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OSI 2023 Western Canadian Summit: Fostering Community Spirit and Enriching Exchanges Among Members

OSI Group logo

From June 9 to 11, optometrists, opticians, clinic staff, and partnered suppliers throughout Western Canada gathered for OSI’s Western Canadian Summit in Richmond, BC. The event focused on fostering community spirit and facilitating enriching exchanges among independent eye care professionals.

The Summit featured learning sessions targeting opticians, optometric assistants, staff, managers, and ODs, catering to the wide spectrum of OSI members’ needs. Opticians, optometric assistants, and staff gained valuable insights and knowledge to enhance performance, while managers and ODs benefited from dedicated workshops addressing emerging industry challenges and opportunities.

In his opening remarks, OSI President and CEO Patrice Lacoste emphasized the importance of community and collaboration, reaffirming OSI’s mission to remain the preferred business partner of independent clinics.

Owner of Alberta’s Blink Eyewear optometry clinics, Dr. Alisha Adatia expresses her enthusiasm, “I’m thrilled to have participated in my fourth OSI Summit. The warm welcome and enriching discussions made me feel like an integral part of a supportive community. The topics covered were insightful, and my conversations with peers were endlessly inspiring.”

Among the Summit’s many to-dos were sessions led by industry experts, including Nancy Dewald and Gloria Di Francesco, both well-known to OSI Members. On the marketing front, Nancy addressed topics such as increasing capture rate, average purchase per patient, and visual merchandising. Gloria’s talk focused on workplace communication with different personality styles. These COPE Accredited sessions equipped members with practical strategies for success, all malleable to their clinics’ realities.

Amid the engaging sessions, attendees enjoyed lively networking opportunities where they reconnected with suppliers and peers. The tradeshow was a Summit highlight that celebrated the products, services, and new technologies. Meanwhile, evenings were filled with camaraderie and entertainment, including cocktails, a live band, a DJ, and a comedy show. Whether during work or play, OSI Member interactions promoted an exchange of ideas and experiences that strengthened professional bonds.

OSI is headed to its National Summit in Toronto from November 17 to 19 at the Westin Harbour Castle.

Click HERE for the full press release.

CAO President’s Award to Dr. Debbie Jones

CAO President's Award for Dr. Debbie Jones

The Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) has named Debbie Jones, BSc, FCOptom, FAAO, FBCLA, as its 2023 President’s Award recipient. The organization’s highest honor was conferred in recognition for her significant contributions to pediatric vision care, myopia control, and optometry education.

Dr. Jones is a clinical professor at the School of Optometry & Vision Science, University of Waterloo, and a lead clinical scientist with the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE). Dr. Harry Bohnsack, CAO president, and Dr. Michael Nelson, CAO past president, presented the award during the 2023 CAO Congress opening ceremony in Quebec City.

Organizers noted Dr. Jones’ leadership in children’s eye health spanning 25 years, including widespread acknowledgement as a key opinion leader and in-demand conference speaker.

Last year, she authored CAO’s position paper on myopia, making Canada the first country to declare that myopia management should be standard of care for all children. They also acknowledged her impact in the classroom and clinic, having worked with more than 2,000 optometry students during her tenure at the University of Waterloo.

“It’s such an honor to be given the President’s Award, but this really isn’t about me. This shines a spotlight on the importance of academic and research optometrists. It’s also about the CAO’s foresight and progressive thinking surrounding myopia prevalence.

The Association’s myopia management position paper took a stand like no country before it—something about which all optometrists in Canada should be proud,” said Dr. Jones.

Dr. Jones was nominated by Dr. Marlee Spafford, professor and special advisor to the Provost at the School of Optometry & Vision Science, University of Waterloo.

Serving Indigenous Communities Better
Click to View Profile of Dr. Jone’s work with indigenous peoples.

Dr. Jones’ work with Canada’s Oji-Cree community in a remote area of Northern Ontario peoples was featured in a recent article in Optik Magazine.

GIGI Studios Presents Its Collaboration with El Silencio Ibiza

GIGI Studios presents its collaboration with El Silencio Ibiza for the summer of 2023. A multidisciplinary action inspired by the Ibizan sunset and the duality of an island that moves between the calm of the day and the frenzy of the night. The collaboration has materialised in a capsule collection of three limited edition sunglasses, which will be available in the pop-up store built in El Silencio Ibiza and the brand’s website during the action.

The different gradations of Ibiza’s light can be found in the three acetate models specially launched for this capsule: RAY, OMBRA and GOLDEN. The collection has been worked on intensively to achieve the most representative colours of the Mediterranean sunset and the Calm & Ecstasy concept, which aims to show the two souls of the island.

POP-UP Store

The first pop-up store of GIGI Studios will be open during the whole summer season without interruption at the entrance of El Silencio Ibiza, just opposite the swimming pool. From 12 pm to 10 pm at the pop-up store, the capsule collection will be available alongside a selection of the brand’s most iconic and representative sunglasses.

The pop-up has been designed by the interior designer Isern Serra’s team, one of the most renowned in Barcelona. The colours and materials give continuity to the tribute to the sun and the Mediterranean. The circles and the clean and luminous colours are part of Serra’s essence.

The Oracle, Immersive Art Curated by GIGI Studios

Artist and music producer Dan Ghenacia and the Alpha Wave Experience collective will present their installation, The Oracle, at El Silencio, an immersive artwork curated by GIGI Studios. This remarkable piece constitutes a journey into the viewer’s interior, thanks to the lamps inspired by The Dreamachine —a 1960s light installation by one of the most renowned representatives of the beat generation, Bryon Gysin. The artwork can be visited daily during the summer, from 12 pm to 10 pm.

