Mission:Optician

Mission:Optician

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.

Episodes

May 19, 2026 42 mins

What are vision benefits, and what do opticians need to understand about how they work?

In this episode of Mission:Optician, Steve Alexander, vice president of industry and strategic partnerships at Anagram, sits down with Gwen Cooper, executive director of United Opticians Association (UOA), to unpack vision benefits, insurance, and the systems that shape today’s optical industry.

Steve shares a candid look at how vision plans wor...

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How do ANSI standards impact opticians, patient safety, and the optical industry as a whole?

Michael Vitale, vice president of membership, government relations, and technical affairs at The Vision Council, sits down with host Gwen Cooper, executive director of United Opticians Association (UOA), to explore why standards are essential for safe and effective eyecare.

Michael breaks down the latest updates to ANSI Z80.1 for prescripti...

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In this episode, Scott Harris Shapiro, executive director industry relations for Europa Eyewear, joins host Gwen Cooper, executive director of United Opticians Association, for a candid and wide-ranging conversation on advocacy, education, and the future of opticianry. 

Scott shares why government relations and policy are top priorities and makes the case for helping more opticians recognize the true value and impact of their profe...

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April 7, 2026 31 mins

What role do opticians play in improving patient outcomes, and why does the profession need a unified national voice?

In this debut episode of Mission:Optician, the official podcast of the United Opticians Association (UOA), host Gwen Cooper, executive director, sits down with Bob Alexander, licensed optician and director of member education, to introduce the mission behind the organization and discuss the future of opticianry.

The...

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March 30, 2026 4 mins

Welcome to Mission:Optician, the official podcast of the United Opticians Association — created for opticians, industry partners, and anyone passionate about the future of eyecare!

In this teaser from our first episode, executive director Gwen Cooper shares the show's vision, what listeners can expect, and why elevating opticians leads to better patient outcomes.

Follow Mission:Optician on your favorite podcast platform as we bring...

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