LEXINGTON, Ky.—The United Opticians Association (UOA), established as a result of a merger of the Opticians Association of America and the National Federation of Opticianry Schools, has named James M. Morris, Esq., as its new chief executive officer to lead the organization and its members into the future of opticianry. More than 20 interested candidates from across the country submitted resumes for this position. Several representatives of the UOA board reviewed resumes, vetted the qualified candidates and conducted extensive interviews of the top three candidates. The UOA executive board voted to appoint Morris as CEO, the former executive director of American Board of Opticianry & National Contact Lens Examiners.

UOA president Ronnie Harbert is confident in the executive board’s decision, stating, "Mr. Morris’s previous extensive experience in the ophthalmic community, along with his background in association management, ophthalmic lobbying initiatives and business administration, makes him the ideal choice.”

UOA, through the Opticians Association of American (OAA), has represented contact lens and spectacle opticians since 1925. The American Board of Opticianry & National Contact Lens Examiners (ABO & NCLE) will continue in its capacity to provide the highest quality competency examinations, continuing education, and certification of opticians and contact lens professionals. Morris will assist the ABO & NCLE board of directors with reorganizing the structure of ABO & NCLE at the direction of a new chief operating officer, keeping the current staff in place so that he can be fully engaged with UOA by July 1, 2024.