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Eye
on
Impact

Honoring Leadership, Service, and Impact

 

The Eye on Impact Awards honor individuals and advocates whose leadership, service, education, and advocacy have made a meaningful difference in opticianry. These awards will be presented during the Eye on Impact Awards Dinner powered by Zeiss at the One Vision | One Voice | One UOA Leadership Conference, an evening dedicated to celebrating excellence and lasting impact within our profession.  ​

Eye on Impact Awards Dinner
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Featured Keynote Speaker

Matt Havens

 

We are thrilled to announce that this year’s keynote will be delivered by Matt Havens. Renowned for his expertise in Leadership and Simplicity, Matt specializes in cutting through the noise of the modern workplace. His insights will provide our honorees and guests with a fresh, actionable perspective on leading with clarity and purpose in the opticianry profession.

Recognizing Excellence

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Nominations Close May 5

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​Each award reflects UOA’s commitment to recognizing outstanding contributions that help shape the future of opticianry. To preserve the distinction of each honor, awards are presented only when a nomination reflects exceptional merit and impact. 

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State Leader of the Year

The State Leader of the Year Award honors an optician who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing opticianry through sustained leadership at the state level.

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Eligibility Criteria 

  • Involved in state leadership, past or present 

  • Attended a minimum of two UOA State Leadership Conferences 

  • Actively promoted the advancement of opticianry within their state or other states 

  • Holds current ABO or NCLE certification, and holds current licensure/registration per the regulations of the individual's state of practice. 

  • Member of a State Association for at least five consecutive years 

  • Current UOA member 

 

Nomination Process 

UOA Members in good standing are encouraged to nominate candidates for the State Leader of the Year Award by Tuesday, May 5, 2026. 

Student to Leadership Award

The Student to Leadership Award recognizes a former Student to Leadership participant who has translated early involvement into meaningful professional and association impact. 

 

Eligibility Criteria 

  • Former Student to Leadership participant 

  • Has made a significant impact within five years of completing the program 

  • Actively involved with their State Association 

  • Current member of their State Association 

  • Current UOA member 

 

Nomination Process 

Nominations for this award are reviewed and selected through an internal committee process. 

Student Studying
Gold Star Ornament

Rising Star Award

The Rising Star Award recognizes an emerging optician who demonstrates exceptional promise and leadership potential early in their career. 

 

Eligibility Criteria

A Rising Star is an optician who exemplifies: 

  • Rapid professional growth 

  • Commitment to continuing education 

  • Outstanding patient care 

  • Leadership potential 

  • Meaningful contributions to their workplace and the profession 

  • Holds current ABO or NCLE certification,and holds current licensure/registration per the regulations of the individual's state of practice. 

 

Nomination Process 

UOA Members in good standing are encouraged to nominate candidates for the Rising Star Award by Tuesday, May 5, 2026. 

Hall of Fame Award

The Hall of Fame Award honors individuals whose lifetime achievements have significantly shaped the profession of opticianry. 

 

Recipients are selected through an internal review process conducted by a committee of previous Hall of Fame honorees. This award is reserved for exceptional circumstances and will be granted only in years when a deserving honoree is identified. 

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State & Federal Advocate of the Year Award

The State & Federal Advocate of the Year Award recognizes a lawmaker or individual whose advocacy efforts have resulted in meaningful policy advancement for the profession. 

 

Eligibility Criteria 

  • A lawmaker or individual who has made a significant impact through the passage of legislation or advocacy for policy change 

 

Nomination Process 

Nominations for this award are reviewed and selected through an internal committee process. This award is reserved for exceptional circumstances and will be granted only in years when deserving honorees are identified. 

Formal Educator of the Year

The Formal Educator of the Year Award honors excellence in opticianry education and sustained commitment to advancing the profession through teaching, service, and leadership. 

 

Eligibility Criteria 

  • Current faculty member at a COA accredited college or program that is also a UOA member school 

  • Minimum of five years of service 

  • Holds opticianry credentials required by their state of residence, in accordance with COA Essentials 

  • Holds current ABO or NCLE certification, and holds current licensure/registration per the regulations of the individual's state of practice. 

  • UOA member in good standing 

  • Currently serving or has served UOA, ABO‑NCLE, or COA as a board director or committee chair 

  • Demonstrates a commitment to advancing opticianry through educational initiatives or service 

  • Nomination must include a written statement outlining qualification and rationale 

 

Nomination Process 

Nominations are submitted by full-time or part‑time faculty of a UOA member program, with the nomination process communicated directly to UOA member schools. 

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