Content, Inspiration, 
& New Ideas

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 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

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

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...

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

When we share knowledge, we encourage collaboration and innovation. We learn from each other's experiences and insights, fostering...

There’s something powerful about stepping outside of your daily responsibilities and immersing yourself in another facet or area of your...

Looking for a job when you have a college diploma is hard enough; looking for a job when you don’t have a degree can be even harder....

Imagine if, instead of waiting to be asked, you — as a mentor — took the first step and said, “Would you like me to mentor you?” Rather...

A few years ago, I was promoted into a management role overseeing former peers. I’d been in supervisory positions before but never for a...

Have you uncovered the impact of an unexpected mentor? When are you planning to stop learning? I would bet my favorite pair of eyewear...

Do you ever have a song pop into your head when you least expect it? I get that little explosion of memory, and sometimes, along with the...

Years ago, we were introduced to the phrase "a pebble in your shoe” as being a catalyst for change. The concept was explored in the...

As part of my end of day ritual, I scrolled on my phone and saw ad after ad promising quick fixes, overnight weight loss, and rapid...

If you’ve logged onto the new OWA website, chances are you’ve seen the Community Corner Section! If you haven’t logged onto the...

And just like that, we're at the end of the year. From professional development, to events attended, to personal insights — the OWA's...

Knowledge-sharing fosters collaboration and innovation, allowing us to learn from one another's experiences and insights. This exchange...

This past year I have been on a journey, working to expand my network, experimenting with different ways to grow both personally and...

In optometry, it can feel like the path to career advancement is mostly about gaining technical expertise. But the truth is, those skills...

As I sit in my office, juggling branding initiatives and brainstorming new marketing ideas, an early career moment comes to mind. An old...