MASS OPTICIANS:
RETURN TO SOUTHBRIDGE
A recount from Dick Whitney
A recap of the recent OAM Fall Conference
Written by Museum Exec. Director, Dick Whitney - Dec. 2022
A pin for each museum visitor
The Optical Heritage Museum, alongside the Southbridge Hotel and Conference Centre – the original home of American Optical and the birth of Opticianry in Massachusetts, were delighted to host the Opticians Association of Massachusetts (OAM) as they returned once again to Southbridge for their Fall Conference.
Blair Wong gives a detailed, technical ABO certified course on the AO Lensometer
The two-day event saw many ABO certified courses available for Opticians across Massachusetts to help boost their points. The museum contributed to this by offering a special guided tour highlighting insights into some key historical industry items. The tour was presented by none other than our very own, Diane Matuck (current museum board member & MA. optician).
The highlight for many was seeing the exclusive AO Trial Lens Set, specially gifted to Charles Prentice (Father of Optometry). Prentice contributed to the design of the trial lens set which the optical industry judges as the standard for calibration – still to this day!
We also hosted a second ABO course – a detailed, technical class on the AO Lensometer, introduced to market in 1921. Former president of OAM, Blair Wong and I presented the course, a particularly important topic to me having worked with this device since the start of my career in 1974. With the museum containing the most complete collection of lensometers worldwide, the course couldn’t have been held in a better location.
The lensometer is also set to be honored next year by ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers), who are inducting the AO Lensometer as a landmark achievement in mechanical engineering. A truly exciting time to be involved with the museum. As a small thank you, each visitor was presented with a newly designed pin to mark the occasion. A nice touch courtesy of Diane Matuck.
Phernell Walker stands next to the original AO trial lens set, gifted to Charles Prentice
Attending the museum was none other than Phernell Walker (Optician, Author, Speaker & Master in Ophthalmic Optics) Phernell also presented several ABO courses the following day. It was a real honor to see his knowledge on display for all and his attendance ensured the conference was nothing short of a huge success.
The Fall Conference was a great experience, and believe it was appreciated by all in attendance. The Museum wishes to acknowledge the critical support that the OAM has given to the Museum for the last 12 years, having supported us both financially, and most importantly provided encouragement and publicity as we continue to grow.
The OAM were also kind enough to present me with the OAM Presidents award for 2022. It is such an incredible honor and on behalf of the museum board, would like to thank the OAM for their dedicated and ongoing support.
Who is Phernell Walker?
Phernell is a nationally-recognized speaker with a unique talent for teaching his students everything they need to know to become a professional optician. He authored the textbook, Pure Optics, to help his students prepare for the ABO exams and is one of only a few hundred people to earn a Master in Ophthalmic Optics (ABOM). In addition his educational merits include, an MBA, BS in Business, and an AS in Ophthalmic Optics. Phernell currently serves as the Director of Optometric Relations at VSP Ventures and is certified by the both the American Board of Opticianry (ABOC) and National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLEC).
Follow Phernell walker on Socials
About the Opticians Association of Massachusetts
The Opticians Association of Massachusetts seeks to advance the knowledge, skills and expertise of the licensed Optician through education, leadership, and legislative representation. Our members are among the most skilled and well-educated ophthalmic dispensers in the nation, and the OAM provides professional support and numerous opportunities to enhance the technical and general skills of its member opticians.
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