Andre Roos made his mark on the profession of Optometry, having served the profession in a number of capacities over the years including  President of the SAOA (1996) and Chairperson of the Coding Committee.

Andre lived life to the full, from being an avid biker to a photographer, and was a proud dad to his three sons. As per the notification received from the’ Roos Clan’, Andre graduated peacefully to Heaven on Saturday morning 18 September 2021. Our condolences and wishes are extended to his wife, Ina and family. May he rest in peace.

 

Friend and colleague, Godwin Ljeah passed away on 15 September 2021 having contracted the dreaded Covid 19 virus.

Godwin touched the lives of many individuals. He was always positive, always complimentary and always eager to assist. In particular, Godwin valued being part of the SAOA group in the Western Cape and, indeed a proud member of the profession of optometry, at large. He will be sorely missed.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. RIP, Godwin.

There has been an upsurge in the sale of contact lenses and spectacles by non-registered parties. When such illegal sales are brought to our attention, the guilty parties are first confronted by ourselves, and should there be no or an unsatisfactory response, the matter is referred to the HPCSA Inspectorate and police.

To view correspondence sent to the non-registered parties concerned, such as TAKEALOT, click here.

CLICK HERE TO READ REGULATIONS DEFINING SCOPE OF PRACTICE.
CLICK HERE TO READ CLINICAL GUIDELINES FOR FITTING OF CONTACT LENSES. 

 

The relationship between the professional Association and regulator is a symbiotic one and bilateral engagements between the two bodies are regarded as extremely important.

Whilst there is continuous engagement between the SAOA and the Chairperson of the PBODO to address urgent matters of relevance to the professions of optometry and dispensing opticianry,  a meeting between the SAOA Board and the PBODO  is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 22 September 2021. Agenda items include online sale of optical devices, tele-optometry, expanded scope of practice, dispensing opticianry, Non-Government Organisations, mobile practices, amongst others. Members will receive feedback after the meeting.

 SAOA AND ROAD TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT CORPORATION (RTMC) TO COLLABORATE

 

The month of October is National Transport Month which overlaps with Eye Care Awareness Month. The SAOA and RTMC  have agreed that collaboration between the two bodies will be of great value to members of the public with emphasis to be placed on the significant link between driver vision and road safety. Plans will be shared with members, once finalised.

In addition, the RTMC is in the process of reviewing the way forward regarding the issue of driver licences and related protocols currently in place, which includes driver screening by optometrists. Once again, the RTMC have expressed their intent to work with the SAOA in addition to collaboration with the HPCSA. At this time, changes to the current system are in the very early stages, with no amendment envisaged in the foreseeable future. Members, of course, will continue to be updated should there be any developments in this regard.

 HEALTH FUNDERS ASSOCIATION POSITION STATEMENT ON NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE BILL

 

The Health Funders Association (HFA), the representative organisation for medical schemes, administrators and managed care organisations, has presented its position on the NHI Bill of 2019 to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health. In its presentation, the HFA pledges support for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for all South Africans and commits to contributing constructively to the health system strengthening and building a sustainable and integrated health system for the country.

The industry body, which represents 50% of total medical scheme principal members, emphasises the urgency of achieving UHC, given the country’s level of economic development, poor health outcomes relative to economic peers, and its complex and shifting the burden of disease. Lerato Mosiah, CEO of HFA, states that rather than implement NHI as a single-payer system as proposed in the Bill, consideration should be given to utilising elements of the existing health system to provide access to quality healthcare for all South Africans, calling on the Government to use the establishment of the NHI framework to put in place the reforms necessary for integrating medical schemes into the NHI rather than limiting their role, as this will adversely affect access and cost of cover.

 

The overwhelming majority of South African doctors (92%) believe healthcare workers must be in an environment where they can admit errors, apologise and learn from mistakes without fear of personal recrimination if patient safety is to be continuously improved.

This is according to a survey of 590 doctors, carried out by the medical risk insurer, Medical Protection Society (MPS), which has more than 30,000 healthcare professionals as members in South Africa.

MPS said the survey results bring into sharp focus the need for the government and healthcare leaders to aid a shift to a more open, learning culture in healthcare, where healthcare professionals are supported to discuss and learn from mistakes, and patients are subsequently better protected and better informed in the future.

To view the full article, click here.

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Neuro-optometric Examination & Eye related Neurological conditions and Management

Date: Thursday 7 October 2021 | Time: 18h30 to 20h30
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