Opticians Association of Colorado

🎓 Calling Colorado’s Future Optical Leaders!

Are you a student, apprentice, or early-career optician looking to grow in leadership, advocacy, and professional confidence? This is an opportunity you don’t want to miss.

Through the Student to Leadership Program, supported by Hoya Vision Care, qualified applicants can receive grants to attend the One Vision | One Voice | One UOA Leadership Conference—one of the most impactful leadership events in our profession.

We would love to see more voices from Colorado in the room!
This is a chance to learn, connect, & build relationships that can truly shape your career.

📅 Application Deadline: March 18
📣 Winners Announced: March 30

👉 Apply here: https://lnkd.in/g7Vzq6rD

COLORADO OPTICIANS & Surrounding States—
Come support your local optical community.

JOIN US for the OAC Spring Convention 2026!
Be part of a day dedicated to education, connection, + strengthening our profession.

📅 Saturday, April 18, 2026
📍 Ameristar | Black Hawk, CO

CE, ABO prep, vendors, giveaways, a roundtable discussion, board meeting, & a closing happy hour.
👉 Register now and show up for optical - https://www.oacolorado.org/event.../oac-conference-2026

Stay Tuned for Education Lineup later this week....!

Facebook Event🔗: https://www.facebook.com/share/1A5AQDctF1/

A little perspective, a lot of laughter.
Our OAC crew took over the Museum of Illusions for a night of fun, connection, community, and optical inspiration — because seeing things differently is what we do best.

Huge thanks to everyone who came out — you made this night one to remember!
Cheers to the next one!

👉 Where should we go next?!

Hey ! 👋
As the year progresses and we look back on all the great industry events—from trade shows to local CE courses—we want to know what truly inspired YOU.

What was the best thing you saw or experienced at an optical event this year?

Drop your best experience or discovery in the comments below!
Let's share some inspiration and insights as we look forward to making 2026 the best year yet for Colorado Opticianry.

OAC Member Appreciation + Community Event — Happening Soon!
Let’s get you ready for the busy season with something a little different: optical illusions, zero lectures, and real connection time with your Colorado crew.

When: Sat 11/08, 3:30–5:30 PM
Where: Museum of Illusions - Denver
Afters: Walk across the street to Rock Bottom Brewery.
Parking: SpotHero currently has $3-$6 avail within 2 blocks!

RSVP Here: https://www.oacolorado.org/event-details-registration/oac-x-museum-of-illusions-tour
Not a member yet? Join/renew and your ticket is on us.
Comment with the colleague you’re bringing 👇

The Opticians Tool Box | Lightbenders Academy A two-part, hands-on workshop series designed to sharpen both the technical skills and patient communication every optician needs. Join us for one or both workshops—build your toolbox, build your confidence.

Heads Up, Colorado Opticians!
SAVE THE DATE for the 2026 Spring Convention!
📅 Saturday, April 18th, 2026

Get ready for a powerful day of education, connection, and celebration of Colorado’s optical community. Whether you’re an optician, student, vendor, or industry leader—this is your space to grow, get inspired, and elevate your profession.

Stay tuned for registration info, speaker reveals, and all the exciting details!
➡️ Mark your calendars now and tag a friend who needs to be there! 😜

LEADERSHIP IN ACTION: Colorado Represented on the National Stage!

The Opticians Association of Colorado is proud to celebrate our Vice President, Heather Harrington, for the incredible impact she made at this year’s United Opticians Association Leadership Conference — a national event where the future of opticianry is shaped by collaboration, innovation, and bold ideas.

Now in our 3rd year attending, the OAC continues to deepen connections with fellow state societies, helping build a united front for opticians nationwide and in our very own state. These relationships aren’t just professional—they’re the foundation of long-term advocacy, growth, and shared vision.

Heather was invited to speak on her 2nd national panel:
“Lead with Identity: Branding the Future of Opticianry”
Joined by respected leaders across the country, this panel dove into how the public perception of opticians often misses the mark—&how we have the power to change the narrative.

One powerful takeaway? A national movement toward a unified campaign for National Opticians Month 2026. Colorado is ready to stand front and center in this exciting initiative!

Heather also led a breakout session called “Power Up Your Presence”, where she unpacked the power of branding, visibility, and storytelling—not just for marketing, but as tools for advocacy and leadership.
Her message was clear: You don’t need a title to lead. All you need is confidence, clarity, and the willingness to show up and own your voice.

We are incredibly proud of Heather and thankful to the UOA for creating a space where opticians and state associations can lead, grow, and inspire one another.

📣 READY TO JOIN THE MOVEMENT NEXT YEAR?
Let’s grow the Colorado crew in Chicago and show the country what Colorado opticians bring to the table!
Tag someone you'd want to come with!

📣 Calling All New Opticians and Apprentices in Colorado!
Your Leadership Journey Starts Here!
The Opticians Association of Colorado is calling all passionate new opticians in Colorado! We know you are the future of our profession, and we want you to get involved, grow your skills, and shape the future of eye care.

Here's an incredible opportunity:

The United Opticians Association (UOA) is hosting its Leadership Conference – the must-attend event for future leaders, industry innovators, and visionaries in the field!

This is your chance to:
Network with industry leaders from across the country.
Learn valuable leadership skills to advance your career.
Gain insights into the latest trends and innovations in opticianry.
Connect with fellow opticians and build lifelong relationships.

Thanks to the generous support of HOYA Vision Care, there are exclusive grants available for individuals to attend this amazing conference! You can mark apprentice on your application, and still apply!

Don't miss out on this career-changing experience!

Apply now for a HOYA-sponsored grant to attend the UOA Leadership Conference: https://conta.cc/3RJVSnX
Application deadline: April 25th, 2025

Calling all Opticianry Students and Apprentices!
Are you ready to take your passion for opticianry to the next level? Don’t miss your chance to attend the United Opticians Association Leadership Conference, is the must-attend event for future leaders, industry innovators, and visionaries shaping the future of eye care.

Thanks to the generous support of HOYA Vision Care, we’re offering exclusive grants for students and apprentices to join us for this incredible experience!

Apply now for your chance to attend on a HOYA-sponsored grant! https://conta.cc/3RJVSnX Application deadline is April 25th,2025.

Great News! Room Block Deadline Extended!

Planning to attend the OAC Convention but haven’t booked your stay yet? You’re in luck! The exclusive room block rate of $139 per night has been extended until Friday!

📅 New Deadline: March 7th
📍 Venue: Origin Hotel - Red Rocks

Secure your spot today and stay right where the action is—convenient, affordable, and just steps away from all the incredible CE courses, networking, and events!
Created BY Opticians FOR Opticians 🧐

🔗 -https://tinyurl.com/57bya5sz