Member Benefits

 

OSA members and their guests come together every December following the AGM, to enjoy networking opportunities and a catch up with friends within the OSA and across the optical sector.

The OSA Board look forward to welcoming members and guests to our 2023 event on Friday 1 December, at the beautiful Bloomsbury Hotel in central London. Full information on the AGM and lunch will be sent to members and guests soon.

In recent years, the OSA have also held an annual Summer Members Event which has proved a huge success.  On 19-20 June, the OSA board welcomed members to the prestigious Belfry Hotel for the 2023 Summer event and we will be doing so again in 2024. More information will be available soon.

AGM and Christmas Luncheon/Summer event contact: [email protected]

 

OSA Sustainability Committee

The OSA created the Sustainability Committee in the Summer of 2021 and has proved hugely successful with much progress made. A sustainability glossary was created and is available on the OSA website. An OSA members Green Charter will be released in 2023. All members are invited to join the committee and participate in regular meetings.

Collaboration with other optical stakeholders

We are in dialogue with ABDO, ACLM, AOP, BCLA, College of Optometrists, FODO, GOC, Optic UK and others in order to gain market knowledge, anticipate problems and work together as a cohesive industry.

OSA has direct representation at MHRA

Influencing the future, we are at the forefront of the latest UK Healthcare regulatory process to provide excellent competitive advantage.

Digital / E-Health

This is a pressing issue in the optical sector and OSA members will be leading this debate. We have created a focus group for members who deal with software and technology to keep updated and informed with the latest news in this evolving sector.

100% Optical

(25-27 February 2023) OSA members can use the meeting rooms on the OSA stand for FREE (subject to availability). Our members can also use our stand for presentations or lectures. We are in constant dialogue with Media 10 to ensure that OSA members can get the best out of the exhibition and we look forward to seeing you and supporting you there.

Monitoring and participation in European and UK regulation and legislation

As members of Eurom 1 and JOCEU we report regularly on European developments such as the Medical Devices Regulation and UDI. We followed the Medical Devices Bill through UK parliament and the OSA responded to the government consultation on the future regulation of medical devices in the UK.

Press Exposure

OSA members are regularly featured in the Optical Press, and online, as part of industry features about different aspects of the optical supply chain & new developments in AI, and the drive for sustainability.

Focus Groups

We recently held a meeting of the Frames Focus Group and we are looking into holding meetings of the Equipment and Lens Focus Groups soon. These meetings provide sector specific updates and information for members.

General Meetings, Summer Event & AGM

The OSA Spring and Autumn Members’ Meetings are a great way for members to connect and discuss topics affecting them as suppliers to UK optics. 2023 meetings will take place on 3 April (Friends House, London) and 17 October respectively. We have been delighted to hold summer members meetings in June in the last couple of years which have proved hugely successful and a great way for members to connect. 2023’s summer event took place on 19-20 June at the Belfry Hotel.

Invaluable Updates and Insight

OSA General Meetings have had leading industry figures giving presentations and insights into current trends and news. OSA constantly contact members with any news updates affecting the optical industry. We helped keep members updated during the Covid pandemic and we want to ensure our members are fully aware of legislation and regulation from the UK and Europe, as well as buying trends in Europe.

BSI/ISO Standards

OSA members benefit from a 35% discount on BSI optical standards.

For information on how to get your 35% discount please contact [email protected]

OSA Standards Panel meets regularly, sometimes with standards representatives from the other optical bodies. This ensures that new standards that affect our members have expert UK input and are worded clearly and appropriately

The Panel is chaired by OSA Director Andy Sanders

Standards contact: [email protected]

Annual Christmas Luncheon and AGM

OSA members and their guests come together every December following the AGM, to network and enjoy networking opportunities, and a catch up with friends within the OSA and across the optical sector. These have been even more welcome post Covid and over the past couple of years we have held the event in the beautiful Bloomsbury Hotel. Members will be joining us there again at the 2023 event on 1 December.

HR Knowledge Base

OSA members can register to get access to the HR Knowledge Base, created by HR Solutions. Your membership benefit also includes 3 free calls to the HR Advice Line as well as access to HR Updates, Risk Audits and Webinars.

Find out more

CPD Provider

Members will be able to acquire their CPD points through the OSA. We are also currently working on building an educational platform and portfolio from which our members can work content into various events.

Member Benefits

Management and Leadership Course – This Level 5 course is offered at a discounted rate and provides a diploma from the Chartered Management Institute.

Please contact [email protected] for details.

Rewards

In conjunction with ABDO, OSA can offer a variety of services at a reduced rate.

OSA members will be able to access the online version of Dispensing Optics every month for FREE. Click Here

Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme

All staff of OSA member companies can access Health Assured’s EAP. The EAP is designed to help anyone deal with personal and professional problems that could be affecting home or work life, heath or general wellbeing. You can also download the Health Advantage App with full details here

If you need the employer code/password please contact [email protected].

Reach UK Opticians reading Opchat News

All OSA member companies can make significant savings in marketing their products & services to over 8000, mainly independent practitioners who read Opchat News every week. OSA members get a 50% discount on every entry into the Optical Suppliers directory (just £12/yr) and further discounts on e-blasts to over 5000 opticians. Become a Opchat Banner sponsor or Headline sponsor for greater discounts. full details here Take a look on www.opchatnews.com to see how you might benefit from sponsorship and keep up to date with Independent Optical and Hearing News

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