Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Advancing Opticianry Excellence in Arizona Since 1956
Founded in 1956, the Arizona Association Of Dispensing Opticians (AADO) has dedicated over six decades to advancing the optical profession through education, advocacy, and professional development. Our organization represents licensed and non-licensed opticians, providing critical resources such as continuing education programs accredited by the Arizona State Board of Dispensing Opticians. We actively monitor legislative changes at both state and national levels to protect the professional rights of opticians practicing in Arizona. Through collaborative efforts, we foster high standards in optical care, offering members access to specialized training, networking opportunities, and industry-specific seminars.Our board of directors and committees work tirelessly to ensure opticians remain informed about evolving regulations and best practices. By bridging gaps between practitioners and regulatory bodies, we strengthen the profession's credibility while maintaining public trust in optical healthcare. Our virtual continuing education meetings and certification programs demonstrate our commitment to accessible, high-quality professional growth. With a membership-driven model, we empower opticians to shape the future of their field through active participation in governance and policy development.
Services
Continuing Education Programs
Legislative Advocacy
ABO/NCLE Training
Professional Networking
Regulatory Compliance Resources
Membership Benefits
Virtual Seminars
Certification Exams
Industry Publications
Job Board Access
Details
- Year established: 1956
Highlights and features
- We offer state-approved continuing education programs for Arizona opticians
- Our association provides daily legislative monitoring to protect professional rights
- We deliver specialized training materials for ABO/NCLE certification
- Our membership includes both licensed and non-licensed optical professionals
- We host virtual continuing education meetings with expert industry instructors
Associations and certifications
- ABO
- NCLE
- Arizona State Board of Dispensing Opticians
Services
Continuing Education Programs
Our accredited programs provide Arizona opticians with essential continuing education credits. Courses cover state-specific regulations, lens systems, and optical defect correction. Participants receive certificates upon completion, meeting licensing renewal requirements while enhancing professional expertise in ophthalmic care.
Legislative Advocacy
We actively monitor and influence optical industry legislation at state and national levels. Our advocacy ensures opticians maintain professional privileges through regulatory compliance guidance and representation in policy discussions affecting Arizona's optical community.
ABO/NCLE Certification
Specialized training materials and exams prepare opticians for ABO and NCLE certification. Our resources include practice tests, study guides, and virtual seminars focused on optical mathematics, lens design, and contact lens fitting standards.
Professional Networking
Members gain access to networking opportunities through board participation, committee involvement, and virtual meetings. This fosters knowledge sharing about emerging optical technologies, business practices, and patient care innovations among Arizona's optical professionals.
Regulatory Compliance
We provide tools to help opticians meet licensing requirements, including rule interpretation guides and compliance checklists. Our resources ensure practitioners stay current with Arizona's evolving optical industry regulations and ethical standards.
People
David Lipkin
President
Licensed Dispensing Optician with extensive industry experience, David leads AADO's strategic initiatives to advance optical professionalism in Arizona through education and legislative advocacy.
Grant Honeman
Vice President
As LDO-certified optician, Grant oversees membership development and supports policy initiatives that protect Arizona practitioners' professional rights and standards.
Tara Fontana
Secretary
Licensed Dispensing Optician Tara manages AADO's administrative operations, ensuring accurate documentation of policy decisions and member communications.
Jessica Barnett
Director
Experienced optical professional Jessica contributes to AADO's educational programming and represents member interests in industry regulatory discussions.
Melinda Stomel
Executive Director
Melinda oversees day-to-day operations, implementing board directives while managing continuing education programs and member services for Arizona's optical community.
Questions
What continuing education options do you offer?
We provide Arizona State Board-approved courses covering regulations, lens systems, and optical defects, with virtual seminars and certification exams available.
How does AADO support Arizona opticians?
We offer legislative advocacy, professional networking, certification resources, and regulatory compliance tools to protect and advance opticians' professional interests.
Are non-licensed opticians eligible for membership?
Yes, our membership includes both licensed and non-licensed optical professionals seeking professional development opportunities.
How can I access certification materials?
Members receive free access to ABO/NCLE training resources through our online portal after logging into their AADO accounts.
What legislative issues do you monitor?
We track state and national regulations affecting optical practice, including licensing requirements, scope of practice laws, and healthcare policy changes.
