2020 has been a challenge to us all in so many ways. As you get back to work, and back to business, we recognize the pressures you face, keeping yourself safe, keeping your patients safe, working with new methods and restrictions and new financial concerns. And some of you are still unemployed and waiting to be reinstated or seeking a new position. 

Through this, the OAA continues to work for you. We are working with partners who offer reopening resources, working with your state associations to keep you informed and continuing our work with the optical community to make sure you have a seat at the table and a voice in the room. 

As we navigate this time together, stay positive, stay strong and stay safe!

OSHA Guidance on Returning to Work

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has developed the following guidance to assist employers and workers in safely returning to work and reopening businesses deemed by local authorities as “non-essential businesses” during the evolving Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Employers can use this guidance to develop policies and procedures to ensure the safety and health of their employees. You can get the guidebook at https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA4045.pdf

Strategies for Your Practice

Get great information for reopening your practice with more on cleaning, masks, breath shields, processes, and communication with 20/20 Magazine’s article, Let’s Go! at  https://www.2020mag.com/article/lets-go

"Students to Leadership" Revive SOCO

Before 2020, the Society of Connecticut Opticians (SOCO) was dormant for 15 years. However, after receiving a travel grant, Goodwin Vision Technology Program graduates, Stacey Evans and Emmalee Cuevas, attended an OAA Leadership conference in Florida. It was evident upon their return to the Nutmeg State that the society would not stay stagnant for long. After attending the conference that gathered opticians, opticianry students, and apprentices from around the country, the women were invigorated and inspired. 

Stacey Evans and Emmalee Cuevas recognized that the camaraderie of optical organizations in other states was captivating. “I wanted to restore something that would be a support system for anyone willing to encourage the next optician wholeheartedly,” Stacey Evans envisioned. “Other societies protect small businesses and are united to help one another accomplish their dreams,” Emmalee added. “We believed that with unity and the right people, we could revive the association.”