The Optical Women’s Association (OWA) will host three events during Vision Expo West, taking place in Las Vegas Sept. 17-20.

The annual Connection Series luncheon will take place Thursday, Sept. 18, from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Venetian, Level 3, Murano Room 3304. The program, “Spark Sessions: Women Who Light the Fire,” will feature a series of 10-minute talks by Melissa Barnett, OD, FAAO, FSLS, FBCLA; Audrey Sue Cruz, MD, and Sue Downes, followed by a group discussion. Registration open until Sept. 5. Cost is $40 for OWA members and $50 for nonmembers.

On Friday, Sept. 19, the OWA will hold its Bids + Bevs networking and raffle event from 5:30-7 p.m., also in the Venetian, Murano Room 3304. Admission is free, with registration requested by Sept. 5. Proceeds from the raffle will benefit OWA’s professional development programs.

Also on Friday, Sept. 19, from 11:30 a.m. to noon, OWA will launch a new initiative, “Her Story: Honoring Strength in Optical,” on Vision Expo West’s Main Stage location. The program will highlight stories of women in the industry who have faced cancer, with remarks from OWA president Megan Molony, initiative founder Mikki Collins, and members of the Her Story committee. The event will also include recognition of this year’s Her Story Hero.

For more information and to register, click here.