Now Co-Hosting Optical Women’s Association Podcast!
I recently joined the newly revamped OWA Talks Podcast as a new co-host! OWA Talks Podcast, from the Optical Women’s Association, began in 2020. The two existing co-hosts have stepped down and passed the hosting duties to myself and new partner, Tatiana Stewart. The first episode with us new hosts is a transition episode, where myself and Tatiana share about why we joined the OWA and our favorite memory thus far from being a member. You will also learn about
June 2023 Social Media Planner
We’re half-way through the year — have you been keeping up on your social platforms? Each month’s planners contain a different mix of posts and tasks, designed to keep your social media presence, as a whole, healthy and active. Instagram has an update that you’ll want to take action on — it’s listed in the first week of the planner. Subscribe by entering your email address below. Once you click the verification link in your email inbox you will
Becoming An Optician: Yaacov Wexler, ABOC, NCLEC, LDO, FNAO
What is your advice for someone working their way to become an Optician? Learn from as many professionals and mentors who share the same passion for optics as you do. Ask to show how everything works so that you become better familiar with equipment, and technology. Invest time and resources like Optigal and Laramy-K, for example. Why should anyone get certified/licensed? If you have a passion for what you do in optics then strive for certification and license if
Becoming An Optician: Nathan Hill, ABOC
What is your advice for someone working their way to become an Optician? Take it one day at a time. There is a lot to learn and plenty of time to learn it. This is one of the best industries due to it’s close knit community, utilize fellow opticians as a sounding board. Why should anyone get certified/licensed? It provides credibility and you will gain a great sense of pride. In your experience, what is the best way
May 2023 Social Media Planner
I’m not sure how April passed by so quickly — May is here! Each month’s planners contain a different mix of posts and tasks, designed to keep your social media presence, as a whole, healthy and active. Instagram has an update that you’ll want to take action on — it’s listed in the first week of the planner. Subscribe by entering your email address below. Once you click the verification link in your email inbox you will be able
Becoming An Optician: Linda Conlin, LO, ABOC, NCLEC
What is your advice for someone working their way to become an Optician? Go to every source you can find – mentors, publications, CE classes, texts, online forums. Why should anyone get certified/licensed? Certification demonstrates that you are qualified and competent. It shows that you maintain up-to-date skills and knowledge, while increasing earning potential and job opportunities. In your experience, what is the best way to prepare for an Opticianry test? Study everything you can find
Become A Better Optician Podcast Interview
Dr. Glover recently had me as a guest on the Defocus Media Podcast. We discussed the different credentials opticians can obtain, including my own path to becoming an optician, and my latest article (which is also an accredited COPE CE), Exploring the Impact of Lens Coatings on Emotional Connection. Watch the video below or visit Defocus Media to read more, listen, or subscribe.
April 2023 Social Media Planner
Spring is here — this also means we will likely see ocular allergy symptoms. April’s calendar has many “April is ___ Month”, which shakes up the posts a bit! Keep up on the daily calendar, and remember, not every day is posting something — some days contain simple actions that will let that side of your brain rest. If you’ve already subscribed, click here Subscribe by entering your email address below. Once you click the verification link in
Becoming An Optician: Andrew Bruce, LDO, ABOM, NCLE-AC
What is your advice for someone working their way to become an Optician? Stay focused on the impact you’re able to have on your patients’ quality of life. Why should anyone get certified/licensed? The knowledge necessary to become certified or licensed serves to enable you to provide better service and care to your patients. Also, being certified or licensed increases your credibility in the eyes of your patients, and helps present a high standard of care in your office.
March 2023 Social Media Planner
It’s the last month of the quarter and daylight savings has finally arrived! How are you doing on your posting? Keep in mind that search engines correlate social media activity with websites, and keeping active on social platforms can help your overall online presence. If you’ve already subscribed, click here Subscribe by entering your email address below. Once you click the verification link in your email inbox you will be able to instantly access the monthly planner, which
Becoming An Optician: Lauren Lessley, LDO
What is your advice for someone working their way to become an Optician? Accept any training someone is willing to give/teach. Those who have been in the industry and have personal experience, will offer some great tips and tricks of the trade. We are all continuously learning and every day we can learn something new!! I love asking other Opticians “what is your trade secret?” So many fellow OptiGeeks have shared some golden nuggets of information and tricks to even
Becoming An Optician: Jason Boldt, LDO, ABOC, NCLE
What is your advice for someone working their way to become an Optician? We have an industry that allows us to continuously learn and grow professionally and it’s amazing. Be ready for learning, and multiple learning curves, but trust me it’s a fun ride. The most important thing, and best advice I can give: Ask questions. There are no stupid ones and we are happy to share knowledge. Why should anyone get certified/licensed? Those pieces of paper and letters
February 2023 Social Media Planner
Can you believe January has already passed us by! How did you do on keeping up with posting? Keeping a regular routine for posting has always been helpful to me – I know I need to post, so I plan for it. Search engines correlate social media activity with websites, and keeping active on social platforms can help your “Google juice”. If you’ve already subscribed, click here Subscribe by entering your email address below. Once you click the
Becoming An Optician: Lisa Bourque LDO, ABOC, NCLEC
What is your advice for someone working their way to become an Optician? If you have a state society join it! You will find that you can learn so much from your fellow opticians. Take courses, read trade magazines, find your passion within the industry! Why should anyone get certified/licensed? If you consider this your profession then you should want to be highly educated and credentialed to show your patients that you are knowledgable! In your experience, what
Apply Now: Four $5,000 Opticianry Student Scholarships
The James Michael Morris Family Scholarship, four $5,000 Opticianry Student Scholarships, is now live on bold.org Key points: Eligibility Requirements: Any Education Level. Major/Career of Interest: Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions. Essay topic: How do you plan to make a positive impact through your career as an Ophthalmic Support Service Professional? Application deadline is May 1, 2023. Winners will be announced on May 29, 2023. APPLY HERE About the James Michael Morris Family James M. Morris’ passion for
Becoming An Optician: Jesse Anderson, ABOC
What is your advice for someone working their way to become an Optician? Make sure you love what you’re learning. Working is so much easier when you enjoy what you’re doing. When I was first put in a position in an eye clinic, I had no medical work history and I was overwhelmed. The negative self talk was flooding my mind but I pushed past it and studied harder for the ABO than any other test I’ve ever taken.
