ABO & NCLE and NFOS announce formation of the United Opticians Association

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The American Board of Opticianry and National Contact Lens Examiners (ABO & NCLE) and the National Federation of Opticianry Schools (NFOS) have announced the formation of the United Opticians Association (UOA), a new international organization for spectacle and contact lens optician professionals. The organization also works to connect national organizations, including the Opticians Association of America (OAA), with the ABO & NCLE and NFOS, according to a news release.¹

“By bringing together all these organizations, we can better spearhead the representation and protection of the opticianry profession,” said Ronnie Harbert, president of UOA, in the release. “The UOA unites the best of each organization, focusing efforts to provide one United Opticians Association protecting all spectacle and contact lens opticians.”

To promote the new organization, both the ABO & NCLE Board and NFOS are offering all ABO &NCLE certificants and current NFOS students a complimentary one-year membership to the UOA, valid through July 1, 2025. OAA fellows and guild members also have access to the complimentary membership, which is currently valued at $199.¹ “This gesture of appreciation is designed to help ABO & NCLE certificants and NFOS students take full advantage of the extensive benefits the UOA has to offer,” the release stated.

These benefits of membership include opportunities for professional growth and education, participation in advocacy efforts, and networking, among others. Members specifically have access to state society meetings, workshops, webinars, and leadership conferences, as well as opportunities to receive support for ABO & NCLE certification, state licensing, and educational grants and scholarships. The membership also gives eye care providers access to over 140,000 spectacle and contact lens opticians and a network of more than 39,000 UOA members, with discounts on conference registration fees. The membership also includes access to research grant and opticianry-related publications, public awareness campaigns, job placement assistance, discounts on optical products, and professional liability insurance.¹

Those interested in signing up for the members can find more information on the membership website or by contacting membership@opticians.org.

Reference:

1. Introducing the United Opticians Association: Complimentary one-year membership for all ABO & NCLE certificants, Opticians Association of America (OAA) fellows, OAA guild members, and all NFOS students. News release. United Opticians Association. July 9, 2024. Accessed July 9, 2024.