Achievement Award.

He continues to teach as an adjunct professor at Middlesex Community College and run a private contact lens practice.

Welcome to the board, Robert.

08/27/2026

Meet Michael Gzik, ABOC, NCLEC

Michael is a New York State-licensed optician and contact lens practitioner with more than five decades of experience in clinical care, education, and professional leadership. He practices at New York Optometric in Syracuse and the Syracuse VA Hospital, and teaches contact lens technology as an adjunct and clinical instructor at SUNY Health Science Center, including in its pediatric clinic.

A past president of both the New York Contact Lens Society and the Contact Lens Society of America, his honors include CLSA Member of the Year, the NYSSO Best of Professions Award, and the Opticians Association of Ohio President's Award.

Welcome to the board, Michael.

08/26/2026

UOA installed its 2027 board of directors following the delegate assembly at the One Vision | One Voice | One UOA Leadership Conference in Chicago this past June.

New board members Michael Gatti, John Bruening, Lisa Bourque, Michael Gzik and Robert Russo bring decades of combined experience in dispensing, education and industry leadership. The focus for FY27: aligning membership, advocacy and education around Get Certified. Stay Certified. as the unifying standard for the profession.

"The strength of UOA lies in the leadership of our board and the extraordinary committees they guide," said Gwen Cooper, UOA executive director.

Full story via Vision Monday: https://www.visionmonday.com/latest-news/article/united-opticians-association-installs-2027-board-moves-to-expand-national-certification-drive/

LEXINGTON, Ky.—The United Opticians Association (UOA) has announced its 2027 board of directors, which began its work this month after meeting in July to form key committees. The new board will help guide UOA's strategic direction, oversee the organization's growth, and support initiatives that st...

08/26/2026

Meet Michael Gatti, ABOC, NCLEC

Role: Industry Representative and Chair of the Sightline Industry Panel

Michael is Head of Global Learning and Sales Enablement at Hoya Eyeglass Lenses Care and has spent nearly two decades across the optical industry, from dispensing and practice management to sales, training, and global learning strategy. He's a familiar face at UOA events, having presented Vision Beyond Vision at this year's UOA Leadership Conference.

Welcome to the board, Michael.

08/25/2026

Meet John Bruening, ABOC, NCLEC

Role: UOA Government Affairs Chair

John is CEO of Geauga Vision Group and has spent his career across nearly every corner of the optical industry, from wholesale production and sales to group practice management and consulting. He serves as President of the Opticians Association of Ohio. He's also Past President of the Society to Advance Opticianry and former Chairman of the Opticianry Managed Care Task Force.

Welcome to the board, John.

08/24/2026

As smart eyewear continues to evolve, so does the role of the optician.

From prescription integration and fit to patient education and technology support, opticians are uniquely positioned at the intersection of vision, eyewear and emerging technology.

A new Vision Monday feature explores how smart eyewear is expanding what it means to be an optical professional, and why embracing this technology now could be an important step toward the profession's future.

Read Seeing the Future: Opticians’ Expanding Role in the Smart Eyewear Era from Vision Monday:

https://www.visionmonday.com/scene-and-heard/todays-read/article/seeing-the-future-opticians-expanding-role-in-the-smart-eyewear-era/

As smart eyewear continues to gain traction in the optical sector and related technology rapidly advances, the role of the optician is also changing. Serving as a vital connection between prescribers and wearable tech, opticians are being called upon to make sure that smart glasses—eyewear that in...

08/24/2026

Meet Lisa Bourque, LDO, ABOC, NCLEC

Role: UOA Member At Large and Conference Co-Chair

Lisa is an experienced Massachusetts Licensed Optician, business owner, and professional association leader with more than 20 years in opticianry, education, and organizational governance.

She's built a demonstrated history of advancing the profession through leadership roles within both Opticians Association of Massachusetts and United Opticians Association, and she's recognized nationally for her contributions to leadership development, professional education, and advocacy.

Welcome to the board, Lisa.

08/20/2026

Missed our latest episode? We've got you covered.

Bob Alexander sat down with Brandon Butler of Artisan Lab Network to talk craftsmanship, education, and what it actually takes to deliver a great pair of glasses.

Swipe through for the top 4 takeaways you can apply in your practice today.

Listen to the full conversation: opticians.org/missionoptician