Complete Story
04/21/2026
President's Message
Happy Spring…
(We’ve got a great thing growing!)
2026 has been a year of firsts for the Opticians Association of Ohio. For the first time in our history, the OAO rolled out the Midwest Spec Fest, opening the event to not only our members, but many others as well. Our events now welcome the entire office, from front desk and optical staff to optometrists and ophthalmologists.
So, what did the new attendees experience? They were able to attend a true trade show, with many vendors who are new to the Ohio and surrounding states market. They were able to attend the trade show, from 12:00 to 6:00, and members were able to get FREE, live, continuing education as well. Vendors and attendees alike enjoyed the Spec Fest Fashion show, were able to compete in a timed lensometer race to highlight their skills, and network during the Taste of Italy happy hour. Oh, and I haven’t even mentioned the chances to win trips to Italy and Las Vegas!
Unlike our CEU events of the past, where we featured a few frame companies, this year we are a trade show featuring accessories, frames, edging equipment, remote exam software and equipment, labs, and vendor/partners such as dry eye and lens manufacturing options.
The best news is that our first two events were not only a success, but word traveled to Vision Expo where vendor partners had heard the buzz and sought us out to join in the fun! So…we will have even MORE partners at our Toledo (Perrysburg) and Columbus events in the fall. Our attendees were happy, as well as our partners, so there is no turning back. The Midwest Spec Fest is here to stay!
If you are interested in attending the next event, click here: If you are a vendor looking to showcase your products at 4 different events, marketed to entire offices in a 5-state region,
