Moses Nawlo
One of the OAA’s many goals is to bring opticians together in hopes of creating a strong and unified voice. Vision Expo aids us in our mission by bringing opticians from all walks of life together and promoting the sharing of ideas.
The OAA’s participation in Opticon, at Vision Expo, has proven successful, in that it grants us the opportunity to meet and learn more about you and your professional needs.
We love seeing and hearing from you!
The OAA Member:
"I love the Opticon Hub! This is the place to congregate with friends, meet new ones, and catch up on national news."
~Shirley Early, Todd Rogers Eyewear Ambassador
The Opticianry Student:
"This is my first Vision Expo, and I never realized before how big the industry is. It’s really nice that the Opticon Hub is here so I can take a break and people watch."
~Anonymous, NJ
The Educator:
"It’s a great experience interacting with fellow eyecare professionals and having conversations about the importance of proper education with others in the field with the goal of uplifting the industry. Conferences and expos help me understand these new trends."
-Steven Indelicato, Adjunct Professor at City Tech & VP of Indelicato Opticians
The Optician/Optometrist:
"The Opticon Hub at Vision Expo East in NYC was a tremendous experience this year. As the leading source for education for Opticians, Contact Lens Technicians and other eyecare professions, the booth was a wealth of knowledge and a phenomenal resource."
-Dr. Aarlan Aceto, OD, Program Coordinator and Associate Professor at MXCC
Update on Virginia-HB2099
Judy Canty, President OAV
In early October 2018, the Joint Legislative Audit Review Committee recommended to the Virginia General Assembly that several licensed professions be deregulated to comply with the Governor’s request to reduce the size and budget of the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. Chief among those professions were licensed opticians. The Opticians Association of Virginia immediately formed a legislative committee to address this threat and to protect licensed opticians.
We contracted with a lobbying group who had worked with OAV in the past and allowed them to help us develop a cohesive and powerful strategy. OAV then also contracted with a grassroots messaging company to compile a detailed email list and reached out to potential donors for the financial support we would need in addition to that supplied by the OAA.
Our members, non-members and patients bombarded the members of the General Laws Committee with phone calls and emails; over 19,000 calls and emails were received in just a matter of days. We closely monitored the progress of this bill (HB2099), which appeared to have languished in committee, with no public commentary or hearing scheduled. As the 2019 Session neared its end, our lobbyist was notified and confirmed to us that the bill died in committee and will not be acted upon.
The Opticians Association of Virginia could not have weathered this battle without the financial and professional support we received from the Opticians Association of America and its Affiliated Association members. We are immensely encouraged and honored by the outpouring of support that came not only from our state but from every corner of the US.
