“E-health is the future” says OSA

OSA chair, Roy Stoner (right), with Paul York of GfK

A totally integrated eye health pathway, with the seamless integration of optometry and ophthalmology, was the clear message conveyed at the Optical Suppliers Association’s (OSA) recent AGM in London.

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 maximise co-operative working for the benefit of patients.

Speaking at the Bloomsbury Hotel, London, Roy 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 capitalise on new technological advances.”

Addressing the drive to a more sustainable optical supply chain, Roy continued: “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.”

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 optical practices.

Paul explained: “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.”

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 would remain lower than pre-Covid levels, Paul added. Independents were shown to hold around 20 per cent of the market but delivered “a higher-than-average frame price”.

“Independents have certainly made more gains post-pandemic,” said Paul. “There is a consistent trend of ‘premiumisation’, 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 wearing of conventional hearing aids. He also emphasised a greater significance for more ecologically sound products and bio acetates. GfK reported a 36 per cent upturn in these products in European markets in 2023 over 2022.

Some 25 new members have joined the OSA during the past three years, the meeting heard, with almost one third of members now engaged in e-health technology.

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.

The AGM was followed by 80 or so OSA members and their guests joining with leaders of the optical community and optical journalists for the OSA Christmas lunch.