The Optical Laboratories Association (OLA)is an international business association founded in 1894 to serve the needs of the optical laboratory industry.
Provides forums for optical laboratories
Develops information and services for members for business improvement
Produces a variety of education and training materials for optical laboratories and eyecare professionals
Provides representation for labs
Provides the "Best Practices Tool Box"
OLA’s current members include 200 companies, representing 481 wholesale and retail laboratories in the U.S., Canada, and 7 other countries.
OLA produces Clear Choices - Your Eyes, Your Lenses, Your Choice (newly released), TheProgressive Identifier, the Indispensable Dispensing GUIDE, 2nd Edition (newly released), Chemical Management Manual, Optical Laboratory Training Courses (CD), ANSI Z80.1 Standard, Z80.1 Quick Reference Guides, Z87.1 Standard, and Hang Tags for safety eyewear. Members also receive, Technical, Legal, and Business bulletins for optical laboratories.
The association sponsors an international exposition and conference - "THE OLA" - The Premier Annual Event Exclusively for Optical Laboratories.
OLA and The Vision Council Sign Merger Agreement
“The OLA Board of Directors came to the 2012 Executive Summit, partly because of the unique synergistic environment here, specifidally to complete the merger with The Vision Council," said Mike Francesconi, Chair, Optical Lab Division.
Receiving awards (l to r): Bob Rymeski, Hilco; Jim Goerges, Precision Tool Technologies; Denny Hall, DAC Vision; Cindy Swain, Zyloware Eyewear; Johann van Zyl, Robert Lee, Younger Optics; Bob Schloemer, Uvex by Honeywell; Denis Pardun, Nouveau Eyewear; Manny Manso, BPI- Brain Power America; Kevin Paddy, Satisloh North America; Doug Hagen, Digital Vision Inc.; Ian Gregg, Satisloh North America
2011 OLA Directors' Choice Honoree (l-r): David Rick, KC Haffey, Dave Cuffe, Randy McFadden, John Leasure, Joe Vitale
(Former members include Scott Pennock, J.R. Smith and Doug Smith.)
Essilor IDD Technical Support Team For Outstanding Dedication and Service
to Improving Independent Optical Labs
The OLA Progressive Identifier Book
The 2011 is the current edition of the PROGRESSIVE Identifier. The next edition will be available mid-2012. You can place your order through OLA Member labs or by calling OLA. Find out if your lab is a member here: FindALab.
