A totally integrated eye health pathway, with the seamless integration of optometry and ophthalmology, was the clear message of the OSA’s AGM this month, as the supplier organization provides the infrastructure for the next decade.
Bringing together leaders from all optical professional bodies, OSA Chair, Roy Stoner, told delegates that the launch of the OSA’s commercial arm – Opticare Innovations – would drive the adoption of E-Health technologies and maximize cooperative working for the benefit of patients.
Speaking at the Bloomsbury Hotel, in London, he said, “We are moving towards a totally integrated pathway for eye health, accessible via facilities anywhere in the UK, and sitting within the NHS framework. For the past 18 months, we have been working closely with all aspects of the patient journey to better eye health, with remote monitoring of ocular conditions. This includes the NHS, and we are set to play a greater role in ensuring full interoperability with DICOM compatible device and standards facilitated by our suppliers.
“Remote care systems are really taking off in the US and we are not far behind – we are ensuring that the profession is best placed to capitalize on new technological advances.”
Green Charter
Hand-in-hand with fewer hospital and clinic visits is the drive to a more sustainable optical supply chain, with efficiencies being identified at every turn
“We have been working with our colleagues in the profession to provide five levels of the Green Charter which will exceed the expectations of the NHS’s Evergreen sustainable supplier assessment. Both ABDO and the College of Optometrists are working with us to ensure that the supply of vision correction products and eyecare is delivered in the greenest way possible. Some of our members are already working towards achieving Level 2” expressed Roy Stoner.
GfK Report
Supporting its members to achieve the broadest possible insight, the OSA commissioned a market data report on eyewear sales – both past and expected, delivered by GfK Consultant, Paul York.
Tracking frame sales to September 2024, Paul set this against the backdrop of the broader retail market GfK consumer confidence barometer, with post-Covid and post-election indicators.
Monthly frames sales, excluding sunglasses, were broken down between multiples and independent opticians. “They have never recovered to pre-COVID sales levels, but we cannot be sure if this is due to a percentage of sales moving online or if people are delaying their purchases,” said Paul.
With an average price of £78, frame sales are on track to break the 12m per annum piece mark by the close of 2024 but will remain lower than pre-Covid levels. Independents were shown to hold around 20% of the market but deliver a higher-than-average frame price.
“Independents have certainly made more gains post-pandemic,” said Paul. “There is a consistent trend of premiumization, and towards acetates, with innovation driving much of the consumer growth.”
For the future, Paul guided delegates to look at eyewear integrating audio-enhancing devices, with an expected greater uptake due to a greater acceptance over the wearing of conventional hearing aids. He also emphasized the greater significance of more ecologically sound products and bio acetates. GfK reported a 36% upturn in these products in European markets in 2023 over 2022 – and, although still small, they are set to become a significant element very soon.
New OSA Members
With 25 new OSA members during the past three years, it is revealing just how important being part of the all-encompassing supply chain has become.
“The opportunity to learn from other companies, who may be looking at similar challenges and opportunities, is very evident. While we are attracting new members across all sectors of the supply chain, the greatest growth reveals that almost one-third of our members are engaged in technology. E-Health is undoubtedly the fastest growing sector” said Roy.
Regulatory Advice
Roy paid tribute to the excellent service provided to members by the OSA’s regulatory consultancy which saves members many hours and considerable cost with regular and optically specific updates of the regulatory landscape in Europe and internationally.
Reinforcing closer links with European colleagues, the OSA is to host sister European optical business group leaders, via the EUROM 1 platform, in London in June 2025.
“We are taking our rightful place amongst our European colleagues, having been a little quiet in recent years,” added Roy.
About OSA
The OSA is the Optical Suppliers Association. Providing innovation, insight, knowledge, and training for the whole of the UK optical industry. The OSA supports a wide range of activities that benefit the sector as a whole and the people who work within it.
The OSA recognizes the complete optical supply chain, providing a thriving network for companies involved in all aspects of manufacturing, distribution, and supply of lenses, frames, ophthalmic instruments, and equipment, contact lenses, consumables, and accessories, as well as shopfitters and providers of IT and business services to optical practices
