The Optical Suppliers Association (OSA) brought members and industry colleagues together for its Autumn Members’ Meeting on 16 October at The Bloomsbury Hotel, London, with dry eye education, patient care and future industry collaboration taking centre stage.
The well-attended event featured a varied programme of regulatory and business updates, followed by an afternoon dedicated to dry eye disease, reflecting the growing importance of this area of eye care and the opportunities for suppliers, clinicians and professional bodies to work together.
Dry eye takes centre stage
The afternoon programme explored the challenges and opportunities surrounding dry eye care, including patient concerns and complaints, clinical education and service development. An engaging panel discussion, moderated by Michael Bowen of the College of Optometrists, encouraged debate and contributions from attendees.
Nicola Bennett, Vice Chair of the OSA Dry Eye Committee, outlined plans for practical clinical education, including sessions at 100% Optical and the potential development of regional dry eye roadshows.
Ross Bailey, Chair of the OSA Dry Eye Committee, updated members on the Committee’s work and introduced plans for a UK dry eye survey. The survey aims to build a clearer picture of current clinical practice, equipment, treatment approaches and the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.
The discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration in supporting clinicians, improving patient experiences and developing dry eye services.
Industry developments and member opportunities
The morning programme provided members with important updates on wider developments affecting the optical sector.
OSA Chair James Conway opened proceedings with an overview of OSA’s work and ongoing initiatives and Karl Jeebaun, CEO of OSA’s susbsiduary Opticare Innovations shared the current work on DICOM alongside other projects.
Mathias Semombwe, OSA Consultant, delivered a regulatory update covering UK and EU medical device requirements, MHRA registration, proposed fee changes and Unique Device Identification (UDI).
Representatives from CloserStill Media outlined plans for 100% Optical 2027, including developments to the exhibition, education programme and opportunities for participating businesses.
Siu-Yin Shing, founder of My Glasses and Me, also delivered a practical presentation on blogging for business and the role of engaging content in building customer relationships.
James Conway, OSA Chair, commented:
“The OSA Board works hard to ensure our members are at the forefront of the initiatives we support and the developments shaping our industry. Events such as our Autumn Members’ Meeting demonstrate the value of bringing together expertise, sharing knowledge and encouraging collaboration.
“We have some exciting initiatives underway, particularly through our committees and industry partnerships, and I look forward to building on this work throughout 2027 and beyond, ensuring OSA continues to deliver meaningful benefits for its members.”
Jayne Abel, OSA Vice Chair, said:
“This was an excellent meeting, with a really interesting programme and some valuable contributions from speakers and members alike. It was particularly encouraging to see such positive engagement and discussion throughout the day.
“I hope as many members as possible will join us for our AGM on 4 December, when we will provide further updates and a full report on OSA’s activities over the past year. It will also be a wonderful opportunity to come together, celebrate what we have achieved and enjoy our Christmas lunch with colleagues and friends from across the industry.”
The OSA AGM and Annual Christmas Lunch will take place on Friday 4 December 2026 at The Bloomsbury Hotel, London.