Content, Inspiration, 
& New Ideas

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

As we wrap up the launch year of the OWA Full Circle Mentorship Program , we’re proud to celebrate a year defined by connection, growth, and the power of women supporting women. What began as a vision at the 2023 OWA Unplugged Retreat has transformed into a vibrant mentorship initiative making a measurable impact across the optical industry. An Engaged Community: Over 30% Participation One of the most energizing outcomes from our first year is the tremendous level of member e

Did your Barbie ice cream shop come complete with detailed receipts? From the earliest days, there was genuine, personal delight in exploring the world of work. Understanding what adults were doing and why was endlessly fascinating. Designing merchandising materials, helping prepare orders and imagining the customers who would receive them created an early sense of pride and curiosity. So did small opportunities to help at home, learning what relatives were responsible for an

It’s January, and in the northern hemisphere, that means the days are short, the office lights feel harsh, and that last cup of coffee just isn’t hitting the way it used to. But why do we feel so unfocused this time of year? As optical professionals, we know light! We know its wavelengths, its refractive power, and its profound effect on our circadian rhythm. Typically, when we talk about light and our circadian rhythm, we’re focused on the high energy visible (HEV) blue ligh

It's a New Year again. I love a new year… it’s fresh and clean, uncluttered and full of possibilities, like a clean sheet of paper or an empty closet.  As I think and begin to plan for 2026, I am finding myself in a different space than past years. Normally, I would be designing a growth plan for myself, both personally and professionally, with lots of details, dates and goals. And where that is always an important task, this year, concentrating on myself will take a back sea

It’s a new Year and OWA Talks is kicking 2026 off with a bang! Listen to this episode as hosts Carissa Dunphy and Tatiana Stewart sit down with new OWA President Megan Molony to hear about her vision for the future of the organization. More about guest Megan Molony: As CEO of Europa Eyewear, Megan Molony oversees the full Europa platform, including Europa Eyewear and eyebobs, as well as future acquisitions, while working closely with the board of directors to set and execut

And just like that, we're at the end of the year. From professional development, to events attended, to personal insights — the OWA's year has been summarized in the weekly OWA Connects blog . A special thanks to our contributors throughout the year — OWA committee members , industry experts and sponsors — without you, this incredible content would not be possible. You are improving our community one blog post at a time 💗 These were the most popular articles of 2025: 10. Ou

The results of the October 2025 Leadership Scholarship nominations are in! The  Leadership Scholarship Award  recognizes OWA members who have served the OWA with their dedicated committee work and strong commitment to growing leadership roles for women in the optical industry. These grants are used for professional and personal development of the recipients who were nominated by other OWA members. Many thanks go to our OWA  Individual Contributors , whose donations help make

There’s something magical about the holiday season. People smile more, hold doors open, exchange warm greetings and wish one another well. A simple "Happy Holidays” or a friendly nod in passing seems to come so naturally this time of year. It’s as if the world slows down just enough for us to notice each other again — to see the humanity that connects us all. Have you ever stopped to wonder why it feels easier to extend kindness in December than it does in, say, February? The

The OWA Unplugged retreat was everything I hoped for and so much more. As someone very new to the optical industry, I wasn’t sure what to expect but hearing from so many inspiring women and having the space to connect with them on a deeper, more personal level, was truly transformative. What stood out most throughout the weekend was the genuine connections. I found myself forming friendships with women from all different walks of life, each with their own stories, strengths,

The OWA works hard to provide useful and relevant content and events for our members — listening to the industry is vital to our success and we greatly appreciate your input. Please take a minute or two to complete this short and simple survey. Thank you in advance for your feedback! Thank you so much for taking the time to help us improve the OWA, we look forward to continuing to bring you great content and events!

The ClearVision-Adira Grant, founded in 2024 in partnership with the Optical Women’s Association, has quickly become a defining program supporting women’s growth and advancement across the optical industry. “The foundational role of my mother Mimi Friedfeld, as a founding member of the OWA, underscores ClearVision's deep-rooted commitment to supporting women in the optical industry,” David Friedfeld, co-owner and president of ClearVision, said. “This collaboration with the OW

Being a working mom means every trip I take is packed with more than just presentations and deadlines—it’s filled with purpose, pride, and the reminder of why I do it all. I love what I do—collaborating with smart, driven people, helping our team win, and feeling the energy that comes from making an impact. My work challenges me, fulfills me, and lets me grow into the kind of woman and mom I want my kids to see. Every time I wave goodbye, there’s that tug in my chest, a remin

The Individual Contributor program provides the opportunity for ANY individual to support the OWA and its mission of enhancing and promoting the leadership role of women in the optical industry through networking, education, and peer support. ​ Support from Individual Contributors directly funds the OWA Leadership Scholarship , an award granted to a board-nominated OWA member who has shown exemplary volunteer service in helping the OWA reach its goals. The recipient of this

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 Helping Employees Adapt to Change Written by member  Audrey Pavia, October 11, 2011 We all face change more often than not. Staff changes, downsizing, reorganizing and cost cutting are most common especially today amongst a fiercely economic environment. No industry

Frame board management is one of the most effective ways for ECPs to increase profitability while still delivering exceptional patient care. A frame board isn’t just a display of eyewear; it’s a strategic sales tool. When managed well, it can improve cash flow, reduce overhead costs, boost capture rates, and enhance the patient experience. Carrying too much inventory ties up valuable cash flow, even if the frames were purchased at a deal that seemed too good to pass up on. If

Connection Series Luncheon At the recent Vision Expo in Las Vegas, I had the privilege of attending the OWA’s Connection Series—Spark Sessions: Women Who Light the Fire—an event that truly lived up to its name. The sessions featured three dynamic 10-minute Lightning Talks, each aligned with one of the OWA’s guiding pillars: Connect, Inspire, and Lead. Emceed by Erinn Morgan, founder of Insight Media Group and Envision Communication, the afternoon brought together women from a

The Communications and Website Committee  is spicing up the OWA Connects  blog with a quarterly 'Wrong Answers Only' series. We asked...

Dear Me: At this stage in life and career, I thought you’d be past a few things. I thought confidence would replace nerves, efficiency...

Networking can feel intimidating—it sometimes seems forced, transactional, or like you’re supposed to 'work the room' and collect as many...

Earning recognition for your drive, discipline, and deep commitment to excellence is impressive. You have likely built a meaningful...