Mission:Optician

What does it take to bring lens finishing in-house, and does it make sense for your optical practice? 
Roy Rosales, product specialist at MEI System, breaks down what opticians need to consider before making the move in conversation with Bob Alexander, director of education at United Opticians Association (UOA).
Roy walks through the realities of maintaining lens stock and evaluating your patient demographics, as well as thinking through the equipment and infrastructure an in-office finishing setup requires. 
He explains why understanding ophthalmic optics is critical, because it still comes down to the optician to determine whether a particular lens material, prescription, or frame design makes sense for the patient.
Plus, hear how modern edging technology has moved beyond traditional grinding and water-intensive processes. 
In this episode, you will learn:
What to consider before bringing lens finishing in-house, including lens stock, patient demographics, ROI, and equipment requirements
Why a strong knowledge of lens materials, prescriptions, and ophthalmic optics can expand what an optician can do with in-office edging
Which types of lenses may require different equipment or a specialty lab rather than an in-office edger
This episode is brought to you by MEI System: https://meisystem.com/ 
Learn more about UOA and join our growing community at https://opticians.org  

What happens when patients see their frames as a personal choice, but their lenses as a commodity?
In this episode, Albert Pogorschelske, vice president of Horizons Optical of America, sits down with Gwen Cooper, executive director of United Opticians Association (UOA), to discuss how to make the value of the lens more tangible — and how technology can help opticians create a one-of-a-kind experience that patients can't get online.
Albert explains how personalized lens technology, including gaze-dynamic measurements and virtual reality, can turn the patient into a participant in the lens-selection process. He also shares practical tools to help opticians demonstrate the differences between lenses.
Hear about the importance of customer experience and attention to detail, the role of AI in the profession, and why he believes optician certification should expand across the United States.
In this episode, you will learn:
Why patients may understand the value of a premium frame more easily than a premium lens
How personalized technology can change the patient experience and create greater engagement with the lens
What skills opticians will need to grow as technology changes the eye care industry
This episode is brought to you by Horizons Optical: https://horizonsoptical.com/en-us/home 
Learn more about UOA and join our growing community at https://opticians.org  

How can AI help opticians navigate patient conversations and make data-driven decisions for their practices?
In this episode, Dr. Haley Perry, senior manager of professional affairs with EssilorLuxottica, shows how opticians can use AI to strengthen the important work they already do in conversation with Gwen Cooper, executive director of United Opticians Association (UOA).
Dr. Perry shares specific AI use cases, such as role-playing difficult patient conversations, practicing lens recommendations and upsells, and translating technical lens information into language the patient understands.
Hear when not to trust AI, how to verify sources, and more innovative ways that opticians can use AI beyond patient conversations.
In this episode, you will learn:
Practical uses of AI for opticians, including thinking through objections and helping patients understand their insurance or benefits
When not to trust AI, and tips to catch inaccurate or incomplete answers
How AI can analyze inventory and sales data to identify what's selling, what's not, and where the practice could make changes
This episode is brought to you by EssilorLuxottica: https://www.essilorluxottica.com/ 
Learn more about UOA and join our growing community at https://opticians.org  
The intent of this podcast is to educate eye care professionals (ECPs).  Any advice provided is general in nature and ECPs should practice within their professional scope and in accordance with local regulations.

Does 10 years of experience automatically make you a better optician than someone with two? Not necessarily.
Brian Diener, director at the Optical Training Institute (OTI), sits down with Gwen Cooper, executive director at United Opticians Association (UOA), to explore what it takes to become a confident and effective optician.
Brian explains why a résumé doesn't tell the full story, how hiring assessments can reveal strengths and knowledge gaps, and why every optician's learning path is different. 
The conversation takes a closer look at apprenticeship training, where requirements can vary dramatically between states. Hear what meaningful on-the-job training can look like and the specific skills employers look for when hiring opticians.
Brian and Gwen also discuss certification, workforce shortages, and the push for greater consistency across opticianry — including clearer job titles and standards.
In this episode, you will learn:
Why years of experience don’t always reflect an optician’s true knowledge and skills
What separates being supervised on the job from having a mentor who actively teaches on-the-job competencies
How certification and clearer job titles can establish a standard for optician competency
This episode is brought to you by Optical Training Institute: http://opticaltraining.com 
Learn more about UOA and join our growing community at https://opticians.org  