Source: GIGI Studios

First Fit Plus™ Launches A Revolutionary Tool For Precision Seg Heights

FirstFit

First Fit Plus ensures every customer has the best experience when ordering and wearing prescription eyeglasses or sunglasses, while helping the practice save time and money by eliminating costly remakes and increase patient satisfaction.

Ponce Inlet Florida, 2023 – First Fit Plus, designer and manufacturer of the First Fit Plus multi tool is excited to announce the launch of a revolutionary and affordable device that will provide the patient with an outstanding customer experience of expertly fit glasses/sunglasses, while allowing the expertise and professionalism of the eye care professional to stand out.



First Fit Plus for Precise Seg Height measurements

The First Fit Plus fitting tool allows the eye care professional to measure progressive seg heights quickly and easily with exact precision, without ever having the view the patient’s pupil or remove sunglass lenses.

The patent pending viewing slot virtually eliminates parallax errors and pupil height guesswork. No sharpies, no rulers and no fussy gadgets. Made from high grade, laser cut aluminum with engraved markings and coated finish for life long durability and good hygiene.

This versatile multi tool also has a built in flat top measuring gauge as well as temple adjustment grooves to bend temples with ease while taking pressure off the eye care professional’s finger tips.

“Precise pupil heights for progressive lenses and monocular PD’s are the most important measurements to ensure an outstanding visual experience and build patients for life,” said Renato Cappuccitti, president and inventor of First Fit Plus. “Today’s progressive lenses are a big investment and poorly fit glasses not only lead to costly remakes and increased chair time, but the inconvenience of having patients return for remakes, even when done at no charge, will ultimately lead to a decrease in patient confidence and overall patient retention. In today’s competitive retail environment, providing an outstanding experience the first time is imperative to building patients for life and generating word of mouth. First Fit Plus gets it right the first time.”


First Fit Plus is the culmination of dedicating a career to optics and a passion for providing eyeglass wearers with an exceptional customer experience and expertly fit glasses. This passion includes years of training fellow novice and seasoned eye care professionals in optics and how to properly use the tools of the trade.
For more information, please visit www.firstfitplus.com

OptikTECH Industry news brings up to date information on new products and services in the Canadian Eye Care Market. Information is provided by manufacturers and/or service providers and is published at the descretion of OptikNOW editorial staff. For consideration, send press releases to editorial@Vuepoint.ca.

View recent OptikTECH news releases.

Exciting Summer Special Pricing at Optik ConEd: Get Certified CE at $4.99 per Course

OptikConEd.com, a leading provider of certified Continuing Education (CE) courses for Canadian Opticians, is thrilled to announce the launch of their Summer Special pricing.

Until July 31, selected courses are available at an incredible price of only $4.99 per 1-hour accredited course, a significant discount from the regular price of $12.95.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to enhance your knowledge and skills while saving big! Read on to discover the benefits of Optik ConEd and the exciting “Pass it Forward” CE program.

Flexible Online Learning:
Optik ConEd, understands that busy schedules can make it challenging to attend in-person courses. That’s why all our courses are available online, allowing you to learn at your own pace and convenience.

Whether you prefer to study in the comfort of your home or during a break at work, 24/7 access ensures that you can access the courses anytime, anywhere. Stay ahead in your profession while balancing your personal and professional commitments effortlessly.

Accredited Courses:
Optik ConEd takes pride in offering high-quality courses that are accredited by NACOR (National Association of Canadian Optician Regulators) and the College of Opticians of Ontario.

Our comprehensive course catalog covers a wide range of topics, including the latest advancements in opticianry, lens technologies, ocular diseases, and more. Each course is designed to provide valuable insights and practical knowledge that will empower you to excel in your career.

Summer Special Pricing:
We believe that professional development should be accessible to all opticians. That’s why we are excited to offer our Summer Special pricing of $4.99 per 1-hour accredited course on selected courses. Take advantage of this incredible opportunity to expand your knowledge and earn valuable Continuing Education credits . Don’t wait too long though, as this special pricing is available only until July 31st.

“Pass it Forward” CE Program:
In addition to the Summer Special pricing, Optik ConEd presents the innovative “Pass it Forward” CE program. We believe in the power of sharing knowledge and fostering a supportive community of opticians.

Participating in the program is easy and rewarding. Simply forward our email to your optician friend, and for each colleague you pass along the information, you will earn 10 points.

Once you reach 50 points, you will be rewarded with 1-hour of Free CE credit at Optik ConEd. It’s a win-win situation: you earn credits for yourself while helping your colleagues stay updated with their CE credits. 

How to Participate in the “Pass it Forward” CE Program?  
Ready to learn, earn CE credits, and pass it forward?

Simply click on the above banner or click here to participate in the “Pass it Forward” CE program. OptikConEd will send you an email and you simply forward the email using the “forward to friend” link to your Optical colleagues.

We encourage you to spread the word and invite your fellow opticians to join us on this incredible journey of continuous learning and professional growth.

With our Summer Special pricing of $4.99 per 1-hour accredited course and the exciting “Pass it Forward” CE program, there has never been a better time to invest in your professional development.  

Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to upgrade your skills, earn valuable CE credits, and strengthen the optician community. Visit OptikConEd.com today and embark on a journey of lifelong learning.

Post is sponsored by OptikConEd.com

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