You can find my report from Opticon in the Optician’s Corner in 20/20 coming up soon. In the meantime here’s an excerpt.

It is motivating to know there is a bright spot each year where we can gather with optical professionals who are progressive and brimming with ideas they are willing to share. It is also inspirational to be among the movers and shakers in our profession.

This year it I was surprised that even more impressive than the education presented was the caliber of many of the educators. The majority of speakers were genuinely interested in the attendees learning the material. Down to earth examples and language was used to explain the theories and concepts.

One Exhibitor I found fascinating was Roger Bacon. Barry Santini’s article this week review that product line&emdash;don’t miss it.

I was delighted to meet some amazingly smart, talented and optimistic optical professionals. Personally, I connected with some exceptional professionals that I intend to know and work with in the future. And if our optical peers weren’t exciting enough – the Opticianry students were exciting to observe, particularly in the Essilor sponsored College Bowl. If you were looking to expand your staff with sharp up and comers, this would be a good place to meet and get to know some potential new team members.

Let’s pass this enthusiasm on for the benefit of all.

Mindi Lewis, MA, ABOC, FNAO, is an industry professional with experience from exam room and dispensing table to marketing and national account management. She has an AS in Optometric Technology, a BS in Allied Health Education, and was an Optometric Technology Instructor at St. Petersburg College, Fla. She has worked for SOLA Optical, Carl Zeiss Vision and Essilor, and is currently a consultant and speaker, and Managing Editor for Jobson Medical Information's Optician’s Handbook.