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“It’s not what you are that holds you back, it’s what you think you are not” –Denis Waitley Picture yourself joining a Zoom call with a group of incredibly accomplished people. As introductions begin, you hear about their impressive careers, achievements, and experiences. By the time the meeting ends, you find yourself standing in front of the mirror thinking, "I didn't belong in that meeting. What do I really have to offer this team?" I have experienced those thoughts more t

Already a member? Share this article on LinkedIn! At some point in your career, you realize how valuable it is to have people in your corner. Whether you're stepping into a new role, navigating a challenge, exploring a new opportunity, or simply looking to connect with others who understand your world, having a supportive community makes all the difference. Founded in 1997, the Optical Women's Association (OWA) is a nonprofit dedicated to one powerful mission: supporting and

Networking no longer happens only at conferences, trade shows, or local association meetings. More eye care professionals are turning to LinkedIn as a valuable platform for building relationships and growing their professional influence. By connecting with industry peers, engaging with thought leaders, and showcasing their expertise, eye care professionals are building new opportunities and greater visibility within our community. But what does LinkedIn success actually look

It’s easy to get caught up in deadlines, meetings, and the daily demands of work — taking a moment to refocus on your mindset can make a meaningful difference in how you approach challenges, opportunities, and personal growth. Whether you're striving for career advancement, seeking better work-life balance, or simply looking for a boost of motivation, these can serve as powerful reminders of your strengths, capabilities, and potential. Explore the affirmations below, submitt

There is significant noise surrounding AI and practice management technology in the optical industry. To find real growth, practices must move past the excitement and identify tools that specifically remove friction for staff and patients. Before investing, evaluate your top roadblock—whether it’s unanswered phone calls, ‘off the hook’ volume, or repetitive administrative tasks like insurance verification. The goal is to address overall workflows versus select tasks. Practice

The Optical Women’s Association knows how to stop the scroll. From celebrating standout members to spotlighting leadership and moments that matter, OWA’s top social media posts capture the energy, impact, and community at the heart of the organization. In this post, we’re rounding up some of OWA’s most engaging social moments—and why they struck a chord. Here are the top-performing posts across each platform for the second quarter of 2026, created by the OWA Digital Marketing

It is 6:42 AM and just like that, one has flown the coop. In a race to beat the clock, my active teens test every minute as we gear up for another day. As fellow working women, I know so many can relate to having lived a full day before the workday officially begins. Caregiving for kids, pets, elderly loved ones, family members with special needs and everything in between often takes priority over the peaceful morning routine we imagine for ourselves. Before most calendars of

I don't believe I have ever taken my profession lightly, actually quite the opposite. Being certified since the age of 18, taking 100's of CE, teaching and sharing with others is just part of that. In the last 6 months I decided to start dispensing a bit again to get back in the groove. More than a couple things have changed since I was dispensing or managing an optical full-time but there are a couple that were milestone moments. The optical boutique I am in is very unique a

It usually starts with something small. A change in a prescription protocol. A new continuing education requirement. A shift in what services you’re allowed to provide. Most of us experience these changes as they appear in our daily work. By adjusting, adapting and moving forward. But, rarely do we stop and ask: Where did this originate? Who decided this? And, who made sure our profession had a voice in the process? Behind each of those moments are state optical and optomet

My journey was never paved in gold. It was riddled with potholes, twists, and turns both professional and personal. Having a strong work ethic and the openness to learn has shaped a slightly smoother path for the road ahead. “The ability to learn is the most important quality a leader can have.” -Padmasree Warrior Common Obstacles and Why They Matter As leaders and as women, obstacles are inevitable, whether it’s scheduling bottlenecks, team morale, or simply balancing family

Change in our daily lives is constant—we all know it. We switch gyms, update our hairstyles, and pick out new frames at our annual OD checkup. One change that can feel especially disruptive during our eight-hour workdays: inheriting a new boss. Out with the Old You understood your old boss. They were frustrating at times, but they were the devil you knew. Maybe they didn’t respond to your pings or emails unless you reminded them…more than once. Maybe they said something a lit

How a Well-Intentioned Habit Can Limit Patients—and Practices One of the things I love most about our profession is how fiercely opticians advocate for their patients. Some of us enjoy being salespeople, but many of us cringe at that description. We care deeply about the people in our chair and want the very best for them. At times, that can feel at odds with a practice’s financial goals: increasing revenue, capture rate, and average sales price. But what if I told you that y

Founded in 1997, the OWA has years of content from our members! If you haven't logged in recently, here's a preview of what you're missing! One Minute Inspirations Member only content, must be logged in to read Enthusiastically Introverted Written by member Jennifer Trakhtenberg, April 15, 2025 Daring to embrace brave moments, I've boldly shown up more frequently, quieting the shy younger version of myself. Opportunities to network, inclusion in optical social gatherings, tri

In private practice optometry, buying frames can sometimes feel like online shopping after hours. The rep opens the case. The colors pop. Someone says, "I would totally wear this.” Heads nod. The board gets fuller. It feels like progress. Everyone is having fun and excited, but here is the reality check. Your optical is not a vibe, it is a business. When buying decisions are driven more by what we like than by what patients actually purchase, the consequences do not appear ov

The Optical Women’s Association knows how to stop the scroll. From celebrating standout members to spotlighting leadership and moments that matter, OWA’s top social media posts capture the energy, impact, and community at the heart of the organization. In this post, we’re rounding up some of OWA’s most engaging social moments—and why they struck a chord. Here are the top-performing posts across each platform for the first quarter of 2026, created by the OWA Digital Marketing

Clear vision is something many of us take for granted—until we see firsthand what a life‑changing difference it can make. As April marks Global Volunteer Month, it’s a powerful reminder of how giving your time—especially in eye care—can truly transform lives. Volunteering shows how a simple eye exam or a new pair of glasses can restore more than sight; it can renew confidence, dignity, and opportunity. From volunteer clinics serving underserved communities to nonprofit partne

"You can't connect the dots looking forward. You can only connect them looking backwards." -Steve Jobs This quote guided me throughout my career, even when I didn't even realize it. I am going to give you a hint about what you are about to read in hopes that you will take away why the past is so important to your future. We are obsessed with what is front of us, yet we ignore the lessons learned and the one main reason we do what we do. Technology in our industry is incredibl

We were delighted to welcome attendees to beautiful Orlando for our annual Champagne Breakfast , celebrating 2026 OWA award recipients: Susy Yu, OD (Pleiades Award), Liz Friedfeld (Pyxis Award), Alessandra Senici (Polaris Award), and Cathy Firman (Emerging Leader Award). The Champagne Breakfast brought together professionals from across the industry for a morning of connection, inspiration, and celebration. Set in an energizing and welcoming atmosphere, the event offered atte

This year marks Vision Monday’s 24th annual Most Influential Women in Optical report. The Vision Monday editors selected 35 women who are honored in five distinct categories: Executive Suite, Rising Stars, Mentors, Innovators and Above & Beyond. These are women who are continuing to shape the face of our industry from every angle; they are ECPs, executives, sales and marketing professionals, teachers and so much more. But above all, they are women who have had and continue t

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