Our Mission
For nearly 40 years, the Professional Opticians of Florida (POF) has been dedicated to enhancing the competency of opticians, advancing the profession of opticianry, working to resolve the governmental policy issues affecting opticianry and to protecting the health and welfare of the public.
Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Three to the Board of OpticianryTallahassee, Fla. — 12/20/21, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Paul Wilford, Yvonne Schloss and Irene Stavros to the Board of Opticianry. Paul Wilford Wilford, of Tallahassee, is a Licensed Optician and the Optical Supervisor at the Tallahassee Eye Center. He has been licensed for 30 years and is a member of the Professional Opticians of Florida and the National Academy of Opticianry. Yvonne Schloss Schloss, of Osprey, is a Licensed Optician at Kingcastle of Sarasota. She is Chairman of the Board of the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce, Chapter President of the Manasota Professional Opticians of Florida and was named Small Business Retailer of the Year by the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. Irene Stavros Stavros, of Miami, is a Dental Hygienist in the office of Dr. Lawrence Lesperance. She is a Past Chair of the Florida Dental Hygiene Association, serves as a Delegate and Committee Chair for the American Dental Hygienist’s Association and serves on the American Board of Dental Examiners’ Executive Board. These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate. POF Congratulates the Appointees! Professional Opticians of Florida wishes everyone a happy and healthy 2022. We are excited to announce that Governor Ron DeSantis responded to our request and declared January as National Opticians Month in Florida! POF, membership with a purpose! POF Member Perk: Please email admin@pof.org if you would like a copy of the proclamation to hang up in your office! | Legislative UpdateA Message From Your Lobbyist... I am honored to represent the Professional Opticians of Florida as your lobbyist in Tallahassee. I’ve been involved in the Legislative process now for over 34 years. I served for nine years in the Florida House of Representatives and then 11 years in the Florida Senate, and, after the required two years of retirement from the Legislature, I’ve been back up in Tallahassee lobbying. Working the Legislature is a year-round task. It’s easier to find time to meet with legislators before Session and Committee Meetings than during it. Members and Officers of the POF make contributions to our Political Committee, and we participate in fundraisers for the Legislative Leadership of both chambers and both parties... I believe that the POF has had better direct contact with Legislative Leadership recently than in the past. They may not always agree with us, but at least they know who we are. In the 2020 Legislative Session, bills were filed that would have “sunsetted” (deregulated) many professions, including opticianry. We were able to get promises from the bill sponsors that the language about opticians would be removed if they pursued the bills. When legislatures refiled the bills for the 2021 Session, they were refiled without sunsetting opticianry at all. I hope that POF members will continue to make political contributions to the Opticians for Better Vision Political Committee and will be available to write and email your legislators when we need your voices. I look forward to working with you again next year. Steve Geller, Esq. POF Lobbyist Broward County Commissioner Former Mayor, Broward County, FL Former FL Senator Geller Law Firm, PA If you are not a member of the Professional Opticians of Florida, please join today. POF, membership with a purpose!! https://pof.org/Join-POF Opticians for Better Vision2022 Donation Goal
| Become a MemberBeing a Member has its benefits, it's time for you to find out more why POF is the largest and most respected Optician's organization in the US. The Professional Opticians of Florida was established in 1981 and has been associated with the Opticians Association of America (OAA) for many years. During this time, our members have had the opportunity to attend leadership conferences and various meetings that have helped them with management skills and leadership training. At these conferences we have been able to share ideas and have problem solving discussions. As National issues impacting Opticians have arisen, it has been beneficial to have a National unified voice that can speak to these issues. We are proud to be members of the OAA and look forward to a strong relationship in the future. Your POF Membership also gives you membership to the OAA. Become a member today. |
| Florida Events
| Featured Event |