About the SAOA & memberships

The SAOA's website is currently under construction. This page will provide you with important information in the interim. We apologise for any resultant inconvenience.

ABOUT US

The South African Optometric Association is a professional association, registered as a non-profit company,  which  represents the professions of optometry and dispensing opticianry in South Africa.

 

The driving force of  the SAOA is  the interests of its members which are accommodated by way of advocacy programmes , professional development, the promotion of high ethical standards and support of its membership.

 

The SAOA is recognised as the official home of  the optometrist  in SA; in essence, the hub of knowledge, information   and reference source for all optometry  related matters including the ‘Find an Optometrist facility’ i.e. The official mouthpiece on behalf of SAOA members

 

 SAOA comprises a team of full time and part time individuals with a varying range of expertise and experience dedicated only to accommodating the needs of  members and the professions

 
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MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
 

A menu of services and benefits are available to SAOA members across the spectrum of environments in which optometrists and dispensing opticians provide their professional services and encompasses all practice modalities.  Such benefits include:

Protect Rights to Practice

In a changing, somewhat turbulent environment, 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.

CPD  

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 an annual conference.     

Indemnity Insurance

SAOA membership automatically includes extensive cover in the event of a complaint being lodged against the practitioner for alleged professional negligence, public liability, HPCSA related matters, Consumer Protection Act, criminal acts, etc.

Member Hotline - Advice and Guidance

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

Marketing/PR  

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’.  

News and Views

- Regular updates via News Flashes and website postings - view recent editions here

- Access to wide variety of online Journal subscriptions.

- World Council of Optometry and African Council of Optometry Platform

Preferential Rates

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.

MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES & RATES

2019/2020 SUBS (INCL VAT)

 

Associate: Ocularist  - R1 150. 00

Dispensing Optician - R2 000.00

Full: 1st year self-employed (Private) - R2 400.00

1st Year Employed Public - R1 500.00

Academic - R1 430.00

Employed Optometrists - Private - R3 440.00

Employed Optometrists - Public - R1 951.00

Non-Resident / Non Practicing - R1 150.00

Part - Time Optometrist - R3 200.00

Full: Practicing - R5 630.00

1st Year Self Employed - R3 440.00

Full: Senior 70+ - R349.00

Full: Senior 65+ (Practice & Employed) - R800.00

Student - N/A

 
NEWSFLASHES

Through regular electronic Newsflashes we keep our members up to date on news related to the optometry industry. View our recent past editions by clicking the links below. 

28 August - National Women's Month, Online prescription eyewear, Illegally operating etc.- view here

25 August - National Women's Month, SAOA statements, Essential Services etc.- view here

14 August - National Women's Month, Eye sense, Employment equity etc.- view here

30 July - Essential Services, Farewell, Medical schemes etc.- view here

27 July - Mandela Day, Covid info, POPIA, HPCSA|PPN etc.- view here

16 July - Online Eye Exams, PSCSA|PPN Update, Eye Care awareness month etc. - view here

13 July - Academic Excellence, Memberships, PBODO, SAOA/SECO Partnership etc. - view here

29 June - Farewell to stalwart, Cataract Awareness, Codes for PPE, Pharma Permits etc. - view here

22 June - Live CPD Webinars, Driver Certificate Screening, Covid-19 - vulnerable employees - view here

15 June - Pharmaceutical Permits, Member Benefits, SECO, Covid-19 - view here

 
 
CONTACT US
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