January 2023 Social Media Planner
Happy New Year! Let’s all try to start the new year with a bang on social media! Consider getting ahead of the curve by scheduling your posts out. You can do this directly through Facebook, or you can use a free third party service to do so on other networks such as Instagram, LinkedIn or Twitter. If you’ve already subscribed, click here Subscribe by entering your email address below. Once you click the verification link in your email inbox
Four $5,000 Opticianry Student Scholarships – Coming Soon!
The James Michael Morris Family Scholarship, for four $5,000 Opticianry Student Scholarships, will be published on bold.org in mid-January 2023. About the process: All opticianry students interested in applying for the James Michael Morris Family Scholarship must visit www.bold.org before January 15th, 2023, to create an account. The scholarships will be published on bold.org and open for application soon after January 15th (I will send out another email when the application is open) When applying, submit a 400–600-word essay about how
Becoming An Optician: Judy Canty, Licensed Optician
What is your advice for someone working their way to become an Optician? Listen with an open mind, ask questions and take notes. Seek out educational opportunities where ever they are offered. Why should anyone get certified/licensed? Licensure and/or Certification is more than just a title, it represents a commitment to yourself and your future. It’s the realization that you will be a recognized healthcare and vision care professional by your clients/patients and your peers. In your experience, what
Optician Student Travel Grant to OAA Leadership Conference
The Opticians Association of America is looking to bring deserving students/apprentices to their State Leadership Conference on February 9-11, 2023 in Asheville, NC. If you want to attend the Leadership Conference, this grant can include expenses up to $800 per person for conference admission, food, hotel and airfare. Apply here by December 22, 2022. If you were awarded a grant last year, it is ok to apply again.
Becoming An Optician: Zach Kastner, ABO-AC
What is your advice for someone working their way to become an Optician? Hone your critical thinking skills. Being able to think critically is one of the most important aspects of this career. From being able to adequately troubleshoot a difficult problem to sorting through all the marketing thrown at us every day. Why should anyone get certified/licensed? Besides expanding your knowledge base it all gives your ground to stand on. Having certifications and licensure lends credibility to you
Becoming An Optician: Stacey M. Thompson, LDO, ABOC, NCLEC
What is your advice for someone working their way to become an Optician? Keep working towards your goal! I mentor apprenticing/new opticians who sometimes comment that they can’t believe what they didn’t know. I tell them to get ready, I’m still learning 35 years later! Opticianry is a career field that advances, changes, and challenges me…which I enjoy and find rewarding. If I ever think I know it all, I’m done. Why should anyone get certified/licensed? Becoming a licensed
December 2022 Social Media Planner
I can’t believe it is December! How did you do this year with keeping up on your social media posts? I know everyone is busy this time of year, but take a look at the December planner – not all days are creating a post, some are things you can do quickly behind the scenes to maintain your online presence and health. If you have any suggestions or something specific you’d like to see, feel free to email me anytime.
End of Year Checklist (free download)
We all know how busy everyone in the eyecare industry is during the end of year. We also know that the world doesn’t stop for us. In the hopes that I can help ECP’s navigate through this time, I have prepared and end of the year checklist. This checklist is in an easy to read format and includes actionable items for now and what you need to be thinking about soon. This list has something for everyone – whether you’re
November 2022 Social Media Planner
Can you believe it is November! This time of year can get busier, but don’t forget about your social posts. If you have any suggestions or something specific you’d like to see, feel free to email me anytime. The content ideas in this planner can be used on any platform. If you’re already a subscriber, click here If you’ve not yet subscribed, enter your email below and you will be able to access and download or print the monthly