Southern Independent Optical Show (SIOS) 2025
The 2nd Annual Southern Independent Optical Show will take place in Frisco, Texas on Saturday, May 3, 2025. Whether you’re a seasoned optical pro or just beginning to explore the world of independent eyewear, SIOS 2025 offers something extraordinary. This isn’t just another trade show—it’s a celebration of creativity, community, and what makes the independent side of optical so exciting. Not only will there be a wonderfully large space full of independent optical companies to showcase their latest products, but
Virtual ABO-NCLE CE Event — This Sunday!
This Sunday, October 27, I will be hosting PECAA‘s next ABO-NCLE virtual CE event — join me and these four well-known opticians! Whether you need continuing education credits, or you just want to attend for your own professional development, the event is open to all eye care providers nationwide! VIEW FULL AGENDA & REGISTER VIEW FULL AGENDA & REGISTER
Virtual Optician CE Event — This Sunday!
This Sunday, May 19, I will be hosting PECAA’s next ABO-NCLE virtual CE event — join me and these four well-known opticians! Whether you need continuing education credits, or you just want to attend for your own professional development, the event is open to all eye care providers nationwide! VIEW FULL AGENDA & REGISTER VIEW FULL AGENDA & REGISTER
Virtual Optician CE Event — This Sunday!
This Sunday, October 29, myself and four other well-known opticians, will be presenting at PECAA’s inaugural virtual ABO CE event! Whether you need continuing education credits, or you just want to attend for your own professional development, the event is open to all eye care providers nationwide! VIEW FULL AGENDA & REGISTER
Interview: North Point Eyewear — From Pittsburgh
I am thrilled to share an eyewear brand that was recently introduced to me. Proudly designed and produced in the USA, North Point Eyewear brand was founded on our fundamental belief in American craftsmanship and quality along with precise design. Manufactured in their factory Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania factory, North Point Eyewear frames are created from the finest global components including acetate from Italy, and German hinges and core wires. Each frame is designed using 3D CAD software, while the acetate is
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.