The Opticians Association of America announced that Sue Shire, of Three Rivers, was named the 2017 OAA State Leader of the Year.

Sue worked in the optical industry since 1977, beginning in Illinois and later in Michigan when she moved in 1998. She joined the Opticians Association of Michigan in 2006 and serve on the board and then as president. She also served on the OAA board of directors since 2012 and now chairs the OAA’s communication committee. Established in 1926, OAA is the only national organization representing opticianry’s business, professional, educational, legislative and regulatory interests.

The OAA State Leader of the Year Award is the highest honor and most prestigious award the national association bestows upon an individual. The annual award is given to the individual who displays extraordinary and outstanding service to their home state, the OAA and the opticianry profession. The award was first presented in 1994. Shire is the 24th recipient of the award.

Shire works in the office of Dr. Alan Montgomery in Dowagiac. She believes strongly that patients should always expect the best care possible when selecting the eyewear for their particular needs. To that end she said that patients should always ask for a certified optician to fit their eyewear.

A certified optician has the knowledge to ensure that a frame fits correctly, maximizes comfort, and is suited to the patient’s prescription. They know how to select a frame that complements a patient’s facial features, skin tone, and personality. Certified opticians are lens experts.

They have education and training to interpret the prescription from the eye doctor to design eyewear utilizing the best lens and options providing the clearest and sharpest vision possible.

“As an ambassador to the Opticians Association of Americas’ branding committee I can’t stress enough the importance of having your eyewear fitted by a certified Optician who is fully vested to optimize vision, comfort and aesthetics of their patients,” Shire said.