OSA – EMPOWERING THE PROFESSION

By Roy Stoner, OSA Chairman

Sustainability in optics will underpin all aspects of the supply chain to a far greater extent in 2023. The foundations have been set and expectations are high for adaptation of the OSA Green Charter and the four levels of accountability. Our members provide the frames, lenses, diagnostic and treatment technologies upon which clinicians rely.  We take the responsibility seriously and the work which has gone into refining the Green Charter is considerable.  Throughout 2023 we will highlight the very best innovations and ideas that our members have demonstrated to create a carbon net zero sector.

Leadership in sustainability is matched with an equal commitment to provide the highest level of professional accountability in the adaptation of new diagnostic and treatment technologies. The use of AI is fundamental to progress in all healthcare sectors and optometry and ophthalmology is no exception, but we must ensure that the profession can refer and diagnose with confidence in our increasingly litigious world. Currently a lack of confidence is holding back the advance of technology and we are committed to address this with our members, who lead the sector.

Underpinning these two important initiatives – and a host of other technologies – is a tremendous degree of goodwill and co-operation. We are committed to working together to achieve the very best outcomes for the entire sector – and most importantly, the patients we serve.