Happy 2016 to all OAC
Optician members!
Opticianry is alive and well. The sky
did not fall and the entire world has
not collapsed into a sea of digital
health care. Is there such a thing as a
virtual pair of glasses yet? Either way,
96 percent of all vision care consumers
are using the services of an ECP when
choosing solutions to their visualneeds. Yes, the world has changed and
will continue to change. There is no
doubt that the internet is a factor in
many purchases and service selections
in today’s world. All Opticians realize
that they need an online presence in
some way to ensure that their name is
out there. Marketing over the internet
is an obvious no brainer. In the opinion
of some, we must act now; we are
doomed if we don’t go to court immediately and prevent technology from
advancing or creeping into our profession. Robots will eventually take our
jobs, we are told. All of this adverse
talk distracts us from our purpose.
Our job is to deliver VISION CARE.
We will always be needed to do so if
we continue to educate ourselves
and are diligent in our service to the
public. All of the technology will
become tools in our toolbox.
I am personally growing weary of
the “sky is falling” attitude of a few.
Business is good for independent
Opticians who have a business model
that is competitive and provide outstanding service. Those that utilize
the new marketing methods will
thrive and continue to evolve our
profession. Chains and box stores are
expanding services and locations.
Opticians are required and are, quite
frankly, in short supply. The caveat
here is that Opticians have to be employable. Be the best we can be. That
is how we are sure to be a valuable
36 Optical Prism | January 2016
asset to any company - even our own.
Education and trend awareness is the
key to success. Performance depends
on the individual and their talent. Get
trained in management, get trained
in marketing… this is required in
today’s world to ensure our profession
remainshealthy and evolves with
time.
We as Opticians are in great shape for
2016. The eyewear industry has been
identified as a potential market for
growth. Let’s let go of any negativity
for the 2016 year and focus on this
growth! If we want something to
focus on, lets go after the single vision
market … aggressively. Offer a value
proposition. Great service usually wins
out but it must be complimented
with an incredible product for an
excellent price.
The Opticians Association of Canada
is here for you. We are a knowledge
house of information. We can help
Opticians identify areas of education
required to attain the next level. Our
bank of referrals for companies and
services is endless. Our opportunities
for networking are amazing. Join up
and/or renew right away and utilize
the positive energy of thousands of
Opticians who believe that working
together for our profession is the
best way to go.
Robert Dalton, Executive Director
Opticians Association of Canada