Wilmington, NC, United States
Russ Tolar is a second-generation Optician.
He graduated from Durham Technical Community College in 1978 and has
spent the next 40-plus years of his career in the many different facets of the
optical business.
Mr. Tolar is a Certified Optician with the American Board of Opticianry
(AB0) and has been licensed in North Carolina and South Carolina since
1979. He has also held licenses in Ohio, Virginia, and Georgia. He earned
his Mastre Ottica (Master Optician) status with the Italian Opticians
Association in 2000.
Mr. Tolar became a Professional Registered Optician in 1994, an Honored
Fellow with the Opticians Association of America (OAA) in 1998 and is a
member of the Guild of Prescription Opticians. He is celebrating his 20th
year as a member of the NAO, having joined in 1999.
He has been actively involved in professional organizations in various
positions of leadership over the years including President of the OAA and
Chairman of the OAA Formal Education Commission. He has served as
President of the North Carolina Opticians Association, Chairman of the
North Carolina State Board of Opticians, and Chairman of the National
Committee of State Optical Regulatory Boards.
Mr. Tolar also served on the Board of Trustees for the Southeastern
Society of Dispensing Opticians (SECO) and was a member of the North
Carolina Blind Commission. Most recently, Mr. Tolar served on the ABO
Board of Directors and maintains his participation on the Advisory
Committee at Durham Technical Community College Optical Program.
Mr. Tolar has earned several professional achievements awards over the
years including North Carolina’s Opticians Association Past President’s
Award for his service in 1991 – 1992 and 1992 –1993, the Herb Ridgeway
Award in1993, North Carolina’s OAA Achievement Award in1997, and was
named to the National Academy of Opticianry Optician’s Hall of Fame in
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803 - Hands-on Workshop - Frame Adjustment
Saturday, March 1, 2025
10:45 AM – 12:45 PM EST
804 - Hands-on Workshop - Cow Eye Dissection
Saturday, March 1, 2025
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM EST