Message from the CEO
New Orleans, July 2002. World Council of Optometry (WCO) General Delegates Meeting .The Executive Director had called for the acceptance of the Palestinian Authority as members of the WCO. Dead silence.
In the middle of the room were two groups of Optometrists, embracing. The Israeli contingent and the Palestinian Contingent. The Israelis had nominated the Palestinians – carried unanimously.
The role of Optometry extends beyond all borders and boundaries .The need for appropriate eye care and the power of unity are forces that cannot be underestimated, well illustrated by the recognition of Optometry by the World Health Organization as an equal partner in. March 2006
In South Africa, the profession of Optometry is well poised to establish itself as the
primary eye care profession, in terms of expertise and infrastructure .The recent approval by the HPCSA in principle for therapeutics to be included within the Scope of Practice for Optometry is one major step in the right direction.
Indeed there are many challenges facing the profession with the SAOA well positioned to address the interests and protect the rights of optometrists throughout South Africa The approval of the SAOA submission for the Reference Price List by the Dept Health , the withdrawal from selling contact lenses by Dischem Pharmacies , police action against non registered persons for the performance of professional acts , availability of CPD activities , facilitation of affordable eye care delivery for the needy , liaison with medical schemes and administrators , position statements , marketing programmes , an extensive pool of expertise , outstanding indemnity cover etc , are but a few examples of SAOA membership benefits.
The driving force of the SAOA is the needs of our membership .There is no other mandate or vested interest. The marriage of professional unity and eye care needs of the public is a formula which can only result in the profession growing from strength to strength………….with Vision in Sight
Best Wishes
Harry Rosen
