OAA- What Is the College Bowl?
AA-The NFOS college bowl, which is sponsored by Essilor of America, is an annual competition between representatives of opticianry programs that are affiliated with the National Federation of Opticianry Schools. It is a quiz-show type competition that features question in anatomy and physiology of the eye, dispensing, fabrication, contact lenses and optics. This year we will be holding it in the exhibit hall on Saturday during the afternoon, and everyone who is invited, students, opticians, family and guests. There will be 1 ABO credit available for those who register for the event, so it is fun and educational!
OAA - What is the History of this Contest?
AA- The initial student bowl began about 40 years ago. It was sponsored by Silor initially back then, before they became Essilor. We've had contestents from all over, including student from Connecticut, Florida, New Jersey, Georgia, New York, Tennessee, Massachusetts , Virginia, Washington State, and British Columbia, so it really is an event with a national scope.We were not able to hold the contest during the COVID pandemic, but now that we are turning the corner, we are thrilled to be holding the event again, and this year it will be at Vision Expo East.
OAA - How Are The Contestants Chosen?
AA - Most schools hold “mock-bowl” type competitions at their schools to see who will represent them. It is a fun event, but it can be a bit intimidating to be up on that stage in front of everyone, so often the students have to be both smart, quick and be good under pressure.
OAA- How Many NFOS Schools are Participating?
AA - This year we limited it to 8 participants and 8 schools), as we are reacclimating to this post-pandemic way of life. As we move forward we plan on having representatives from as many NFOS affiliated programs, and as more 2 year accredited programs are opening across the country, we anticipate the event will grow every year.
OAA - Who Develops the Questions?
AA - The Questions are developed through the NFOS with input from industry and academic leaders. The questions are based on the following 5 categories: Basic Optics, Anatomy and Physiology, Lens Fabrication, Ophthalmic Dispensing, and Contact Lenses
OAA - We Love that this Gives Some Attention to These Amazing Students. What Else Does this Event Do for Our Industry?
AA- This event serves as a showcase for opticianry to the rest of the eyecare industry and our colleagues to highlight opticianry, and from our perspective, the importance of education to the future of opticianry. There is no better venue than at Vision Expo and in conjunction with Opticon to have a great audience for this event from all walks of the eyecare industry, and raise the awareness of opticianry. It is of paramount importance that each individual, along with the national and state organizations, to work hard in order to grow, promote and advance the profession. The NFOS believes that the education is one of the main pillars to move the profession forward, and this is a fun way to highlight some of the great things going on in opticianry today.
Thank you Aarlan!
If you are going to be at Vision Expo East, Don't Miss This Event!
