The OLA has been a dominant force in the ophthalmic community since 1894. Today, the organization has 350 member firms with more than 42,000 employees, operating from over 1,400 business locations in the United States, Canada and other countries.

 Most OLA members are optical laboratories fabricating eyeglasses on prescriptions supplied by ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians. Some are wholesale distributors of frames, lenses and/or other accessories and supplies, while others are basically retail firms that maintain full-service laboratories for eyewear fabrications.
 

 Recent advances in lens technology have created extraordinary demands for more sophisticated laboratory equipment and new processing techniques. The OLA provides members an ongoing program of continuing education on all aspects of eyewear fabrication. The internationally renowned OLA convention, held once each year, provides technical forums for instructing owners and key laboratory supervisors on the latest in lenses, lens materials and lens fabrication.

 These conventions are equally important for manufacturers of materials, equipment and supplies used in eyewear fabrication. OLA conventions are distinguished by elaborate machinery and equipment displays as well as special workshop seminars that bring manufacturers and laboratories together for frank and open exchanges of ideas to benefit eyecare professionals and their patients.