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Raising Up Women In The Optical Industry Isn't Boring!

The OWA offers both in-person and virtual events to cultivate connection, inspiration, and leadership. Network with your peers and fuel professional and personal development with the OWA's versatile events.

Upcoming OWA Events

October 2025

OWA Unplugged Retreat 2025

OWA Unplugged Retreat 2025
Friday, October 24, 2025 -
Sunday, October 26, 2025 EST

Location: The Scottsdale Resort & Spa
7700 East McCormick Parkway
Scottsdale, AZ 85258

Step away from the noise and into a weekend designed with intention. Unplugged is more than a retreat — it's a chance to pause, reconnect with yourself and others, and embrace the beauty of being fully present.

Registration Deadline: Thursday, September 18, 2025

Members Only: This event is one of the many benefits of OWA membership. Join now to register for this event. Or, click here to login.

November 2025

Discovery / Prospects Call

Discovery / Prospects Call
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM EST

Location: Zoom Meeting

Interested in the OWA? Not sure what this organization is all about and want to learn more to see if it's the right fit for you? You are in the right place!

Registration Deadline: Wednesday, November 12, 2025

RSVP Now

November 2025

<em>Full Circle</em> Mentorship: Mentor Talks (All Career Stages) — The Common Threads That Run Through Our Careers

Full Circle Mentorship: Mentor Talks (All Career Stages) — The Common Threads That Run Through Our Careers
Thursday, November 13, 2025
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EST

Location: Zoom Meeting

What are MENTOR TALKS? A one-hour facilitated discussion with a broader group, featuring topics relevant to the indicated career stages. ALL members are invited to participate — both mentors and mentees. We continue to learn from each other!

Registration Deadline: Thursday, November 13, 2025

Members Only: This event is one of the many benefits of OWA membership. Join now to register for this event. Or, click here to login.



November 2025

OWA Dialogue — <em>Can I Give You Some Feedback?</em>

OWA Dialogue — Can I Give You Some Feedback?
Thursday, November 13, 2025
7:00 PM - 8:15 PM EST

Location: Zoom Meeting

OWA Dialogue welcomes special guest speaker Erin O'Malley for a program designed for emerging and seasoned leaders who want to engage in productive, two-way feedback conversations that increase team accountability and impact.

Registration Deadline: Thursday, November 13, 2025

Members Only: This event is one of the many benefits of OWA membership. Join now to register for this event. Or, click here to login.

December 2025

New Member Welcome Call

New Member Welcome Call
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM EST

Location: Zoom Meeting

As a member, you now have access to a wealth of tools and resources designed to support your professional growth and development. During this Zoom webinar, we'll introduce you to OWA resources, benefits, and ways to get more involved.

Registration Deadline: Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Members Only: This event is one of the many benefits of OWA membership. Join now to register for this event. Or, click here to login.



Champagne Breakfast

Each year the OWA presents awards to individuals who exemplify a passion for promoting the role of women in our industry. The recipients are honored during Vision Expo East at the annual, and highly anticipated, Champagne Breakfast and Star Awards Ceremony. It's a spectacular opening event to kick off Vision Expo East.

OWA Unplugged

OWA's first-ever retreat was held in San Diego, CA, in 2023. Deliberately limiting attendance to 40 OWA members, the purpose of the retreat is to provide an opportunity to "unplug", connect, recharge, relax, and be truly present in the moment.

Connection Series

During the annual Connection Series event hosted during Vision Expo West, members and guests can connect on topics that matter, enriching their personal and professional lives. This popular event has become an OWA "signature series" overseen by the OWA Events Committee.

Regional Events

OWA is always on the road holding small regional networking events connecting members and recruiting new women to learn more about the benefits of joining OWA. Interested in hosting an event in your area? Contact the Connection & Enrichment Committee.

See Regional Events

OWA Fireside Chats

The bimonthly OWA Fireside Chats allow members to gather, network, and grow — personally and professionally — while also having some fun! These events are a combination of advisory groups and open discussion to allow for greater connection on a personal level. Fireside Chats provide an opportunity for both new and experienced members to join a networking group that encompasses many interests.

Networking Events

During Vision Expo East and Vision Expo West, the OWA Events Committee regularly hosts networking events where OWA members and nonmembers can connect and network. During Vision Expo East, the "Stars, Sips, and Scholarships" event continues the celebration of OWA's annual award honorees and leadership scholarship recipients. During Vision Expo West, the annual OWA Networking Reception and Raffle is the place to connect with colleagues, bid on some fabulous auction items, and win a raffle prize or two!

Mentorship Program Events

The Full Circle Mentorship Program, offers a variety of virtual events to help you connect with fellow members and gain insights tailored to different stages of your career. Engage in guided discussions and participate in virtual speed-dating events to network with other OWA members.

Past Events

Take a look at the fun from our past events.


See Past Events / Photo Archive


Platinum Sponsors
Advancing Eyecare
Bausch + Lomb
De Rigo REM
EssilorLuxottica
EdgePro
Europa
Hoya
Kering Eyewear + Maui Jim
Modo Eyewear
National Vision
Thelios
VSP Vision
Zyloware Eyewear
Gold Sponsors
AEG Vision
ClearVision
CooperVision
Eyemart Express
FYidoctors
Hilco
Johnson & Johnson
Marchon
Marcolin
New York Eye
Ocuco
PECCA
Silhouette
SILMO
United Healthcare
Versant Health
Vision Expo
Vision Source
Walman
Silver Sponsors
A & A Optical
Art-Craft Optical
Conexiant
Jobson Optical Group
Keplr
L'Amy Group
Match Eyewear
The McGee Group
Mondottica
Mondottica
MyEyeDr
Safilo Group
Tura Eyewear
Vision Council of America
WestGroupe
Friends of OWA
ABB Optical Group
Amcon Labs
Charmant
CSI Software
Eschenbach
Eye Designs Group
Eyeporters
Eye Recommend
Kenmark Eyewear
Kenmark Eyewear
Lafont
OGI Eyewear