Member benefits and services

Membership of the South African Optometric Association gives rise to certain rights, privileges and benefits:

Accreditation of products and services
Suppliers of products and professional services can submit their credentials to the SAOA for formal accreditation and recognition. Product and service codes are issued for charging purposes.

Advertising in optiforum
Members may place professional notices free of charge in the Eye Spy section of Optiforum.

Advisory Committee
A pool of expertise is available to members with queries, covering a wide range of topics such as ethics, practice management, etc.

Alliances
Closer collaboration and alliances are constantly sought with other disciplines within the SA health care arena to strengthen the position of optometry and the SAOA in the industry.

Regional activities and services
The country is divided into a number of geographic areas. Members can participate in various regional activities such as meetings, CPD (Continued Professional Development), conferences and seminars, information updates and social functions. Professional networking is supported by a number of locally provided member services.
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Compulsory continued professional development
CPD is compulsory for optometrists and dispensing opticians. Optometrists must collect 25 CPD points per year and Dispensing Opticians need 15 points per year. The SAOA will be instituting a number of programmes, seminars and congresses to ensure that you can obtain these points.

Community service
The SAOA is driving a number of programmes and projects to ensure that South Africans enjoy the benefits of optometric services throughout the land. These services already include the Phelophepa train, Eye Sense for your Licence campaign and Right to Sight.

Clinical guidelines
Clinical guidelines are available which represent minimum standards of practice as a reference base for all stakeholders who include patients, medical aids and the profession itself.

Congress and membership tax reductions
Delegates are entitled to deduct their SAOA membership fees as well as expenses when attending local congresses which are registered with the SAOA.
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Credo
Members can request a copy of the Association’s credo which represents a visible commitment of the optometrist to ethical and professional practice.

Financial services
The SAOA has acquired the services of financial service consultants who provide advice on assurance and investment planning (including provident, pension and health care funds). These consultants also have access to specialist resources which can provide the professional with tax, strategic and financial systems planning.

Group purchasing benefits
Thanks to its collective bargaining power, the SAOA can obtain preferential rates from a wide range of suppliers of services and products, including cellular telephone companies, computers, couriers and many more.

Human resource assistance and development programmes
The SAOA is in a position to assist practices with programmes that include objective setting, people and relationships, activity plans, performance reviews, etc. In addition, the Directorate is involved in succession planning as well as the development of members who are interested in becoming involved in the Association’s matters.

International recognition
The SAOA maintains contact with the international optometric fraternity and is a member of the World Council of Optometry. This level of contact facilitates exchange of professional information, allows members to keep abreast of global trends and results in international recognition of the SA optometric profession. The input of the profession plays a significant role in shaping internationally recognised ethical guidelines.
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Indemnity insurance
The Association provides indemnity insurance cover of up to R2,5 million through an indemnity insurance company as part of the membership fee. Our offices are the first point of contact in the event of a claim, and you are guaranteed of a discreet service at all times.

Journals
Journals are an important source of practical information and trends. Publications such as “The South African Optometrist” are available through our offices.

Legal information and advice
Members can call on the SAOA for free legal information and advice on a range of professional matters.

Locum agency services
The Association’s web site and newsletter provide an efficient, professional service for the advertising of vacant posts and locum seekers.

Medical schemes
The South African Optometric Association dedicates much time to interact with medical schemes, managed care organisations, etc. to ensure that the value of optometric services is well entrenched. Mechanisms have been set up in the form of personal visits, group meetings and workshops to establish healthy communication channels, relationships and education where and when applicable.
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Marketing, public relations and communication
The Association devotes much energy and effort to the marketing of both optometry and the Association, resulting in projects such as the “Eye Sense for your Licence” campaign and Eye Care Awareness Week. The following communication mechanisms are available:
Network of expertise
The SAOA is a network of professionals with a common interest in optometry, and communication between the members keeps the profession alive. Complete membership lists are available via the SAOA office. Through the SAOA you have instant access to a wide variety of opinions, expertise and assistance.

Ombudsmen
The ombudsmen resolve in-practice issues by bridging communication gaps, viewing issues impartially and seeking a satisfactory solution to problems as quickly as possible. Contact Brian Sneag at (011) 660-5931 or Steve Goldberg at (011) 885-2543.

Code of ethics
The SAOA constitution includes a code of ethics that ensures standards of practice and a code of conduct for the profession.

Representation, negotiation and lobbying
A major category of activity for the SAOA is appropriate representation at all levels, including government, health professional councils and medical schemes. Issues such as the scope of optometry, public posts, etc. are high on the agenda.
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Short-term insurance
Vehicle, household and practice insurance products are available to meet the insurance needs of our members. Since insurance is a highly specialised area, delivery of these products is provided through broker networks.

Strategic planning
A major responsibility of the SAOA is to plan for the future on behalf of the optometric profession. A 3 to 5 year plan has been designed and is being implemented and monitored on a continuous basis.

Trade fairs
The Association’s relationship with wholesalers and suppliers is such that trade fairs are held every 2 years for the benefit of optometrists.

Codes and protocols
Codes are guidelines which represent a reference for bodies such as medical schemes, administrators and managed care organisations.

Skills development
In accordance with the Skills Development Act (97 of 1998), the SAOA is to institute learnership program for Optometric Assistants and Laboratory Staff. Benefits to employers include a grant back from the Health and Welfare Sector Education and training Authority (HWSETA), productivity improvement, greater staff flexibility and improved quality and standards.
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