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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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.

What role do independent labs play in today’s optical industry, and why should opticians be paying attention?

In this episode of Mission:Optician, Brandon Butler, president and CEO of Artisan Lab Network, sits down with Gwen Cooper, executive director of United Opticians Association (UOA).

With more than two decades of experience across optics, lens manufacturing, and lab management, Brandon shares how the industry is evolving — from consolidation to the resurgence of independent labs — and what that means for opticians, patients, and the future of eye care.

Plus, Brandon discusses his efforts to expand the optical workforce by training and hiring formerly incarcerated individuals, which creates pathways into opticianry for motivated new talent.

In this episode, you will learn:

This episode is brought to you by the 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 

What do patients think an optician does? Do they assume opticians are licensed and certified? And how does that impact trust, policy, and the future of the profession?

In 2025, the United Opticians Association partnered with The Vision Council to commission a national survey exploring consumer attitudes toward optician licensing and professional qualifications.

In this data-driven episode of Mission:Optician, host Gwen Cooper, executive director of UOA, is joined by Bob Alexander, UOA’s director of education, and special guest Alysse Henkel, former vice president of research and inSights at The Vision Council, to unpack the findings from this consumer attitudes survey.

They discuss the gaps between patient expectations and reality in opticianry and share key findings to inform lawmakers.  

Plus, hear what this data means for education pathways and elevating the opticianry profession — while celebrating the high satisfaction rates opticians already achieve.

In this episode, you will learn:

Explore the consumer attitudes survey results at https://www.opticians.org/consumer-attitudes 

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 are vision benefits, and what do opticians need to understand about how they work?

In this episode of Mission:Optician, Steve Alexander, vice president of industry and strategic partnerships at Anagram, sits down with Gwen Cooper, executive director of United Opticians Association (UOA), to unpack vision benefits, insurance, and the systems that shape today’s optical industry.

Steve shares a candid look at how vision plans work, why reimbursements haven’t kept pace, and how this impacts day-to-day optical practices based on his 25 years of experience across opticianry, practice management, and healthcare technology.

In this episode, you will learn:

This episode is brought to you by Anagram.

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. 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