Show-Me State Opticians Society

10/02/2026

🍂 Fall Into Optics is coming October 18! 👓

Join the Show-Me State Opticians Society for a Sunday of professional education without the travel.

Four educators. Four distinctly different courses. Four hours of continuing education, presented live via Zoom from 9:00 AM–2:00 PM CDT.

This year’s lineup includes topics ranging from optics and the history and chemistry of frame materials to visual perception and neuro-optometric concepts. We’ve also built in 15-minute breaks between classes featuring our industry sponsors.

Four classes. Four CE hours. One afternoon. No travel required.

🍁 Sunday, October 18, 2026
💻 Live via Zoom
⏰ 9:00 AM–2:00 PM CDT

Registration is open!
Learn more @ https://www.showmestateopticians.org/events

Speakers and courses are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.

09/06/2026

Optician Position Available — Mercy Hospital Washington

Mercy Hospital Washington in Washington, Missouri is seeking an experienced Optician to join its team.

Full-time and part-time opportunities are available, with a daytime schedule. Applicants should have at least one year of optician experience and strong optical and customer service skills.

This role includes assisting patients with frame and lens selection, prescription interpretation, eyewear fitting and adjustments, and supporting daily optical operations.

Mercy offers a supportive, mission-driven work environment along with benefits for eligible team members.

Apply at: careers.mercy.net/jobs/JR267673

Job ID: JR267673

See Also:
Optician - Hampton Village (F/T Days)
Saint Louis, Missouri
Job ID: JR264360

Please feel free to share with an optician who may be looking for a new opportunity.

08/02/2026

Everyone is welcome to listen in on the SMSO Board Meeting! Get the link: https://www.showmestateopticians.org/events

07/30/2026

SMSO Wordle! Let us know you solved it by giving this a like! 🤩

Choose a word for friends to guess, then share your own puzzle.

07/17/2026

Your voice. Our future.

Join us for the SMSO Annual Meeting as we discuss the future of the Society, share new initiatives, and vote on proposed bylaw changes.

📅 Tuesday, August 18, 2026
🕖 7:00 PM (CDT)
💻 Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85182780562

Whether you're a longtime member, new to the profession, or simply curious about what SMSO is building, you're welcome. The meeting is open to members and non-members.
We hope you'll join the conversation.

07/16/2026

Join us for a bit of fun with an SMSO Wordle! Let us know how you did in the comments. 🤔👓

Choose a word for friends to guess, then share your own puzzle.

06/21/2026

✨The Show-Me State Opticians Society is proud to support Heather Branderhorst, ABOC, for a seat on the United Opticians Association Board of Directors.✨

Last year, Heather traveled from Oregon to attend the SMSO annual convention simply to support our event and the opticians we serve. She was not asked to come. She came because of the professional relationships she had built with members of our board and because she believes in showing up for opticianry.

While she was with us, Heather stepped in wherever she saw a need. When an optician mentioned wanting to strengthen their lensometer skills, Heather offered one-on-one tutoring. When a speaker was unable to cover a class, Heather offered to step in. She did not simply fill a spot on the schedule — she delivered an engaging, hands-on learning experience that left a lasting impression.

Heather was kind, professional, generous with her time and knowledge, and a highly respected contributor to our convention.

SMSO believes leadership is shown through action. Heather has demonstrated that she is deeply invested in the advancement of opticianry, the education of opticians, and the strength of our professional community. As President of the Opticians Association of Oregon, Heather helped grow the organization and bring new energy, visibility, and momentum to opticianry.

A forward-thinking advocate for opticianry, Heather brings fresh energy, modern leadership, and a clear vision for where our profession can go next.

We are grateful for the support she has shown SMSO, and we believe she would be an important voice for the future of opticianry to the United Opticians Association Board of Directors.

06/14/2026

Please join us in congratulating Audrey Williams on passing the NOCE and earning her ABO Certification!

Audrey began her optical career in 2011 and has continued to grow her knowledge and skills through hands-on experience, training, and a genuine love for helping patients.

Today, she works at Eye Surgeons of Springfield, Inc where she credits the doctors and staff with being an important source of encouragement throughout her certification journey. Their support as she studied and prepared for the NOCE helped make this achievement possible, and Audrey is deeply grateful to be part of such a dedicated and supportive team.

Audrey also shared that resources and connections made through SMSO played a role in her journey, including learning from Master Opticians Tommy Neff and Carrie Wilson.

This is exactly why SMSO believes in bringing education and convention opportunities to Missouri opticians. When opticians have access to quality education, industry resources, and professional connections close to home, it can make a real difference.

🎉Congratulations, Audrey! SMSO is proud of your accomplishment and excited to recognize your hard work.

06/05/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for SMSO In Focus. We appreciate your time, your ideas, and your voice as we continue listening to Missouri opticians and building what comes next together.

05/26/2026

CURIOUS ABOUT SMSO?
Come meet us. Ask questions. See where you fit.

We’re hosting an open call, Thursday, June 04 @ 7PM, for anyone who wants to learn more about SMSO, what we do, and how we’re working to support opticians across Missouri.

Please register if you plan to join us so we can send you the Zoom link and know to save you a virtual seat. We’d love to have you in the conversation:

Everyone is welcome.