What happens when vision plan requirements influence the way opticians provide care?
Steve Alexander, vice president of industry and strategic partnerships at Anagram, returns to Mission:Optician to continue the conversation around vision plans, practice independence, and the future of opticianry.
In conversation with Bob Alexander, director of education at United Opticians Association (UOA), Steve explores how vision plan structures, operational autonomy, and reimbursement models impact the decisions opticians make each day. 
In this episode, you will learn:
How lab choice, chargebacks, and reimbursement structures influence product decisions and profitability
How practices can improve patient relationships and staff morale by reducing administrative barriers
The demographic shifts in the eye care industry that could create opportunities for opticians to expand their roles
This episode is brought to you by Anagram: https://www.goanagram.com/ 
Enjoyed this conversation? Listen to Steve’s first Mission:Optician episode where he breaks down vision benefits and reimbursements: https://missionoptician.podbean.com/e/vision-benefits-explained-steve-alexander-anagram/ 
Learn more about UOA and join our growing community at https://opticians.org  

What separates a good pair of glasses from a great one? According to Brandon Butler, president and CEO of Artisan Lab Network, it starts long before the lenses reach the patient.
In this episode, Bob Alexander, director of education at United Opticians Association (UOA), sits down with Brandon for a conversation about craftsmanship, education, and unifying opticianry.
Fresh off receiving the prestigious 2026 Goodfellow Award from The Vision Council, Brandon explains why preserving the art of lens manufacturing is just as important as embracing new technologies. 
He also shares how decades of experience across the optical industry shaped his approach to building an independent lab and how better-trained opticians improve patient care, reduce costly remakes, and help practices operate more efficiently.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why understanding a patient's lifestyle is just as important as understanding their prescription
Why finding the right role for each employee, including Brandon’s own sons, creates better business results
The importance of collaboration between opticians and independent labs
Brandon's vision of a more unified future for the optical industry
This episode is brought to you by Artisan Lab Network: https://www.artisanlabnetwork.com/ 
Enjoyed this conversation? Listen to Brandon’s first Mission:Optician appearance  where he explores industry consolidation and the rise of independent labs: https://missionoptician.podbean.com/e/independent-labs-and-the-future-of-opticianry-brandon-butler-artisan-lab-network/ 
Learn more about UOA and join our growing community at https://opticians.org 
Shape the conversation on Mission:Optician! Tell us what topics and guests you want us to feature next at https://opticians.org/podcast 

Why are some opticians perceived as trusted advisors, while others are seen as order-takers?
In this episode of Mission:Optician, Michael Gatti, Global Head of Learning and Sales Enablement at HOYA Vision Care, discusses the power of education in the optical industry in conversation with Gwen Cooper, Executive Director of the United Opticians Association (UOA).
Michael shares why confident and well-trained opticians are critical to improving patient outcomes, reducing costly errors, and elevating the profession. 
He also reflects on HOYA Vision Care's commitment to optician education and workforce development, including the company’s longstanding partnership with the UOA Student to Leadership program.
In this episode, you will learn:
Why listening to patients and simplifying your message is often more important than explaining product features
Why certification and continuing education are crucial to elevating the optician profession
How the UOA Student to Leadership program exposes opticians to career paths and leadership opportunities across the optical industry
This episode is brought to you by HOYA Vision Care: https://www.hoyavision.com/en-us/
Learn more about UOA and join our growing community at https://opticians.org 
Shape the conversation on Mission:Optician! Tell us what topics and guests you want us to feature next at https://opticians.org/podcast 

