2024 OAC Conference

Saturday May 04, 2024, 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Monarch Casino Resort Spa, Black Hawk, CO

This incredible event is happening at the Monarch in Black Hawk for a Saturday of education, networking, and fun! Empower your employees to stay educated to better your office's work environment, business practices & profitability. Bring your whole office for a team bonding day! We would be thrilled to have each & every one of you.

Register Here

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6 hours of ABO CE Courses
ABO Exam Prep Course - Taught by professor of opticianry from the National Federation of Opticianry Schools (NFOS)
Professional Development Workshops
Networking Opportunities with other Optical Professionals
Vendor Exhibit hall with prize giveaway
Professionals Round-Table Discussion
Breakfast, Lunch
NEW! Happy Hour with Transitions Certified Live

General Registration: 2/1/24 - 4/26/24

Late & At-the-Door Registration: 4/27/24 through the day of the convention for an additional $50 fee.

Registrations are Non-Refundable.

Questions? Email us!
Admin@oacolorado.org

Monarch Reservations

Due to the Happy Hour at the end of the event & the Hike happening the next morning, we suggest you stay the night at Monarch! We have a very limited number of rooms reserved at the conference rate of $199/night.

Once those are reserved regular room rates apply.

Click link - RESERVE SPECIAL ROOM PRICE HERE

To make a reservation by phone call (800) 723-6500 and reference "Opticians Association of Colorado Annual Conference".

OAC Membership Meeting & Cocktail Party

OAC members, join us for the annual members meeting and reception! All members are invited and may bring a guest. If you are not a member yet, join the OAC now and then join the party!

This event is RSVP only, so click the link for details and to RSVP.

Transitions Certified Live

Grow your expertise in light management and Transitions® Light Intelligent Lenses™.

This 2-hour event from 5-7pm includes the debut of the new Gen S. Every attendee will become a Transitions® Certified Specialist, and practices will be added to the locator as a Transitions Certified Provider. In addition, each office will receive a sample kit of all 8 new lens colors, and a new UV activator. These kits are not going to be easy to get on their own! There are only four other Certified Live events scheduled across the country, and 2 of them are the Expos. This is an incredible opportunity with the OAC, do not miss it!

Schedule

See the Schedule Here

Meet Our Speakers

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Carrie Wilson, ABOM

Carrie is the founder of Optigal Consulting. She is a Master Optician and Advanced Contact Lens Fitter with experience in all facets of the optical industry. With a clear mission of helping and inspiring others, she is a proud supporter and developer of the optical industry. Her unique approach of empowerment and simplicity, combined with exceptional guidance and contagious enthusiasm, makes her the perfect choice for helping optical professionals reach their full potential.

Karla Maxson, ABOC

Karla Maxson is an ABO certified optician, and a general and technical level 2 approved speaker. She joined IOT in 2014 and was as one of the first to join IOT’s dynamic US sales and marketing team. She currently serves as a West, Regional Sales Manager for IOT. Karla is equipped with 17 years of experience in the optical industry and loves working with independent ECP’s. Karla Graduated from GCU University with a BSBA in Business. She also has lived in a couple of states over the years, including, Denver Colorado, and now currently, Phoenix, AZ.

Jody Parmer

Jody is a Younger Optics Transitions brand ambassador, and helps eye-care practices increase Transitions lens sales through training, information and easy-to-use materials. She is an expert staff trainer with 15+ years of optical experience, 10+ years of Practice Management and Retail Management, and 7+ years of Wholesale Lab experience.

Thomas Neff, LDO, ABO-AC

Tom is a graduate of the Hillsborough Community College A.S. in Opticianry Program and a Board Certified Optician in Florida. He holds an Advance Certification from the ABO and NCLE, He has a Bachelors in Technical Education and Industry Training from the University of Central Florida, is finishing a Master’s Degree in Career and Technical Education also at UCF. He is presently Faculty Instructor at Hillsborough Community Colleges Opticianry Program. Thomas is a part of the National Federation of Opticianry Schools and Commission on Opticianry Accreditation.

Heather Harrington, ABOC

Heather is a seasoned optician with over a decade of industry expertise, and excels in delivering personalized experiences and fostering connections. She's dedicated to advancing the optical field through strategic business development, fashion, and education, envisioning a future where opticians thrive. She is currently a Freelance Optician and Territory Field Rep for Studio Optyx & Woodys Eyewear, and involved in leadership organizations including the OAC, the Opticians Association of America, and the Optical Women's Association.

Eileen Vialpando

Eileen is a seasoned optician with a wealth of knowledge who embraces the ever-changing nature of the optical industry. Eileen's passion lies in lab equipment and overcoming challenging repairs, and she finds joy in continuous learning and envisions a future with more educated opticians.

ABO Courses

WTF - What the FIT?

Creating comfortable and stylish eyewear requires proper fit. This course covers how to fit various facial structures, how the prescription affects frame design, and the necessary measurements and adjustments to refine the fit.

Exit Strategies for Slow Selling Frame Inventory

It happens; sometimes, you have some frames that you can't seem to move. Don't worry! This course will give you tips and tools to make the slowest mover make your money.

Understanding the ANSI Standards

The ANSI standards go beyond the Quick Reference Guide that most people are familiar with. This course covers the main aspects of the ANSI standards, how they are used during the verification process, and how to better interpret them to serve your patients' needs.

Know Your Value - How to be the best YOU & the most effective Eyewear Consultant

As an optician, you are the most important component of the selection and dispensing process. Your expertise and knowledge are critical to providing the best service to your clients. This course will you show you how to capitalize on your strengths and grow in your profession.

Navigating Optical Oddities with Finesse & Sales Mastery

Delve into the art of storytelling and learn how to become the brand instead of being behind the brand, empowering yourself as the narrative catalyst. Elevate your sales game, discover innovative strategies to enhance customer satisfaction, boost sales figures, and deftly manage any obstacle that comes your way. Uncover the secrets to promoting eyewear brands by authentically amplifying their unique stories and features.

See The Difference with the new IOT Lens portfolio

Technologies like variable base curves and advanced ray-tracing systems allow for more personalization than ever before. Optical advancements like the importance of curvature, object space, considering accommodation in lens design and more will be introduced. The importance of knowing when and how to choose fitting heights is discussed, focusing on the relationship between corridor lengths and default fitting parameters. And finally, why creating and promoting a best, better, good lens offering provides values at all levels and serves more patients to support loyalty and patient retention.

Professional Development Workshops

Digital Influence Mastery

Unlock the power of digital influence and master the art of modern marketing. This cutting-edge course delves into unique & innovative strategies for leveraging social media, enhancing online presence, collaborations, and maximizing referrals in today's dynamic landscape.

Beyond Eyewear: Diversifying Revenue Streams in the Optical Industry

This course explores innovative ways to expand business beyond traditional eyewear sales, including offering specialty services such as vision therapy, sports vision training, and more.

Inventory Buying & Board Optimization

This course provides advanced strategies for optimizing inventory purchasing, effective frame board management, and maximizing profitability through strategic product selection and placement.