Opticians' 2026 Optical Resolutions
- OWA
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
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 seat. In 2026, I have determined my emphasis will be on Giving: giving back, paying forward, pitching in, contributing and/or donating. Why you ask? Two reasons. 1. It makes the world a better place and 2. It feels so good.
Having been involved in a non profit directorship for the past 3 years, I can tell you that the idea that I can contribute in some way, big or small, that will impact others positively, maybe change a life, or move the needle a little bit, is infectiously delicious. Knowing there is so much need out there and so many opportunities makes this an easy goal. Things like board work, mentoring, tutoring, working with students, offering advice, making recommendations, offering to lend a hand or a kind word, those are in the forefront this year.
That feeling, that knowledge, that soul nourishment is what I am seeking in 2026. So, I don’t know if its my age? the time of the world? or why this year, but that is my 2026 resolution. Give.
Happy New Year to All.
My optical New Year resolution for 2026 is to strengthen the role and visibility of opticians across our industry, classrooms and professional associations. As technology, automation, and online purchasing continue to expand across all industries, it’s important to celebrate the value of opticians as skilled professionals. Opticianry is a unique, hands-on profession where personal interaction truly matters — from understanding how a patient actually uses their glasses and taking into consideration their physical and facial features, to making proper adjustments during dispensing. These details are what turn a prescription and a pair of glasses into a customized product that truly works. So my focus is to help ensure that our profession remains visible, valued and respected, both now and for the next generation.
In 2026, I'm doubling down on what I made a promise to do many years ago. I will continue my commitment to the eye care profession to lift and guide others up the way that I have been for the last 46 years. I've been blessed with mentors who guided me, colleagues who challenged me, and a career that taught me more than I could have imagined. My resolution is to keep giving that back in unique, forward thinking and meaningful ways to ensure the optical community and those we serve continue to thrive. I would love if you would add this to your resolution list too!
While I love the idea of New Year’s Resolutions, I hate to see them fizzle out 6 months into the new year. If we make goals quarterly, they seem to be more attainable. My goals for the first quarter of 2025 are quite simple:
Support our Opticians/Technicians. This will look different for everyone. Do you need more hands-on training? Can never quite get those pesky nose pads to fit a flat bridge? Do you struggle to understand when to choose a high index lens over standard plastic? Tints — fun but when to use them and why? How do you take custom measurements?
Spread the news about upcoming educational events. Local and online — this is a huge tool to supporting our industry and encouraging growth both from within and outside.
Listen. I’ve found that so many people are getting burnt out from dealing with the public. Opticians need someone to listen to them, who understands what their day-to-day demand is like. Been there! Still am! How can I help?
To summarize…my goal for Q1 is Service. How can I help you today, this week, this year?
I believe that Rx smart eyewear is firmly in the realm of the optician. In 2026, I look forward to helping opticians and practice owners to think bigger about this opportunity. Keep an eye out for a Vision Stage panel discussion I’m hosting on Thursday at Vision Expo talking about smart eyewear. Also, watch for a class later in the year I’ll be writing about bringing smart eyewear to your practice. Because we’ll service it whether we sell it or not, so we might as well embrace the opportunity! Oh! I’m also co-creating deeper content on color, and teaching my first class in French on the subject! 2026 is an exciting year for tech and brain science!
This new year represents hope and transformation for me. My goal is to ignite passion in opticians in a way they may not have experienced before. If you are feeling stuck in your current role, I want you to know that growth is possible through communication, collaboration and education. Do not sit back and let the industry happen to you. Choose instead to be passionate about the impact you can make. Invest in learning, even if licensure is not required in your state. Take continuing education courses to expand your knowledge. Become licensed or pursue your ABO or NCLE certification. Growth fuels confidence, and confidence fuels passion. As experienced professionals, we have the opportunity to inspire the next generation of opticians entering our field. It will take all of us choosing passion to create meaningful change, and I am proud to help lead that movement.
What is your 2026 optical resolution? Let us know in the comments below!
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