Complete Story
07/10/2025
Q&A with Gwen Cooper
- As you step into this position, how do you envision UOA evolving, especially in its support of state associations, independent opticians, and advocacy for licensed opticians?
As I step into this role, I see UOA becoming the go-to place for all things opticianry — a national hub that brings together state associations, independent opticians, and future professionals under one strong, united voice.
We’re here to back up the people doing the real work on the ground — offering support, sharing tools and ideas, and pushing for policies that reflect what opticians and the patients you serve, need. Our big goals? Agreeing on minimal competencies in education and advocating for licensure in every single state, so standards are strong and consistent across the board. At the end of the day, it’s about growing the profession, supporting each other, and showing the nation how critical and important opticians.
- Additionally, what are your top priorities for the coming year, particularly in the areas of legislative advocacy, leadership development, and professional education?
Our top priorities for the year begin with building a shared roadmap. We’re in the thick of developing a strategic plan — not a static document, but a living framework that reflects who we are and where we’re heading. This includes clear actions for the first year and a three-year horizon that sets us up for long-term impact.
In the key areas of advocacy, leadership development, and professional education, we have to start by identifying our collective goals. I certainly have ideas, but it’s the input from our members--your passion, experience, and aspirations — that will shape these pillars in the most meaningful way. The work has already started: we’re listening, gathering momentum, and creating a feedback loop that will lead to tangible strategies and tactical execution.
If I had to name one personal priority, it’s to build consensus. Before we create our BHAG’s (Big Hairy Audacious Goals), we need to align on where we are — and unify around where we’re going. That clarity will set the foundation for growth and success.
- As state leaders, we’re also eager to understand how transparency and communication will be maintained when it comes to education grants and other support earmarked for state-level initiatives. What message would you share with Ohio opticians? How can Ohio opticians support UOA?
We’re building something important, and like any meaningful progress, it’s continuous. One of our top priorities is to create simple, consistent ways to communicate — through multiple channels — so that state associations like Ohio are not only informed but actively engaged. We are committed to laying down clear processes that reflect shared goals and mutual trust, for grants, support, partnerships, benefits and a national agenda.
To Ohio opticians, my message is this: join us. Not just in name, but in momentum. UOA’s power comes from the people behind it — your voice, your ideas, your involvement. We may not get everything right on the first try, but we’ll learn fast, we’ll listen well, and we’ll keep moving forward together.
If we’re aligned on the direction, we don’t have to be perfect — we just have to keep showing up with purpose, with passion, and with grace. That’s how trust is built. That’s how the profession grows stronger, and I hope we can do it together.
Best,
Gwen Cooper
Executive Director
