How ANSI Standards Shape Opticianry and Patient Safety | Michael Vitale, The Vision Council

How do ANSI standards impact opticians, patient safety, and the optical industry as a whole? Michael Vitale, vice president of membership, government relations, and technical affairs at The Vision Council, sits down with host Gwen Cooper, executive director of United Opticians Association (UOA), to explore why standards are essential for safe and effective eyecare. Michael breaks down the latest updates to ANSI Z80.1 for prescription lenses and ANSI Z80.3 for sunglasses and fashion eyecare, highlighting the real-world implications for opticians, consumers, and manufacturers.  Hear insights from his four-decade career as a licensed optician, why certification is crucial for opticians, and how standards impact emerging technologies like 3D-printed frames. In this episode, you will learn: Why opticians should understand ANSI standards How state associations play a critical role in advancing the profession What’s coming next on Mission:Optician, including upcoming speakers and topics Join us at UOA’s One Vision | One Voice | One UOA Leadership Conference taking place June 25-27 in Chicago, where opticians, educators, and industry partners will gather to explore innovation, advocacy, and the future of the profession. Secure your spot: https://www.uoaleadership.org/ Learn more about UOA and join our growing community at https://opticians.org  Shape the conversation on Mission:Optician! Tell us what topics and guests you want us to feature next at https://opticians.org/podcast