OAM Conference 2023

10 years to the day

OAM Fall Conference - A decade of adventure

Written by Dick Whitney - Dec. 2023

Admiring the Lensometer

93 guests seated for dinner

Diane Matuck & her AO history collection

In perfect symmetry the Opticians Association of Massachusetts (OAM) returned for their annual conference, exactly 10 years to the day, since they began hosting their conference in Southbridge back in 2013.

OAM guests have their photo taken prior to exploring the museum

Across these 10 years, the OAM have been one of our biggest supporters, helping us to grow and establish ourselves as the resource for optical history in America.

From what began as a small gathering, the group has evolved over time, with the most recent gathering recording 93 attendees. And all 93 were treated to some special events.

The conference began with some excellent CE classes, hosted by OAM President George Bourque and museum legend, Diane Matuck among others. All classes were held at the museum, providing a seamless transition between learning and exploration. With her outstanding knowledge, Diane Matuck provided museum tours for the OAM, which bookended her journey with us. It was Diane who convinced the OAM to hold their meeting in Southbridge 10 years prior, while also being instrumental in cultivating the initial displays for their first visit.

Head chef, Gabriel McCarthy (L) with Blair Wong (C) and Jean Wong (R)

Despite stepping down from the museum board last month, Diane remains an active museum volunteer. You can read about her achievements here:

To conclude the event, a dinner service was held on site, with catering from the multi-talented, Gabriel McCarthy. His skills were put to the test as initial numbers were expected to be 70 people, but a last-minute flurry saw a boost, bringing the total to 93. McCarthy’s signature Salmon dish had everyone talking and despite the increase in numbers, nobody left feeling hungry… Unless you were one of the unfortunate souls taking place in the dessert challenge.

To make things even more immersive, for those who accepted the challenge, guests were invited to partake in a “simulated blindness” challenge while eating dessert. Blindfolds were provided to anyone willing to try and with several laughs along the way, the OAM guests were subjected to a small window of blindness – an homage to OAM Executive Director, Blair Wong.

Diane Matuck receives recognition from OAM Exec. Director, Blair Wong

To celebrate her achievements with both the museum and OAM, Diane Matuck honored Blair Wong, for her lasting contributions to the optical industry in an awards ceremony, with museum director, Dick Whitney also receiving the first ever O.N.E. Infinity award “Dedicated to Excellence and Beyond”.

Thank you to the Opticians Association of Massachusetts for their dedicated support over the past 10 years. We look forward to many more exciting events in the future.

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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.

Opticians association of Massachusetts