My Name Is Chris Allen and I Serve As Executive Director of the Opticians Association Of

OPTICIANS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA 3740 Canada Road Lakeland, Tennessee 38002 T (901) 388.2423 ● F (901) 388.2348 www.oaa.org

My name is Chris Allen and I serve as Executive Director of the Opticians Association of America (OAA). Established in 1926 as the Guild of Prescription Opticians, OAA is the only national organization representing opticianry's business, professional, educational, legislative and regulatory interests. Under OAA's very broad umbrella, individuals providing eyeglasses or contact lenses to consumers, as well as owners / managers of retail optical firms, state optician societies and suppliers to professional optician find a common goal in Advancing America's Opticians. The Opticians Association of America (OAA) represents the more than 67,000 individuals employed in the optical dispensing industry with approximately 10,000 opticians owning their own independent retail business. Opticians are eye care professionals who specialize in the design, fitting and dispensing of eyeglasses, contact lenses and low vision aids. An optician will consult with a patient to design an ophthalmic lens to best meet his or her needs. Opticians work in a variety of settings such as optometric or ophthalmic practices, hospitals, eye-care centers or retail stores. Every January opticians from all over the country, including your state, celebrate National Opticians’ Month. Recently, the Opticians Association of America adopted a resolution protecting the title of “optician” based on specific educational requirements, which makes National Opticians Month an appropriate venue to help educate both the general public and eye care consumers about the importance of seeing a professional with regard to their eye health needs. The Opticians Association of America is asking that you in your official capacity as Governor of (______) issue a proclamation of support for National Opticians’ Month and record that proclamation in (state) administrative register. It is our hope that by obtaining this proclamation the consumers in your great state will have a better understanding of the important role that opticians play in the health care arena. Enclosed is a copy of a draft proclamation. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (901) 388.2423 or via email at [email protected]. Thank you for your support of opticians.

Christopher M. Allen Executive Director Opticians Association of America