May 2020
Pride Power Progress
As we enter into our third month of this pandemic, please know that our top priority at the OAA continues to be researching and providing the best resources available to help keep you safe and able to make the important decisions ahead with confidence.

We continue to meet regularly and work with our industry partners, state associations and the optical industry as a whole in order to advocate for the profession of opticianry—and, more specifically, for  you , the optician.

Your safety and wellbeing—both present and future—are the driving force behind everything we do.

As the country begins to approach the process of reopening with all of the questions that entails, please stay safe.  And though perhaps harder still, don’t give in to fear. We firmly believe our profession will weather this storm and emerge stronger than ever.


Most Sincerely,

Dibby Bartlett,
President
Opticians Association of America
Preparing to Re-open

The practice of opticianry is going to look a little different for a while.

 As the country prepares to reopen, in order to protect our patients and ourselves, everyday methods will be changing. The following is advice from experts, tips and suggestions from our peers and information to help you prepare to open in a post-pandemic world.
Resources for Disinfection

  • Hand washing
  • Frames
  • Equipment
  • Keeping Your Office Clean and Safe






Personal Protective Equipment

  • Masks
  • Faceshields
  • Breath shields
  • Disinfectant







Office Disinfection

Some Practice Suggestions from our Members...

  • Make a plan
  • Masks and gloves for all
  • Source private testing for staff
  • Hand sanitizer station
  • Appointment only
  • Temperature taken-employees and patients upon entering
  • Health status questionnaire upon entering
  • Pre-appointment screening re: needs and reason for appointment
  • Decrease chairs in waiting room
  • Remove magazines and frequently touched items in waiting room
  • Reduce # of dispensing tables
  • Limit number of people in store at one time
  • Staff member must be with customer
  • Staff member must handle frames
  • Proper distancing maintained
  • Frames disinfected after any contact
  • Disinfect pens after use
  • Surfaces disinfected constantly
  • Plexi-partition upon checkout
:
How Are YOU Doing ?

Dear Reader,

In order for us to serve you best, please update us by taking the quick six-question survey below.


Testing Updates
 ABO-NCLE
ABO & NCLE is pleased to announce that there are now currently ways to take certain ABO & NCLE Examinations — in person (as were done in the past) and via in-home Remote Proctored Examinations, which are temporarily available due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Necessity is the Art of... Zoom Meetings !


Due to the coronavirus, Opticians Association of Washington and Opticians Association of Massachusetts have replaced their in-person educational conferences with ZOOM meetings.

OAW ( Washington) conducted their meetings on 7 different dates, where members could choose the dates most convenient and receive 2 CE's per day.

OAM (Massachusetts) chose to have their meeting over two days, June 6 - 7, for a total of 7 available credits.
Support Your State Association
(They support YOU!)

The OAA Opticians Hall of Fame is committed to preserving the history of opticianry and celebrating the dedicated individuals who have helped to create and preserve the profession and the national association we have all come to love. These individuals are role models for current and future generations of opticians.

These great people chose to be involved at the local, state and national level to ensure that opticianry grew in both stature and prominence throughout the United States.

The Opticians Association of America welcomes the following to membership in the Opticians Hall of Fame…

MAY

SAT. 2
South Carolina Association of Opticians
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED TO SUNDAY AUGUST 2, 2020
Spring Education Hours
(Ocean Creek Resort, North Myrtle)

SUN. 3
Opticians Association of Massachusetts
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED TO SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 2020 VIA ZOOM
Spring Education Conference

SAT. 16
OAA / HOYA
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED TO SEPTEMBER 19, 2020
First Education Day
(Boise, Idaho)

JUNE

FRI. 5 — SUN. 7
Professional Opticians of Florida
2020 West Coast Better Vision Conference
(Safety Harbor Resort & Spa)

FRI. 5 — SUN. 7
Opticians Association of Georgia
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED.

SAT. 6 — SUN. 7
Opticians Association of Washington
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED TO A ZOOM MEETING APRIL 24, 25, 26 / MAY 2, 3, 9 & 10
Spring Convention (Olympia)

TUE. 16
Certified Opticians Association of Texas
Cherry Optical / Hands-on Workshop
(San Antonio)

WED. 17
Certified Opticians Association of Texas
Cherry Optical / Hands-on Workshop
(Houston)

WED. 17
New Hampshire Society of Opticians
Quarterly Meeting
(Red Blazer on Manchester, Concord)
Registration @ 6PM / Event @ 7PM

THU. 18
Opticians Alliance of New York
Meeting / Dinner / CEs
(Domenico's Restaurant, Levittown)
Support the Partners Who Support You!
Our Valued Partners 2020