How can technology expand access to vision care, and what role do opticians play in that future?
In this episode, Tim Fern, chief commercial officer of Eyebot, joins host Gwen Cooper, Executive Director of the United Opticians Association (UOA), to discuss the gaps in access to vision care, industry workforce shortages, and how technology can make glasses more accessible without replacing opticians.
Tim sheds light on how Eyebot works, where it fits in a patient’s journey, and the differences between an Eyebot vision test and a comprehensive eye exam.
Hear why vision care access remains a challenge in rural communities, how Eyebot incorporates feedback from opticians to shape its product development, and why opticians and optometrists remain essential to delivering quality vision care.
In this episode, you will learn:
How workforce shortages are affecting access to vision care and patient wait times
How technology can complement — but not replace — the expertise of opticians, optometrists, ophthalmologists, and eye care professionals
How Eyebot combines technology and doctor oversight to provide prescriptions to eligible patients
This episode is brought to you by Eyebot: https://www.eyebot.co/
Learn more about UOA and join our growing community at https://opticians.org 
Shape the conversation on Mission:Optician! Tell us what topics and guests you want us to feature next at https://opticians.org/podcast 

What happens when a patient’s glasses match the prescription, but they still can’t see comfortably? 
In this episode, Gwen Cooper, executive director of United Opticians Association (UOA), sits down with Charlie Saccarelli, president of Chadwick Optical, to explore specialty opticianry, low vision, and patient-centered optical care.
Charlie shares how Chadwick Optical works with specialty optometrists and ophthalmologists to help patients with complex visual needs. He reflects on mentorship, collaboration across the eye care industry, and the importance of creating solutions for patients who would otherwise be left behind.
Hear why empathy and curiosity are essential for opticians, how automation has changed the optical industry, and Charlie’s perspective on certification and the future of the opticianry profession.
In this episode, you will learn:
What specialty opticianry is and why some patients require highly customized visual solutions
Why a “correct” prescription doesn’t always guarantee comfortable vision
How opticians bridge the gap between prescriptions and real-world patient outcomes
This episode is brought to you by Chadwick Optical: https://chadwickoptical.com/
Learn more about UOA and join our growing community at https://opticians.org   
Shape the conversation on Mission:Optician! Tell us what topics and guests you want us to feature next at https://opticians.org/podcast 

What is myopia, and why are myopia rates increasing in children around the world?
In this episode of Mission:Optician, host Gwen Cooper, executive director of United Opticians Association (UOA), sits down with Dr. Monica Jong, head of Medical Affairs, North America at EssilorLuxottica and a global leader in myopia management. Together, they break down the science, urgency, and real-world impact of myopia — especially in children.
Dr. Jong defines myopia in simple terms and explores why myopia rates are rising, including the role of environmental factors like increased screen time and reduced time outdoors. She reflects on new treatment innovations like the Essilor® Stellest® lens and what this lens means for the future of patient care.
They discuss the role of opticians in myopia management, how to communicate with parents, and why early intervention is key for children.
In this episode, you will learn:
What myopia is and how it affects long-term eye health
Why myopia rates are rising globally and what’s driving this trend
The optician’s role in educating patients and improving myopia outcomes
Why comprehensive eye exams for children are more important than ever
This episode is brought to you by EssilorLuxottica.---
Join us at UOA’s One Vision | One Voice | One UOA Leadership Conference taking place June 25-27 in Chicago, where opticians, educators, and industry partners will gather to explore innovation, advocacy, and the future of the profession, including a special session with the Essilor® Stellest® Lens. Secure your spot: https://www.uoaleadership.org/
Learn more about UOA and join our growing community at https://opticians.org 
Shape the conversation on Mission:Optician! Tell us what topics and guests you want us to feature next at https://opticians.org/podcast 
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The intent of this podcast is to educate eye care professionals (ECPs).  Any advice provided is general in nature and ECPs should practice within their professional scope and in accordance with local regulations. 
INDICATIONS FOR USE 
The Essilor® Stellest® spectacle lens is indicated for the correction of myopia with and without astigmatism and for slowing the progression of myopia in children with non-diseased eyes, who, at the initiation of treatment, are aged 6-12 years and have spherical equivalent refraction of -0.75 D to - 4.50 D with astigmatism up to 1.50 D.