Page 26 - envision09-2020
P. 26
Special Report
“ People worried about safety are doing more
shopping online, which gives opticians
OPTICIANS STAYING an opportunity to provide more individually
targeted in-store service.
CONNECTED “
t a time when personal
interaction remains very
challenging, the Opticians
Association of Canada “We didn’t do much in June but July was pretty good. We’re still not back
A(OAC) has found a way to our normal numbers but every month feels more hopeful. At the same
to keep its members “in the loop”. time, we’re wary about a possible second wave of COVID-19 and trying
to be cautious about our spending.”
The organization’s new App,
OAC Connect, is available via Optician Doug Gaudet of Gaudet Optical in Halifax still takes occasional
tablets, phones and computers, and walk-ins but does most of his business by appointment. His sales have
will deliver all OAC webinars and fallen about 30 per cent year over year.
continuing education (CE) with a
simple click of a button. The many “We permanently laid off an office assistant, a student optician, and one
built-in features will provide access licensed optician, although we’re hoping to bring back our most senior
to the OAC’s library and help optician soon.”
opticians to stay in touch with The most difficult part of the situation is not knowing how to plan for
the organization and the industry in the future, Gaudet says. “It affects our buying, staffing and overall quality
general. of work life. Our clients, though, have been very supportive and
The OAC also partnered with the understanding, and an absolute delight to deal with, even with face
Ontario Opticians Association masks on!”
and The Optical Group to provide Safety concerns also mean that patients are doing a lot less in-store
members with two webcasts for browsing these days, says Dalton.
the price of one this fall. For $35,
opticians were able to attend “People worried about safety are doing more shopping online, which
the September 13 OAC Optical gives opticians an opportunity to provide more individually targeted
Summit (five CE-approved lectures) in-store service. When clients come in, it is usually to buy glasses. And
and the Ontario symposium (five that means the rate of conversion into sales should increase—perhaps to
CE-approved lectures) on October as much as 10 out of 12, rather than 10 out of 20.”
18.
In another move to reduce the amount of time patients spend in-store,
2021 will be a rebound year for opticians are increasingly performing some services via telephone or
opticians and the OAC, Dalton other secure electronic communication means.
predicts.
“By doing some preliminary tests online to get necessary information
“We hope Canadian opticians saw before clients come in, you can spend more quality time with them when
the value of our services during the you see them in person,” says Dalton.
lockdown. Among other things, the
OAC provided CE to both members While economic activity remains far below normal levels, there are some
and non-members free of charge encouraging signs.
during the pandemic. The
membership fee is an investment in “When optical practices reopened in May, there was a big spike in
their professional development.” eyeglass sales, due to pent-up demand. There’s also increased demand for
opticians across the country. We’re seeing lots of ads for opticians and
Change happens and we don’t industry people are coming to us looking to fill openings.”
get to control it, he adds. “We can
only manage it. People who master The fact that enrollment for the optical sciences program at NAIT
change management can pivot more (the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology) is at 2019 levels, is
easily. They’re the ones who survive another good sign. “That’s a leading indicator that the demand for
and thrive.” opticians remains high,” he notes. n
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24 / SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2020 / www.ENVISIONMAGAZINE.ca /
