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

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
2022 SAOA FEE STRUCTURE (Including VAT)
CATEGORIES
Full Practising Member
1st year Employed (Public)
1st year Employed (Private)
Non-resident /Non-practising
Employed Optometrists - Public
Employed Optometrists - Private
Dispensing Opticians
Senior Member 65+ (Practice & Employed)
Part Time Optometrists
Academic
Full Senior 70+ (New)
1st Year Self Employed
Ocularists
ANNUALLY
R 5 252,00
R 1 122,00
R 2 022,00
R 1 150,00
R 1 573,00
R 3 062,00
R 1 622,00
R 422,00
R 2 822,00
R 1 430,00
R 0,00
R 3 062,00
R 772,00
MONTHLY FEE
R437,67
R93,50
R168,50
R95,83
R131,08
R255,17
R135,17
R35,17
R235,17
R119,17
R 0,00
R255,17
R64,33
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.
25 November - Nomination Notice, Membership Fees, Indemnity Insurance, etc.- view here
12 November - Revised SAOA Procedural Codes, Indemnity Insurance, etc.- view here
6 November - Indemnity Insurance, Tribute, Therapeutics, Memorandum, etc.- view here
22 October - Award for Cape Town Clinic, New OHS Directive for Workplaces, Farewell, etc.- view here
8 October - Forthcoming Events, WTP Study, COVID-19 Ministerial Committee, etc.- view here
29 September - SAOA Statement, Survey Results, Eye Care Awareness Month, etc.- view here
18 September - Eye Care Awareness Month Survey, HMI, Retrenchments, etc.- view here
11 September - Private Practice Committee, CMS, NHI Bill, etc.- view here
1 September - National Women's Month, Tribute to Heads of Departments, etc.- view here
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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Membership applications, renewals, details etc: Naledi - admin@saoa.co.za
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Driver Certificate orders: Naledi - orders@saoa.co.za
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Finance: Maserame or Mildred - finance@saoa.co.za or accounts1@saoa.co.za
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Medical Schemes or CPD: Ntombi - ppadmin@saoa.co.za
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Membership Benefits: Noko Thema - marketing@saoa.co.za
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Outstanding or pending matters: Michelle - operations@saoa.co.za