The United Opticians Association (UOA) has opened applications for its 2027 Student to Leadership Program, which provides opticianry students, apprentices, and emerging professionals with opportunities for professional development, networking, and industry engagement by connecting them with experienced industry leaders and opening opportunities to participate in discussions about the future of the profession.

Selected participants will receive travel support, hotel accommodations, and conference registration to attend the One Vision | One Voice | One UOA National Conference from June 2–5, 2027 in Minneapolis. New for 2027, program recipients will also be featured in a special issue of INVISION Magazine.

“Investing in the next generation of opticians means creating opportunities for them to learn, connect, and see what is possible within this profession,” said Gwen Cooper, executive director of UOA, in a press release. “The Student to Leadership Program gives emerging professionals a chance to build relationships beyond their classrooms and workplaces, and begin envisioning the impact they can make in opticianry.”

The program is supported by Hoya Vision Care, which provides funding to help selected students and apprentices participate.

Applications are open to individuals who meet at least one of three eligibility requirements: enrollment in a formal education program, registration as an apprentice, or participation in on-the-job training under the guidance of an optician mentor or sponsor.

Applicants must provide information about their education, training, and career goals, along with an explanation of their interest in attending the 2027 UOA National Conference. Applications are due February 1, 2027, at 11:59 AM ET. Additional information and the application are available at uoaconference.org/apprentices.