Content, Inspiration, 
& New Ideas

MIDO: Milan, Italy The Optical Women’s Association proudly hosted its OWA Global Connection Event at MIDO in Milan, marking an important milestone in the organization’s continued international expansion and its mission to empower women in leadership roles across the global optical industry. The “Leading with Courage: Inspiring Stories of Authenticity” event welcomed a highly engaged audience for a dynamic 45-minute panel discussion followed by an impactful networking session.

This week during the annual OWA Champagne Breakfast at Vision Expo, Susy Yu, OD (Vision Essentials by Kaiser Permanente) was presented the Pleiades Award, Liz Friedfeld (ClearVision Optical) the Pyxis Award, Alessandra Senici (OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation) the Polaris Award, and Cathy Firman (GPN Technologies) the Emerging Leader Award! Learn more about each recipient below: 2026 Pleiades Award Recipient: Susy Yu, OD Vision Essentials by Kaiser Permanente Susy's

To stay discoverable in an AI‑driven world, optical brands and professionals will need to shift from search engine optimization (SEO) to generative engine optimization (GEO). For the optical industry—where consumer decisions are increasingly shaped by digital research, peer recommendations, and clinical credibility—the new entry point for discovery is generative AI. Zero‑click results and AI‑summarized answers are transforming how patients, consumers, and industry partners fi

The Communications and Website Committee  is spicing up the OWA Connects  blog with a quarterly 'Wrong Answers Only' series. We asked members of the blog-managing committee for their response to, " What's the Best Way to Get a Discount on New Glasses? " — but you guessed it, wrong  answers only! Quick disclaimer: these quotes are in no way intended to provide actual suggestions for getting a discount on glasses and are strictly for your entertainment! Do you have your own 'wr

The OWA is hosting a global event at 100% Optical in London, England. Shortly thereafter, the OWA will be hosting two events at Vision Expo in Orlando, Florida. We welcome everyone to join us to network with your colleagues and learn more about what the OWA has to offer. OWA Global Event at 100% Optical! Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026 Time: 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM GMT Location:   100% Catwalk at 100% Optical Excel London Royal Victoria Dock 1 Western Gateway, London E16 1XL T

The Caribbean breeze hit me as I walked out of the resort lobby. Across the street, Doctor’s Cave Beach was bright and calm under the Jamaican sun. I could smell jerk chicken in the air. It looked like the ideal place to vacation, but I was there to work. For years, I’d wanted to join Canadian Vision Care (CVC), a charity organization committed to delivering thorough, comprehensive, and integrated care in the developing world, on one of its missions. My company has partnered