Opticians Association of Ohio

08/25/2026

So excited to see John Bruening joining the United Opticians Association Board! 👏🏼👓

John has already given so much to opticianry through his leadership as OAO President, and he’s going to bring that same passion, knowledge, and dedication to the UOA.

Congratulations, John! Excited to see what you’ll bring to the UOA Board. They’re lucky to have you! 💙

Meet John Bruening, ABOC, NCLEC

Role: UOA Government Affairs Chair

John is CEO of Geauga Vision Group and has spent his career across nearly every corner of the optical industry, from wholesale production and sales to group practice management and consulting. He serves as President of the Opticians Association of Ohio. He's also Past President of the Society to Advance Opticianry and former Chairman of the Opticianry Managed Care Task Force.

Welcome to the board, John.

08/25/2026

🚨 CHANGE OF PLANS… BUT WE’RE MAKING IT BETTER! 🚨

We’ve got a NEW SCHEDULE for Toledo Midwest Spec-Fest! 🎉

✨ Shorter days
✨ Plenty of great CE
✨ Amazing optical education
✨ More time for YOU!

We’re excited to bring you an incredible weekend in Perrysburg, and we can’t wait to see you there!

📅 September 19–20, 2026
📍 Hilton Garden Inn – Perrysburg

👉 Check the comments for the NEW schedule!

Ready to join us? Registration + event details are here: https://www.oao.org/aws/OAO/pt/sd/calendar/369049/_PARENT/layout_details/false

08/20/2026

🎟️ YOUR ODDS ARE PRETTY GOOD! 👀

Only 500 tickets will be sold — and we’ve only sold about 100 so far! 🙌

✈️ MIDO: $100 ticket → Trip for 2 to Milan 🇮🇹
🎰 Vision Expo: $60 ticket → Trip for 2 to Las Vegas

And if traveling isn’t your thing… TAKE THE CASH INSTEAD! 💰

AND HERE’S THE BEST PART: You DON’T have to be an optician to win! 🎉 Anyone can buy a ticket and win!

🎟️ Get yours now or at any Midwest Spec-Fest event.

Buy here: https://www.oao.org/aws/OAO/input_form/display_form_01_show?form_no=17&host=retain&contact_id=$$Contact%20ID$$

Somebody’s winning. Why not you?! 👓✈️💰

08/13/2026

STOP. LOOK. REGISTER. 👀

Before you cross that off your calendar, make sure Midwest SpecFest is on it!

Join us September 19-20 in Toledo for two days of optical education, networking, exhibitors, and fun.

Don't wait for the walk light—take the next step and register today!

Register and learn more: https://www.oao.org/aws/OAO/pt/sd/calendar/369049/_PARENT/layout_details/false

08/05/2026

OPTICIANS! Your chance to WIN an unforgettable experience is here!

Purchase your raffle tickets for a chance to win one of TWO incredible prizes:

🇮🇹 MIDO 2027

All-expense-paid trip for TWO to Milan, Italy
$100 per ticket

🎰 Vision Expo 2027

All-expense-paid trip for TWO to Vision Expo in Las Vegas
$60 per ticket

Tickets can be purchased NOW or at any Midwest Spec-Fest event—but don't wait! The sooner you grab your tickets, the sooner you'll be dreaming of Milan or Vegas.

Who's ready to pack their bags? ✈️

Get your tickets here:
https://www.oao.org/aws/OAO/input_form/display_form_01_show?form_no=17&host=retain&fbclid=IwY2xjawTE4J9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFNdVNmMFpwY2VCVWJCaW5xc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHp5ifq6Av9JU_H5Jv72M33nr9STN5SkPXVwQkm4xpZIfFp88XKZ1BvfUW8tI_aem_p42Ru4wOZ9v5uAOnC9EL8w

08/01/2026

You've been officially invited. ✉️👓

No RSVP card required—just register and show up ready to learn, connect, and have some fun! Midwest SpecFest is coming to Toledo September 19-20, and your seat is waiting.

Join us for two days of continuing education, networking, industry-leading exhibitors, fashion, and all things optical.

Ready to answer the invitation?

Register and learn more here: https://www.oao.org/aws/OAO/pt/sd/calendar/369049/_PARENT/layout_details/false

07/24/2026

Pack your bags—we're excited for the next Midwest SpecFest! 👓🎒

Before you hit the road to Toledo, make sure you've got your Midwest SpecFest essentials!

We'll take care of the CE, networking, exhibitors, swag, and fun—you just have to show up.

Register and learn more: https://www.oao.org/aws/OAO/pt/sd/calendar/369049/_PARENT/layout_details/false

See you September 19-20 in Toledo!

07/21/2026

What's Your Midwest SpecFest Personality? 👓

Be honest—we all know which one you are!

📚 The CE Collector – If there's a class, you're in the front row taking notes.
🛍️ The Vendor Hall Shopper – You're already planning which booths to visit first.
🤝 The Networking Pro – You know everyone, and if you don't, you will by the end of the weekend.
✨ The Fashionista – Your frames, outfit, and accessories are all planned out.
🎁 The Free Swag Hunter – You're leaving with tote bags full of goodies.
🍹 The One Who Came for the Drink Ticket – No judgment here. We respect your priorities.

Drop your Midwest SpecFest personality in the comments (or tell us if you're a little bit of all six—we won't judge!).

See you in Toledo on September 19-20!

Register and learn more: https://www.oao.org/aws/OAO/pt/sd/calendar/369049/_PARENT/layout_details/false



what image should go with thi

07/15/2026

Your brain works hard enough—your glasses shouldn't make it work harder.

Meet ZEISS Vision ClearMind lenses! Designed to provide exceptionally clear vision and reduce perceived cognitive load, helping you stay focused and comfortable all day long.

Come see for yourself at any of the Midwest SpecFest shows!

07/15/2026

Ready to answer the call, Ohio? 📞👓

The countdown is on—OAO Midwest SpecFest is headed to Toledo! Whether you're looking to earn CE, discover the latest in eyewear and lens technology, network with fellow optical professionals, or just have a great weekend celebrating our industry, this is the event you don't want to miss.

Midwest SpecFest is calling... are YOU going to answer?

📍 Toledo, Ohio
🗓️ September 19 & 20
🔗 Register today: https://www.oao.org/aws/OAO/pt/sd/calendar/369049/_PARENT/layout_details/false

Tag your optical bestie and let us know if we'll see you there!