Podcast thumbnail for Mission:Optician

Mission:Optician

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by United Opticians Association

5.0(5 reviews)
11 episodes
Updated Daily
Accepts GuestsHas SponsorsLocation 🇺🇸

Podcast Overview

<p>Mission:Optician is the opticianry news + views podcast from the United Opticians Association (UOA). Created by and for opticians, the show brings together insights and leadership from across the profession. On Mission:Optician, we dive into the ideas, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of opticianry — exploring the trends, innovations, and strategies that strengthen our profession, elevate patient care, and advance our shared national goals.</p>

Language

🇺🇲

Publishing Since

3/30/2026

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Recent Episodes

Episode thumbnail for From Order Taker to Trusted Advisor: Elevating the Optician's Role | Michael Gatti, HOYA Vision Care

August 4, 2026

From Order Taker to Trusted Advisor: Elevating the Optician's Role | Michael Gatti, HOYA Vision Care

Why are some opticians perceived as trusted advisors, while others are seen as order-takers? In this episode of Mission:Optician, Michael Gatti, Global Head of Learning and Sales Enablement at HOYA Vision Care, discusses the power of education in the optical industry in conversation with Gwen Cooper, Executive Director of the United Opticians Association (UOA). Michael shares why confident and well-trained opticians are critical to improving patient outcomes, reducing costly errors, and elevating the profession.  He also reflects on HOYA Vision Care's commitment to optician education and workforce development, including the company’s longstanding partnership with the UOA Student to Leadership program. In this episode, you will learn: Why listening to patients and simplifying your message is often more important than explaining product features Why certification and continuing education are crucial to elevating the optician profession How the UOA Student to Leadership program exposes opticians to career paths and leadership opportunities across the optical industry This episode is brought to you by HOYA Vision Care: https://www.hoyavision.com/en-us/ Learn more about UOA and join our growing community at https://opticians.org  Shape the conversation on Mission:Optician! Tell us what topics and guests you want us to feature next at https://opticians.org/podcast

Episode thumbnail for Can Technology Expand Vision Care Access? | Tim Fern, Eyebot

July 21, 2026

Can Technology Expand Vision Care Access? | Tim Fern, Eyebot

How can technology expand access to vision care, and what role do opticians play in that future? In this episode, Tim Fern, chief commercial officer of Eyebot, joins host Gwen Cooper, Executive Director of the United Opticians Association (UOA), to discuss the gaps in access to vision care, industry workforce shortages, and how technology can make glasses more accessible without replacing opticians. Tim sheds light on how Eyebot works, where it fits in a patient’s journey, and the differences between an Eyebot vision test and a comprehensive eye exam. Hear why vision care access remains a challenge in rural communities, how Eyebot incorporates feedback from opticians to shape its product development, and why opticians and optometrists remain essential to delivering quality vision care. In this episode, you will learn: How workforce shortages are affecting access to vision care and patient wait times How technology can complement — but not replace — the expertise of opticians, optometrists, ophthalmologists, and eye care professionals How Eyebot combines technology and doctor oversight to provide prescriptions to eligible patients This episode is brought to you by Eyebot: https://www.eyebot.co/ Learn more about UOA and join our growing community at https://opticians.org  Shape the conversation on Mission:Optician! Tell us what topics and guests you want us to feature next at https://opticians.org/podcast

Episode thumbnail for The Art and Science of Specialty Opticianry | Charlie Saccarelli, Chadwick Optical

July 7, 2026

The Art and Science of Specialty Opticianry | Charlie Saccarelli, Chadwick Optical

What happens when a patient’s glasses match the prescription, but they still can’t see comfortably?  In this episode, Gwen Cooper, executive director of United Opticians Association (UOA), sits down with Charlie Saccarelli, president of Chadwick Optical, to explore specialty opticianry, low vision, and patient-centered optical care. Charlie shares how Chadwick Optical works with specialty optometrists and ophthalmologists to help patients with complex visual needs. He reflects on mentorship, collaboration across the eye care industry, and the importance of creating solutions for patients who would otherwise be left behind. Hear why empathy and curiosity are essential for opticians, how automation has changed the optical industry, and Charlie’s perspective on certification and the future of the opticianry profession. In this episode, you will learn: What specialty opticianry is and why some patients require highly customized visual solutions Why a “correct” prescription doesn’t always guarantee comfortable vision How opticians bridge the gap between prescriptions and real-world patient outcomes This episode is brought to you by Chadwick Optical: https://chadwickoptical.com/ Learn more about UOA and join our growing community at https://opticians.org    Shape the conversation on Mission:Optician! Tell us what topics and guests you want us to feature next at https://opticians.org/podcast

11 total episodes available

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Frequently asked questions

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What is Mission:Optician?
<p>Mission:Optician is the opticianry news + views podcast from the United Opticians Association (UOA). Created by and for opticians, the show brings together insights and leadership from across the profession. On Mission:Optician, we dive into the ideas, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of opticianry — exploring the trends, innovations, and strategies that strengthen our profession, elevate patient care, and advance our shared national goals.</p>
How often does this podcast release new episodes?

This podcast updates daily.

Where can I listen to this podcast?

This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.

Does this podcast accept guests?

Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.

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