Opticians Association of Massachusetts (OAM)

The Opticians Association of Massachusetts seeks to advance the knowledge, skills and expertise of the licensed Optician through education:

• The OAM offers two major continuing education conferences annually. The events are usually located in central MA in the spring (April or May) and fall (October & November). Opticians have the opportunity to attend both ABO and NCLE accredited courses offer

ed by the most recognized experts in our profession.

• Since its inception in 2008, the OAM is a partner with the Associate Degree Opticianry program at the Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology in Boston. The OAM provides the college with mentoring opticians for the students, as well as scholarships and academic and clinical resources. The Opticians Association of Massachusetts seeks to advance the knowledge, skills and expertise of the licensed Optician through leadership:

Leadership By Association

The OAM supports and believes in having close ties to our national leaders in Opticianry. The OAM is an affiliate member of the Opticians Association of America. $25 of each member’s dues goes towards the OAA affiliate membership and an OAA Individual Membership for each of our members. It has been through this relationship over the years that the OAM has prospered and grown in all areas due to the sharing of ideas and resources with the OAA and other OAA affiliated states throughout the country. In 2001, the OAM worked with other New England state opticians associations to form a group called ONE, Opticians of New England. The state associations from New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Vermont, met with OAM and share resources and ideas. Member rates at one another’s meetings and possible joint meetings and sharing of revenue have been discussed. Leadership By Learning

The OAM sponsors three of its executive officers to attend course sessions at the annual OAA Leadership Conference. This leadership conference focuses on the development of leaders within each of the state associations, as well as integral training in the areas of membership development, strategic planning, member communication and conference planning. The OAM Board of Directors maintains two seats for associate and student directors allowing future MA Licensed Opticians the opportunity as an apprentice or student, to participate in and share a voice in the directing of the OAM and its future. The Opticians Association of Massachusetts seeks to advance the knowledge, skills and expertise of the licensed Optician through Legislative Representation

• In an effort to protect the legal rights regulating our profession, the OAM receives daily reviews of all bills and legislation related to the optical profession through Cap Wiz and Leg Alert.

• The OAM, as for over 25 years retains the services of legislative representation at the State House.

• The OAM maintains a legislative directory on their website to allow members easy access to their state Senators and Representatives.

• The OAM prepares membership for engaging in a “grassroots” campaign and united front when faces with legislative challenges and adversity.