The EB Convo: UOA's Jim Morris

Jim Morris is the CEO of the United Opticians Association (UOA), a new organization formed by the merging of the Opticians Association of America and the National Federation of Opticianry Schools. As the parent of a son with a birth defect that substantially affected his vision, Morris has had an up-close and personal look at the crucial role opticians play in managing vision-related issues.

Here, he shares some insight into the UOA’s priorities and his hopes for the future of opticianry with a clear passion for advancing the profession in his new leadership position.

EB: How do you believe the new United Opticians Association will affect the profession of opticianry?

JIM MORRIS: The four pillars of the UOA (membership, government relations, education, and industry relations) are designed to ensure a strong membership organization that will provide a unified voice on behalf of all spectacle and contact lens opticians and related ophthalmic professionals. By securing critical relationships with ophthalmic industry leaders, and by educating legislators [and] vision care patients, the UOA will be able to substantially increase awareness of the critical role of this profession to quality vision care. 

EB: In your opinion, what are the most critical aspects of opticianry that the general public and policymakers often overlook?

JM: [After] meeting with over a hundred members of Congress and senators in the past year…it has been amazing to see that there is nearly universal support for the opticianry profession but [without] knowledge as to the lack of licensing in several states. 

By unifying the entire opticianry profession and taking on the responsibility of educating the general public and policymakers, both on a state level and on a national level, we have an opportunity to truly advance this profession and promote the critical role that this profession plays in the vision care industry.

EB: Once the dust has settled after this major unifying transition, what are the next priorities for the organization?

JM: Within the next three years, the UOA intends to expand educational opportunities for individuals seeking to enter the profession. By working with industry representatives and state legislators, the UOA will be able to secure and expand licensing throughout the country, including extensive legislative efforts targeting nonlicensed states. By working with federal legislators, the UOA will also be able to assist in allowing opticians to be recognized as part of federal entitlement programs for vision care services.

EB: Is there anything else you would like to share about your journey?

JM: Because of my personal experience [with my son’s vision-related issues], I believe very strongly in this profession. Opticians, as a whole, are the most compassionate, caring, and special professionals I have ever experienced.