The Federation of Manufacturing Opticians has rebranded as the Optical Suppliers Association (OSA) and outlined plans to work in closer collaboration with other associations.
A website has been launched and new benefits have been created for members, including a partnership with ABDO, alongside a new fee structure from March.
Stuart Burn, chair of the OSA, said: ‘The reason for name change is to better convey exactly who we are and what we stand for. Our revised mission statement reinforces our message and our financial restructure gives us the platform to re-energise the association and provide the financial muscle to deliver lasting tangible support to optical suppliers and their staff.’
He added that the association would redouble its efforts to work more collaboratively with other industry organisations, which had become more important after Brexit.
The OSA noted that 2020 was a challenging year and that it had taken steps to ensure it could deliver support to members and the wider optical industry.
It highlighted that the sale of Optrafair and backing of a single exhibition had proved popular and the relocation of its joint offices with ABDO and FODO would enable it better support members.
Andy Hepworth, vice chair of the OSA, said: ‘It was clear we needed to reset what the OSA will deliver onto the membership. There is clear strength in unity within the optical bodies and I am certain the OSA will offer significant support.’
