Our members regularly have some great ideas that would benefit all members and will also sometimes have concerns about what is happening in the profession (or the organisation) and what action (if any) your organisation (or the OSA Board) is taking. We hear these ideas and concerns when we are out and about, but welcome them anytime and encourage you please to let us know. We exist for our members and welcome your feedback at any time.
For an informal chat
Please contact Libby Boschen (our CEO) who will be happy to listen to your ideas and concerns and explain the current status. More often than not, Libby will have additional facts and information that she can share and will also be able to explain exactly what the organisation's official position is and what action they are taking.
Libby can be contacted either at the Optometry South Australia office or on her mobile (0427 970 565) and will happily receive your calls outside of consulting hours for your convenience.
If your concern relates to an issue that you would prefer not to discuss with Libby, then please contact our President or any other OSA Board members to discuss in the first instance.
For a formal response from Council
There may be times when your concern (or suggestion) warrants formal attention from the South Australian State Board. Libby (or a Board member) may recommend this after talking with you, or you may choose to move to a more formal approach if you feel that the information Libby (or the Board member) has provided has not satisfied your concern.
In this case, please advise Libby (or the Board member) of your concern in writing, with a request that it be tabled at the next Board meeting for consideration. Libby (or the Board Member) may request further information and clarification which may be needed to assist the OSA Board in its considerations and we ask that you also provide this in writing.
You can of course request to meet with the Board and present your case in person, but papers will still be needed in advance.
Join a Committee
At any time, the organisation has a number of Committees who are tasked by Council with advising the CEO and/or Council on specific issues. Each Committee is chaired by a Council member, has its own terms of reference and operating protocols and may be permanent or temporary, depending on the issue resulting in their formation. Committee members may be from Council and/or general membership.
If any of the topics take your interest, we welcome your application to participate.
Current Committees include:
- Continuing Professional Development (advisory and planning committee for SA Blue Sky Congress and CPD events throughout the year)
- Member Engagement Committe
- Early Career Optometrists Committee
How Optometry Australia and Optometry South Australia work together
Optometry South Australia (along with other state bodies) is affiliated wth Optometry Australia (the national body). Optometry South Australia pays a capitation fee to the Optometry Australia on an annual basis to resource their delivery of core benefits to SA members including (but not limited to):
- Advocacy to the Australian government in Canberra (e.g. Medicare Schedule, Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, DVA)
- Comprehensive Professional Indemnity Insurance and advice
- Professional advice on clinical standards, Medicare, professional conduct
- CPD compliance monitoring, auditing and reporting
- Advantage Program benefits
- Marketing of optometry to the general public and other health professions
- Optometry news, business ideas and clinical journals
The South Australian Division delivers a complimentary service at a local level, including:
- Advocacy to the South Australian Government
- Advice and information on state-specific legislation relevant to optometry
- Local CPD and information events
- Tailored advice for individual members on an as-needs basis
- Specific projects to deliver strategies beneficial to optometry & our SA members