Industry

Optical Women’s Association to Host Global Connection Event at Silmo 2026

Vision Monday1d ago1 min read

DALLAS—The Optical Women’s Association (OWA) has announced the launch of START STRONG. Powered by the OWA, a global connection event taking place at Silmo Paris on Saturday, September 26, at 8:30 a.m. CEST. In an announcement, the OWA said this launch constitutes a significant milestone in its international expansion journey. “As the OWA continues to expand its mission beyond North America, this event marks an important step in building a truly global community of optical professionals committed to connection, leadership, mentorship and advancing opportunities for women across the industry,” the association said.

Read full article on Vision Monday

AI Summary

Quick Take

The Optical Women’s Association (OWA) is expanding its international footprint with the launch of "START STRONG," a global networking event debuting at Silmo Paris on September 26, 2026. This initiative marks a major milestone for the organization as it moves beyond North America to foster leadership and mentorship for women in the optical industry on a global scale.

Why It Matters

For decades, the OWA has been a cornerstone of professional development and networking for women in the North American optical market, but the industry is increasingly globalized. By establishing a presence at major international trade shows like Silmo, the OWA is addressing the need for structured mentorship and leadership advocacy in European and global markets. This move signals a shift toward more inclusive, cross-border professional support systems, which can help bridge the gender gap in executive leadership and practice ownership worldwide.

Key Details

The event, titled 'START STRONG. Powered by the OWA,' will serve as the organization's primary vehicle for international expansion.
The session is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. CEST during the Silmo Paris trade show.
Core objectives of the event include building a global community focused on connection, leadership development, and mentorship.
The initiative aims to advance professional opportunities for women across all sectors of the optical industry, from manufacturing to clinical practice.

Who's Affected

OptometristsOpticiansPractice OwnersIndustry ExecutivesOptical ManufacturersMentors

What's Next

Following the Silmo launch, the OWA is expected to further integrate its mission into other international optical circuits. Professionals attending Silmo 2026 should look for registration details as the event date approaches to participate in this inaugural global networking session.

AI-generated summary — always read the original source for full context

Discussion

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.