100% Optical Report
OSA, the voice of the optical industry, held a 100% Optical review meeting with Closer Still, the new owners of the annual event, last week. Providing exhibitors with the opportunity to voice their views and suggestions, it was timely, being so close to the three-day London show.
Roy Stoner, OSA Chair, thanked Rob Chapman, Commercial Director of Closer Still, for coming along to the Euston Meeting for the open conversation –
“OSA members represent the largest cohort of exhibitors at 100% Optical and Closer Still are keen to learn more about expectations for the 2026 show. We are working together to ensure that the considerable investment that is made to bring the optical community together brings optimum outcomes for all parties in 2026.”
Education and CPD timing, re-booking stand arrangements and pre-show marketing were addressed. With an ambition to grow the show, Rob spoke of the importance of engaging all aspects of the optical community and the need to provide a higher profile for the equipment manufacturers investing in the show.
Employment Advice
Also at the Euston meeting were HR Solutions, the member benefit company for OSA members. For optical businesses – large and small – the rapidly evolving landscape is a potential minefield, but thanks to this OSA benefit, much can be outsourced to professional help. Implications of the new Employment Rights Bill were outlined by HR Solutions Consultant Chinwe Inyamah –
“This is the biggest shake up in employment law for decades, with the Bill likely to become law by July. Implications for employers or businesses of every size are significant in terms of:
*Contracts
*Pay and Benefits
*Family leave
*Industrial Relations
*Enforcement”
Under the new Labour government some 16 new reforms may be enforced this year, such as the ban on fire and rehire practices, with the remaining reforms expected in 2026 including Unfair Dismissal becoming a Day 1 Right. Chinwe encouraged OSA delegates to examine their business strategies, operational working practices and costs –
“There is a need for establishing robust procedures and perhaps new training for employees. Businesses need to prepare for change, to stay informed, to look at having an impact assessment, review employee value propositions, to have a workplace audit and to develop a strategic HR plan.”
This valuable member benefit provides three 30-minute telephone consultations for each OSA member every year, plus a comprehensive library of contracts and downloadable advice for every HR question.
“We keep a record of member calls so that we can pick up again with any ongoing issues. We have an extensive knowledge base with specialist advice on all employment issues,” she added.
Opticare Innovations
The recently formed commercial OSA arm, Opticare Innovations, gave delegates the chance to ask about progress with the NHS relations, following the demise of NHS England, interoperability and standardisation of output for referrals from optical devices –
“There is fundamental change coming with care pathways and the OSA is seen as the organisation to go to for guidance on what is coming down the line with tech. The profession needs help with this and we are working closely with all parties to ensure the best outcome for patients, the profession and tech providers,” said Karl Jeebaun, CEO of Opticare innovations.
Green Charter
The pathway to a sustainable optical supply chain, the Green Charter – now supported by ABDO, and endorsed by the College of Optometrists for their members – was promoted with all member companies encouraged to engage with the pathway and the five levels of accreditation.
To find out more about joining the OSA contact mmacritchie@osa-uk.co.uk
(Pictured L-R: Andrew Yorke (Topcon), Amanda Higginbotham (Birmingham Optical), Chinwe Inyamah (HR Solutions), Tim Baker (BIB))