What Are Women Opticians Looking For In 2025? MORE!

There are approximately 60,000 opticians in the United States, 74% of which are women*.  This summer the Optical Women’s Association surveyed thousands of women opticians across the country to find out what they see as their best opportunities, how supported they feel currently, and what they are looking for in the way of support as they navigate their career in opticianry.

So, what did we hear?

Opportunity

Opportunity is described as 'a set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something.'

Women opticians felt that the biggest opportunity afforded them today in their profession was leadership and management, followed closely by clinical and technical skills advancement. That means that women opticians believe that their opportunity for advancement is MOST POSSIBLE in these two areas, followed by networking and mentorship. 

As the optical industry matures, there may be many more growth opportunities for women opticians in roles that exceed their current reach-roles that open up due to mentoring, networking, and increased visibility and awareness about the valuable skills and contributions women in opticianry bring to the industry. 

Representation 

"If You See It, You Can Be It” — this phrase highlights the importance of role models and examples. When individuals can visualize themselves in a particular role or situation, it becomes more tangible and achievable. Oprah Winfrey often spoke about the influence of watching the 70’s television show, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, which after seeing a woman producer, inspired her to pursue a career in television.

When asked about representation in leadership in the industry, the survey results showed that although women opticians feel leadership is an opportunity for them, 41% are only ‘somewhat satisfied’ by the representation of women in leadership positions within the optical industry.  24% felt satisfied with this representation and 15% were dissatisfied, in other words, they want more! Representation matters!

Support 

When asked about how supported women opticians feel in the industry, they answered that they tend to feel reasonably supported in their roles and careers, 35.9% stating they feel ‘somewhat supported’ within the optical industry and almost 30% felt very supported.

Support helps to drive forward movement. Support both in existing roles and when seeking new roles are equally important. This can show up as leadership training, formal mentoring programs, creating a support network,  personal recommendations to a ‘stretch’ position, and even childcare support.  

So What Now?

This is when we use the feedback to develop strategies that help raise awareness and engagement with the Optical Women’s Association. This starts with raising visibility about the valuable benefits available to help connect, inspire and promote the leadership role of women in the optical industry directly with the opticianry community. After all, the first step to engagement is awareness that there’s already a group of women ready and willing to welcome and support others.  

Written by: Dibby Bartlett

*Total numbers vary due to statistical disparities such as as certification, licensing, etc.