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Optics Technicians

Unions and Associations

SPIE is an international organization that has constituents from around the world. In the words of its Web site, the purpose of SPIE is "to advance emerging light-based technologies through interdisciplinary information exchange, continuing education, publications, career development, and advocacy." Of particular interest to students is SPIE's discounted membership fee for college students, which entitles the member to a 50 percent discount on all courses, free workshops at SPIE events, online courses, and member-only webcasts. 

The American Precision Optics Manufacturing Association (APOMA) is the working group of the front line and operations managers of the major U.S. optics manufacturers. APOMA's mission is to support the cooperation and representation of precision optics manufacturers. To accomplish this aim, APOMA provides a forum for peers in the industry and their associates in academia to discuss opportunities and concerns in the field of optics; initiate actions to stimulate advances in the industry; and advocate for cooperation of industry, academia, and government. APOMA participates in the biennial SPIE Optifab conference of optical fabrication manufacturers in Rochester, New York, which features courses, workshops, and exhibits.

The purpose of the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation (COA) is to accredit two-year opticianry programs and one-year ophthalmic laboratory technology certificate programs in the United States and Canada. These programs are sponsored by postsecondary institutions accredited by agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). COA continually develops educational standards by which opticianry programs are evaluated.

The Technology Student Association (TSA) is an international organization whose 250,000+ members are middle and high school students from 2,000 schools. Members learn through competitive events at the regional, state, and national levels. These events involve racing solar-powered model cars, robotics contests, and a one-day event in which students apply their knowledge and skills to solve problems facing our global society. 

The Optical Society (OSA) is an international organization with more than 20,000 members, over half of whom live outside the United States. OSA supports a range of educational activities, beginning with its Optics for Kids activities on the Work in Optics Web site. These activities include an optics timeline from pre-history to the present; easy through advanced classroom or home experiments in optics; minibiographies of famous scientists who made discoveries about light; and educational materials in optics for teachers and parents. For older members, OSA co-sponsors or publicizes job fairs, an online job board, employer classified ads in its monthly magazine, and internship resources. 

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