Expert Opticians All Agree: Getting Involved in State and National Organizations is Integral to Personal and Industry Advancement

What is your opinion on getting involved with optical associations on the state and/or national level?

• Joining state and national optician societies is like gaining access to an optical wonderland. You’ll make new friends, find treasure troves of resources to keep your knowledge sharp, and even embark on adventures to conquer professional development peaks. It’s a place where you’re not just part of a community; you’re shaping the future of the optical field. I would always advocate that one gets involved; there is an intangible benefit that will aid in the entirety of your career. — Sam W., MBA, NCLE-AC
• I currently sit on three boards on a state level and one national. I have been heavily involved in legislation and education in my state and now help with education nationally. Networking and learning from others are critical. Communication with what is happening in other states is critical. Our industry has so many requirement inconsistencies state-to-state that it puts us under constant threat, but also constant growth opportunities. But not one person or a select few can carry the weight for an entire state or nation. Everyone should be involved in how our industry works and contributes to the eyecare field. Work to communicate with optometry and ophthalmology groups as well. Even if we all don’t agree, we all need each other. Join a group or association in your state, even if it’s just participating in a committee, and contribute. — Jenn Seymour B., LDO, ABO-AC, NCLE-AC
• I am currently appointed as the Continuing Education Liaison for the North Carolina Opticians Association. It has revealed many things to me. Including how hard our educators work to develop and cater courses to our opticians’ needs. I was also grateful enough to attend the OAA’s National Leadership Conference this past February, it was an amazing experience to see how it truly takes a village. — Marisol R., LDO, ABO-AC, NCLEC