May 2022
Pride Power Progress
Leadership Conference
June 2-4, 2022
Orlando, FLA

More Information HERE
What To Expect
The Plans
Breakout Sessions
The Schedule
Students to Leadership

A New Benefit to OAA Membership -
An OAA Business Card

new

The OAA is excited to invite you to our latest member benefit – the OAA World Elite Business Card, specifically designed for Opticians and business owners.

Introducing The Opticianry OAA World Elite Business Credit Card

  • UNLIMITED 1.5% back in rewards on ALL purchases1
  • Paid OAA dues 2
  • $750 Sign-Up Bonus3
  • No impact on personal credit and no personal guarantees
  • No Annual Fee

Opticians,
Have Your Considered Teaching?
Now accepting applications for a 9 Month Full-Time Opticianry faculty member to start August 2022. more info HERE
Interview with Kristy Greene, Associate Dean and Optician, Reynolds Community College

 You are both an optician and an educator. What prompted you to choose this side of the profession?

My instructors! Like many, I had very little knowledge of opticianry coming in and minimal expectations of what my career could be. Honestly I just saw it as a stepping stone to optometry or possibly something else. Once I was enrolled in the program, the instructors I had were exceptional. They knew I wanted to continue my education after I graduated and encouraged me every step of the way. While I was working on my bachelor’s degree and working in industry, I had the opportunity to teach part-time at Reynolds and that experience sealed the deal. Once a full time position became available I jumped at it and have never regretted a moment since.

What qualities do you think optician educators need to possess?

Enthusiasm for opticianry and a true desire to help adult learners see their true potential and reach their academic/career goals. The best educators I have ever known have been open-minded, empathetic, adaptable, engaging and exceptionally patient.

Would you recommend this career path to your colleagues?

In a heartbeat! Not only has it been the most rewarding job position I have held since I entered the optical profession 29 years ago, it also has amazing perks. I am never asked to work a holiday or miss an important family event, I don’t punch a clock or have a dress code, no quotas to meet, great benefits, and the professional development resources are practically endless at times. 

Where do you see this profession going in the next five years?
There is such great opportunities on the horizon for professionals who are interested in becoming opticianry educators. New schools are opening up across the US and with many seasoned faculty looking at retirement, succession planning is a number one priority for many programs. The industry is constantly evolving and hurling new technology and advancements at us every day. The need for strong, passionate educators is greater than ever. 

Thank You Kristy!

MAY

WED. 18
New York State Society of Opticians
Virtual Event (w/Pete Hanlin of Essilor)

FRI. 20
Professional Opticians of Florida
West Coast Better Vision Conference
Safety Harbor Resort & Spa

SAT. 21
Opticians Association of Iowa
Virtual Conference
5 CEs Available
MORE INFO: Email opticansassnofiowa@gmail.com

SUN. 22
Opticians Association of Massachusetts
Spring Continuing Education
Hybrid Meeting
Southbridge Hotel & Conf. Center

SUN. 22
Opticians Association of Vermont
Spring Meeting
Snowflake Mountain Resort, Stowe

SUN. 22
New York State Society of Opticians
Metro Region Symposium
JFK Crowne Plaza
8A - 2P

JUNE
THU. 2—SAT. 4

OAA Leadership Conference 2022
Wyndham Garden at Disney Resorts
Lake Buena Vista, FL

SAT. 4—SUN. 5
Opticians Association of Georgia
Spring CE Meeting
(Piedmont Tech, Clarkston)

TUE. 7
New York State Society of Opticians
Long Island Cont. Education
Dix Hills Library Lecture Room
6:30 - 8:30P

WED. 8
New York State Society of Opticians
Virtual Event: Neurolens Part III
w/Paige Shoven, Neurolens
7:30 - 8:30P

SUN. 12
Opticians Association of Kentucky
Continuing Education & Apprentice Training
Holiday Inn, Louisville
6 CEs Available
9A - 4P

SUN. 12
Professional Opticians of Florida
Gulf Coast Chapter Cont. Ed.
Florida SW State College, Fort Myers
9:30A - 1:30P

WED. 15
New York State Society of Opticians
Virtual Event: Camber Technology
w/Barb Malobabich, IOT America
7:30 - 8:30P

WED. 22
New York State Society of Opticians
Virtual Event w/ Dr. Ryan Parker, Essilor
10A - 12P

SAT. 25
Virtual Education for Kansas Opticians
Starting a State Association
If Interested contact Donna Hatch
dnd-managementservices@gmail.com
FRI. 27

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