The United Opticians Association (UOA) has opened applications for its 2027 Student to Leadership Program. Selected participants will receive travel support, hotel accommodations, and registration for the One Vision | One Voice | One UOA National Conference, scheduled for June 2-5, 2027, in Minneapolis.
The program provides opticianry students, apprentices, and emerging professionals with opportunities to connect with industry leaders and participate in national discussions about the profession. It is designed to help these emerging professionals develop relationships and gain confidence to take active roles within opticianry at a time when the profession continues to depend on a pipeline of knowledge, skilled professionals, the UOA says.
“Investing in the next generation of opticians means creating opportunities for them to learn, connect, and see what is possible within this profession,” says UOA Executive Director Gwen Cooper. “The Student to Leadership Program gives emerging professionals a chance to build relationships beyond their classrooms and workplaces, and begin envisioning the impact they can make in opticianry.”
Application Eligibility and Deadline
Applicants must meet at least one of three eligibility requirements: enrollment in a formal education program, registration as an apprentice, or on-the-job training under the guidance of an optician serving as a mentor or sponsor.
As part of the application, candidates must provide information about their education or training, career goals, and reasons for wanting to attend the 2027 UOA National Conference.
Applications close Feb. 1, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time. Eligible applicants can review program details and submit applications at https://www.uoaconference.org/apprentices.
Industry Support
HOYA Vision Care is supporting the program, helping provide conference participation opportunities for selected students and apprentices.
“Supporting the next generation of opticians is an investment in the future of our profession and the people who help patients make informed decisions about their eye health and vision care,” says Michael Gatti of HOYA Vision Care.