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OptiPAC

The political action committee for opticians

Non-partisan, voluntary, and open to every Tennessee optician — OptiPAC is how the profession speaks with one voice to the people writing the rules.

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What it is

Organized in 1998, still the profession's loudest voice

OptiPAC is a non-partisan, voluntary, non-profit organization of the TDOA, with membership open to all Tennessee opticians, their spouses, and other friends of the optical community. It benefits the entire optical industry through political contributions to political candidates, provides the lawful means by which opticians can effectively express their views, and increases their political impact through a united, collective effort.

OptiPAC was organized in 1998 to encourage members of the optical profession to take a more active and organized role in government and governmental affairs. Opticians needed an organization through which they could participate more effectively in supporting political candidates who understand the interests of the optical business. It also provides a forum for educating its members about state and national political activities affecting the optical industry.

Representation on this scale is essential if we are to establish and maintain the best environment for opticianry in Tennessee.

Giving levels

How much should I contribute?

OptiPAC depends on personal contributions from individual opticians. Under state law, corporate donations are not permissible.

Top tier
Titan
Over $200
Leading
Diamond
$100 – $200
Supporting
Optician
$26 – $99
Starting out
Apprentice
$10 – $25

All donors receive recognition in publications and at TDOA conferences and conventions. OptiPAC also plans to host a donor reception in conjunction with the Annual Convention, which may include a few surprises — like a guest appearance by a prominent elected official in the State of Tennessee.

Donate to OptiPAC
FAQ

Common questions

The Opticians Political Action Committee is a group that collects funds to donate to politicians via the lobbyist to help keep our profession licensed. 100 percent of the donations to the PAC go to a fund held separately from the TDOA funds; the two associations are not affiliated at all. If you would like to volunteer to be a part of the PAC committee, you can — the volunteers raise money and decide use of the funds with the lobbyist. If you would like to donate, there is a link on our homepage to donate online, or you can fill out a form and donate at a meeting. Every donation has to come from a private person, not a company, and it has to have all information filled out to account for it later.

By joining with other Tennessee opticians, you create a constituency that represents your professional needs and concerns. Whether you are affiliated with a national chain or an independent operation, you cannot afford to ignore the effect that public policy makers have on the future of your business. Only through collective political action can we ensure that our lawmakers hear the voice of the optical industry.

Led by Theo Morrison, he and the PAC committee carefully review candidates for public office. Decisions are based on input from local opticians regarding the candidate's qualifications and background, analysis of previous election returns to determine the partisan strength of a district, input from the TDOA lobbyist and legal counsel on an incumbent's previous support of TDOA legislative objectives, and — most importantly — the interest a candidate shares with the optical industry in providing licensed, high-quality, competitive optical services to Tennesseans.

Yes, you should, but don't overlook the greater impact you gain by pooling resources with your colleagues. One voice may speak loudly, but by pooling the resources of opticians statewide, legislators will hear a much louder and unified voice for a concentrated effect in key districts. OptiPAC provides the mechanism for a well-organized, effective effort that coordinates the collective interests of the optical industry in Tennessee.

If you are a Tennessean, you are not eligible for a tax benefit. But you do receive the benefit of knowing that you are making a difference by helping to elect individuals who believe in the practice of opticianry.