Show-Me State Opticians Society

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.

05/15/2026

The Membership Committee of the Show-Me State Opticians Society is looking for individuals who want to help grow and strengthen Missouri’s optical community.

We’re building a team focused on:
• Member recruitment & outreach
• Engagement & networking opportunities
• Retention & improving member experience

You do NOT have to be an active SMSO member to participate (although membership is encouraged). Whether you’re an optician, apprentice, student, industry representative, or simply passionate about the profession — we’d love to connect with you.

Our next Membership Committee Meeting will be:
📅 Sunday, May 24th
🕕 6:00 PM CST
💻 Via Zoom

Interested in learning more? Reach out and we’ll send you the Membership Committee Overview with details, expectations, and opportunities to get involved.

📧 [email protected]

05/14/2026

Thank you AccuLab Optical!

HUGE to the Show-Me State Opticians Society! 🎉

We had a great time at the annual event & trade show. We got to catch up with some familiar faces, met a bunch of new ones, & had an awesome time all around. 🤓

Already looking forward to what’s next. Here’s to many more years of partnership & growth together! again for having us! 🙌

05/12/2026

☀️ Summer Madness is coming to your Sunday afternoon.

Join the Show-Me State Opticians Society for National CE Day on Sunday, June 7 at 2:00 PM CST for 2 hours of live CE via Zoom.

We’ll be joined by Andrew Bruce with Mitsui Chemicals for:
👓 What You Should Know About MR Hi-Index Materials
➗ Math for Common Optical Concepts – Part 2*

*This is a stand-alone course, so you do not need to have taken Part 1 to follow along or get the full benefit.

The math course may be reported for either NOCE or NCLE credit. Attendees will be asked to choose which credit type they would like reported.

Registration is $20, or FREE for SMSO members. Members can find their discount code in the Member Resources section of the SMSO website.

Register here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_hQJhUQw8Qceb8--7Q7bk0g

Grab your notebook, your calculator, and maybe a cold drink. We’ll see you on Zoom.

04/23/2026

Big things are hitting the table this weekend 👀

The 2026 SMSOS Convention Silent Auction is stacked with items you actually want—premium eyewear, curated lifestyle bundles, optical tools, accessories, and some seriously fun surprises. Whether you’re upgrading your dispensary, treating yourself, or grabbing something unique, there’s something worth bidding on.

We’re also bringing in lens vouchers from top labs like AccuLab, Shamir, and more—real value you can put to work immediately.

🗓 Saturday, April 25th
⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Kansas City
🎟 FREE entry for all optical professionals

No catch—just show up, walk the vendor trade show, and place your bids.

If you’re in the optical world and not in the room, you’re missing opportunity. Simple as that.

See you at the tables.

showmestateopticians.org/convention-2026

04/20/2026

Not everything in opticianry can be learned from a screen.

If you’ve ever wished you had more hands-on practice at the bench, this is for you.

Join us for the Sunday Hands-On Class for Developing Opticians—a full day focused on real-world skills like measurements, Optical Cross, ANSI standards, lensometry, and frame adjustment.

✔ Small group setting
✔ Practical, guided instruction
✔ Skills you’ll actually use every day
✔ Lunch included

🕘 9:30 AM – 3:15 PM

💲 $75

No need to commit to the full convention—you can register just for this class.

👉 When registering, look for:
“Sunday Hands-On Class for Developing Opticians”

🎟️ Save your seat:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/smso-the-roaring-2020s

04/12/2026

Let’s talk myopia control.

We’re excited to have Amanda House from Essilor joining us to break down Stellest lenses—and why they’re getting so much attention.

Don’t just correct myopia—slow the progression.

Stellest lenses are a breakthrough in myopia management and are the first FDA market authorized spectacle lens designed to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children.

If you’ve had patients (or parents) asking about myopia control—or you know you should be bringing it up more—this class is for you.

✨ What you’ll walk away with:
• How Stellest lenses work
• Who they’re for
• How to confidently present myopia management options to families

This is one of those classes that helps you move from “I’ve heard of it” to “I can actually use this.”

Don’t miss it at showmestateopticians.org/convention-2026

11/19/2025


⭐️⭐️Let’s Celebrate Missouri’s Optical All-Stars! ⭐️⭐️


Know an optician who brings the perfect blend of style, skill, and stellar service?

Nominate them for our ✨Show-Me Appreciation✨ Spotlight and help us show off the amazing talent right here in Missouri!

How to Nominate:
1. Like and follow the Show-Me State Opticians Society page
2. Fill out this quick and fun form: 
👉🏽 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfrB_jT-k21-5-yLtBcHLi_mxnubpgMNKJKrS-k7SrgQycTzw/viewform

💌Selected opticians will receive a complimentary ticket to our annual convention—because awesome deserves to be appreciated!

📬Nominations are open through the end of the month, November 30, 2025 and must be for opticians currently working in Missouri.

📣By submitting, you agree to let us share your kind words on our social media—we love spreading good vibes and celebrating the people who make our industry shine.

Let’s hear it for Missouri’s frame-fitting, lens-loving legends!👓💫



11/09/2025

Check the top of the page and look for "Pinned Posts". The first one gives you step-by-step screen shots to help you successfully navigate uploading your CEs. Need more one-on-one help? email us at [email protected]. Don't miss the 30 day deadline!