MEMBERSHIP

In a changing and somewhat turbulent environment, the SAOA is the one and only voice to ensure that the optometrist is recognized as a force and that the rights and interests of optometrists are considered by legislators and policy makers. Success is based on the power of the collective.

In the quest to ensure meaningful benefits for members, the SAOA secured a comprehensive indemnity insurance policy at very reasonable rates. The indemnity insurance cover, as negotiated, remains an important membership benefit. Due to legislative changes, please be advised that payment arrangements will need to be between each individual member and the insurance broker. The SAOA is unable to pay on behalf of members. Moving forward therefore, the following points are to be noted:

1. Members are to be individually invoiced by the insurance brokers, CFP Brokers, who are authorised financial service providers.
2. The comprehensive cover provided at reduced rates remains a benefit only for SAOA members in good standing.
3. Members will be able to renew cover via the broker’s Medical Malpractice System: SAOA Medical Malpractice Scheme Policy | Cover4Profs - CFP Brokers
4. For more information or to contact CFP Brokers: https://cover4profs.co.za

Programmes are instituted to address perceptions of relevant stakeholders including the public on a deliberate, planned and sustained basis. This includes initiatives to promote ‘Feet through the door’.

SAOA members enjoy significantly reduced rates for attendances at seminars and conferences as well as for practice materials.

In addition, arrangements are made for preferential rates for SAOA members across a wide spectrum of services ranging from banking to car hire.

To ensure that our members are kept updated re developments within the profession of optometry and industry as a whole, SAOA has introduced a spectrum of mechanisms to educate and inform members in the form of publications, newsletters, meetings and annual conferences.

SAOA boasts a pool of expertise encompassing clinical, ethics, legal, practice management, etc. available to provide assistance and advice to members in various situations encountered in optometry practice.

- Regular updates via News Flashes and website postings

- Access to wide variety of online Journal subscriptions.

- World Council of Optometry and African Council of Optometry Platform