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.

Mission:Optician is a education podcast hosted by United Opticians Association, with 11 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

United Opticians Association hosts Mission:Optician, a education show with 11 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #12

  What It Takes to Deliver Exceptional Eyewear | Brandon Butler, Artisan Lab Network

  Aug 18, 202651 min

  What separates a good pair of glasses from a great one? According to Brandon Butler, president and CEO of Artisan Lab Network, it starts long before the lenses reach the patient. In this episode, Bob Alexander, director of education at United Opticians Association (UOA), sits down with Brandon for a conversation about craftsmanship, education, and unifying opticianry. Fresh off receiving the prestigious 2026 Goodfellow Award from The Vision Council, Brandon explains why preserving the art of lens manufacturing is just as important as embracing new technologies. He also shares how decades of experience across the optical industry shaped his approach to building an independent lab and how better-trained opticians improve patient care, reduce costly remakes, and help practices operate more efficiently. In this episode, you'll learn: Why understanding a patient's lifestyle is just as important as understanding their prescription Why finding the right role for each employee, including Brandon’s own sons, creates better business results The importance of collaboration between opticians and independent labs Brandon's vision of a more unified future for the optical industry This episode is brought to you by Artisan Lab Network: https://www.artisanlabnetwork.com/ Enjoyed this conversation? Listen to Brandon’s first Mission:Optician appearance where he explores industry consolidation and the rise of independent labs: https://missionoptician.podbean.com/e/independent-labs-and-the-future-of-opticianry-brandon-butler-artisan-lab-network/ 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

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  Episode #11

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

  Aug 4, 202633 min

  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

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  Episode #10

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

  Jul 21, 202637 min

  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

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  Episode #9

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

  Jul 7, 202633 min

  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

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  Episode #8

  What Opticians Need to Know About Myopia Management | Dr. Monica Jong, EssilorLuxottica

  Jun 23, 202646 min

  What is myopia, and why are myopia rates increasing in children around the world? In this episode of Mission:Optician, host Gwen Cooper, executive director of United Opticians Association (UOA), sits down with Dr. Monica Jong, head of Medical Affairs, North America at EssilorLuxottica and a global leader in myopia management. Together, they break down the science, urgency, and real-world impact of myopia — especially in children. Dr. Jong defines myopia in simple terms and explores why myopia rates are rising, including the role of environmental factors like increased screen time and reduced time outdoors. She reflects on new treatment innovations like the Essilor® Stellest® lens and what this lens means for the future of patient care. They discuss the role of opticians in myopia management, how to communicate with parents, and why early intervention is key for children. In this episode, you will learn: What myopia is and how it affects long-term eye health Why myopia rates are rising globally and what’s driving this trend The optician’s role in educating patients and improving myopia outcomes Why comprehensive eye exams for children are more important than ever This episode is brought to you by EssilorLuxottica. --- Join us at UOA’s One Vision | One Voice | One UOA Leadership Conference taking place June 25-27 in Chicago, where opticians, educators, and industry partners will gather to explore innovation, advocacy, and the future of the profession, including a special session with the Essilor® Stellest® Lens. Secure your spot: https://www.uoaleadership.org/ 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 --- The intent of this podcast is to educate eye care professionals (ECPs). Any advice provided is general in nature and ECPs should practice within their professional scope and in accordance with local regulations. INDICATIONS FOR USE The Essilor® Stellest® spectacle lens is indicated for the correction of myopia with and without astigmatism and for slowing the progression of myopia in children with non-diseased eyes, who, at the initiation of treatment, are aged 6-12 years and have spherical equivalent refraction of -0.75 D to - 4.50 D with astigmatism up to 1.50 D.

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