LIA - The Laser Institute (formerly Laser Industry Association, later Laser Institute of America, commonly referred to as LIA) is an international professional society with a focus on laser applications and laser safety. LIA was founded on February 7, 1968, as the Laser Industry Association, and acts as secretariat to the Accredited Standards Committee (ASC) Z136, which develops and maintains the Z136 series of laser safety standards. LIA is publisher of these American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z136 laser safety standards, which provide the foundation of laser safety programs nationally.