Mission:Optician

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 experie...

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 specif...

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 as...

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), Stev...

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 prest...

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 wel...

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 optician...

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 optometr...

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...

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 share...

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 Missi...

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...

How do ANSI standards impact opticians, patient safety, and the optical industry as a whole? Michael Vitale, vice president of membership, government relations, and technical affairs at The Vision Council, sits down with host Gwen Cooper, executive director of United Opticians Association (UOA), to explore why standards are essential for safe and effective eyecare. Michael breaks down the latest u...

In this episode, Scott Harris Shapiro, executive director industry relations for Europa Eyewear, joins host Gwen Cooper, executive director of United Opticians Association, for a candid and wide-ranging conversation on advocacy, education, and the future of opticianry.  Scott shares why government relations and policy are top priorities and makes the case for helping more opticians recognize the t...

What role do opticians play in improving patient outcomes, and why does the profession need a unified national voice? In this debut episode of Mission:Optician, the official podcast of the United Opticians Association (UOA), host Gwen Cooper, executive director, sits down with Bob Alexander, licensed optician and director of member education, to introduce the mission behind the organization and di...

Welcome to Mission:Optician, the official podcast of the United Opticians Association — created for opticians, industry partners, and anyone passionate about the future of eyecare! In this teaser from our first episode, executive director Gwen Cooper shares the show's vision, what listeners can expect, and why elevating opticians leads to better patient outcomes. Follow Mission:Optician on your fa...