Reasons To Be A Part Of Your State Optician’s Society

Many states in the US require a license to work as an optician. These states also require continuing education to maintain licensure!

Some Opticians across the country are “going it alone” relying on online sources for continuing education, product information, and job searches. Opticians in corporate settings are provided education by their employers online or in store. An alternative to these is joining your state or local Optician Society.

State societies provide In person education where top notch educators present timely topics on a variety of subjects including new products and technologies. Many state societies also offer online courses that have been curated to be ahead of the curve, providing you the information you need to excel as an optician.

Being involved in your state or local society presents great networking opportunities both socially and to further your career. These meetings bring camaraderie among opticians – It’s fun to meet and network with your colleagues in other parts of the state. I have been a member of my State Society in New York for many years and it has allowed me to create many great relationships with other opticians in my local area and beyond. My experience with being a NYSSO member has taken me from being a member, to being a part of the Social Media Committee to a Regional Director! I love being involved in an organization that’s main mission is protecting our profession!

Beyond networking and education, the state associations work very hard behind the scenes to monitor and take action to educate legislators about our place in the optical universe. Being involved gives you a voice in what happens in your state and with your profession. Many of us feel that our profession is at risk, there is a push towards deregulation of Opticianry in some licensed states. The quality of care to our customers would decrease if people without proper education are allowed to be called Opticians. Whether you are in a licensed or non-licensed state, I am sure you can appreciate what the experience you have obtained, and the education you have completed have meant to your career. Deregulation could also adversely affect the pay scale in licensed states.

Membership comes at a cost, but the benefits outweigh that expense. In many states the membership fee can be tax deductible! These fees can be negotiated into your salary, as it is a tax deduction to your employer, and benefits them because it will ensure you are properly educated to better assist their clientele – it’s a win-win! So who’s coming with me? We are stronger together, so consider joining your State Association today!! The easiest way to find your state society is to go to OAA.org. The OAA provides national exposure for our profession and lobbies for protection of the profession. Many state societies include a reciprocal membership with the Optician’s Association of America.

The following State Society memberships include an OAA membership:

Alaska, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington

You can also join the OAA if you work in a non-licensed state!

Article written by: Stacey Nutting

Find her here: LinkedIn