Last year, I had the opportunity to be able to take 6 of my staff members to the MIDO Optical Fair in Milan, Italy. They were able to go because they had won a sales promotion we had at our offices.
To say that the Milan trip was more than what my staff had expected is an understatement. The highlight of the trip of course was MIDO, where vendors from more than 50 countries were in attendance, along with more than 42,000 attendees from more than 160 countries.
The enormity of the complex was difficult to comprehend, with 7 pavilions in 8 separate exhibition areas. I would not be telling the truth if I said we had time to visit all of them. Footwear of choice, for most in attendance were athletic shoes, as everyone covers a lot of acreage!
Our group, as guests of MEI Systems, was able to get a private tour of the MEI facility in Bergamo, Italy. They called it a “factory tour”, but this state-of-the-art facility was more like an art gallery than a factory. While touring the assembly area, we did not see one smudge of grease, drop of oil, or the usual trappings of a factory. While technicians worked on assembly, an automated inventory system, reaching a high as the ceiling pulled needed parts. The grand finale was lunch in a “cafeteria” where the food, prepared by Italian chefs, was displayed in an area befitting a 5-start restaurant. Everything about the tour and MEI was top notch.
Of course, the trip to Milan was more than business and included seeing amazing sights such as the world famous Duomo, fabulous food, and a side trip to Rome for some, and Switzerland for others. “Once in a lifetime” is the best way to describe this trip.
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Midwest Spec-Fest isn't just another optical event—it's an experience. It's where continuing education meets fashion, innovation meets personality, and the optical community comes together to learn, connect, and celebrate the profession we all love.
After the incredible success of our first two Midwest Spec-Fest events, one thing is clear: this is quickly becoming a can't-miss tradition for Ohio opticians.
Our Cincinnati event brought incredible energy, packed continuing education sessions, exciting vendor exhibits, unforgettable fashion show moments, and networking opportunities that turned into lasting professional connections.
Then came Akron—and somehow it was even bigger. With increased attendance, greater engagement, and even more innovation on display, attendees left asking, "Why haven't we always done events like this?"
Throughout both events, attendees discovered:
- New products and technology from leading industry vendors
- Practical ideas they could immediately implement in their practices
- Valuable continuing education
- Meaningful connections with colleagues from across the state
- A renewed excitement for the future of opticianry
Now, we're bringing that same excitement to Midwest Spec-Fest this September, and you won't want to miss what's in store.
Whether you're looking to expand your knowledge, explore the latest products, grow your professional network, or simply spend the weekend surrounded by fellow opticians who share your passion, Midwest Spec-Fest delivers an experience unlike any other.
Join us this September and see why Midwest Spec-Fest has become one of the most talked-about optical events in the Midwest.
I had the opportunity to talk with Hani Sadic, an optician and practice owner from Parma, Ohio. - John Bruening
Hi Hanni, it’s great to see you again, as our careers have crossed paths quite a few times since we’ve been opticians.
How did you get involved in the optical profession?
Thank you for having me. I have always wanted to work with my hands. I picked dental lab or opticianry programs in college and after talking to professionals from both professions, I decided to join the Opticianry Program at Cuyahoga Community College and graduated in 1984. I have been dual license ever since. I have a degree in Mechanical Optics, Dispensing Optician and took and studied Refraction.
How long have you been a member of the OAO?
I have been a member with the OAO for the last 4 years to support and be of help for Opticians if and when needed.
As you look back on your career, Is there one experience or patient that sticks out from others?
There are two incidences that happened in the same day about 30 minutes apart. One patient came in for an eye exam and glasses (driving without glasses for over 2 months) with a -6.50D /-2.00 cyl and when I asked her if she wants me to rush the glasses, she said “no, I can see OK and will wait till I get the glasses”. Two patients later we had a gentleman that had a fit because he wanted the glasses made while he waited because he could not see to function at work or drive. I assumed he has a heavy Rx. After his exam, his Rx was -0.5 in one eye and -0.25D /-0.25 cyl in the other eye.
EssilorLuxottica is leveraging artificial intelligence as part of a broader strategy to evolve from a traditional eyewear manufacturer into a global vision and sensory health (MedTech) platform. Rather than viewing AI as a stand alone technology, the company is integrating it across vision care, hearing, ophthalmology, diagnostics, and wearable computing to deliver more personalized and connected healthcare solutions.
For the profession of opticianry, this is an exciting period of transformation. Eyewear is evolving from a passive vision-correction device into an intelligent wearable platform. As these technologies mature, opticians will play an increasingly important role in helping patients benefit from AI-enabled solutions.
Over the past decade, EssilorLuxottica has invested heavily in artificial intelligence, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR). One of the company's most visible AI initiatives is its partnership with Meta to develop the Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta Smart Glasses. While these products are currently known for hands-free communication and AI assistance, EssilorLuxottica increasingly views smart glasses as the foundation of a future healthcare platform capable of integrating:
- AI-powered personal assistants
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Did you attend the Southwest or Northeast OAO educational event?
Please take a moment to log in to your membership account and verify that your Continuing Education hours have been properly recorded. If you notice any discrepancies or have any questions regarding your CE credits, please contact us so we can assist you promptly.
Your professional records are important. Thank you for helping us keep them accurate and up to date!
We've got a surprise in store! Attendees at Midwest Spec-Fest will be the first to hear an exciting announcement about the OAO's 2027 event lineup. Make sure you're there to be among the first to find out what's next!
🎟️ Pack Your Bags — Your Ticket Could Take You Around the World! 🎟️
The Spec-Fest Raffle is next-level. Enter for your chance to win a trip for TWO to Vision Expo Las Vegas 2027 or a dream trip for TWO to MIDO in Milan, Italy 2027, with airfare and hotel INCLUDED! Buy your raffle tickets online or at Midwest Spec-Fest and turn one event into the adventure of a lifetime. Don’t just attend Spec-Fest — pack your bags and win big!Click here for a chance to win
