What three things can your state opticians association do to attract/retain your membership?
No rants, please. I'm looking for solid, acheiveable actions.
What three things can your state opticians association do to attract/retain your membership?
No rants, please. I'm looking for solid, acheiveable actions.
Training programs that really teach something (as opposed to selling the latest and greatest progressive.) Things like frame repair, adjustment and fit for varying anatomy (ears, noses, etc.),. Frame shapes (keyhole bridge, saddle bridge, various temple types, etc.) Lens temple ballance. Publish charts and update them listing the various lens manufactured (Chart listing all std. depth progressives and thier various uses, virutes& Limitations. Another chart with all short corridors same information). Chart listing all special lenses such as quadrafocals and when to used them. Chart listing all bifocal another with all bifocal with virtues (acutal clear visual field in each range, etc.)
Association that envelopes all opticians whether M.D., O.D. Independent, Chain, wannabe appretice in lab or unemployed and provides low cost membership and training for same.
Publish a complete list of all opticians in the state with any specialties that particular optician may have. As well as a nationwide E. Mail list of all opticians with a board where one can recieve expert advise on special situations that arrive.
Judy: Let me know if you need more.
Chip
Thanks, Chip. Those three are really great and pretty do-able. I especially liked your first one...sort of a "big book" concept.
To echo Chips thoughts – training, training, training. Utilize the expertise that exists with the organization. Perhaps an annual ABO test prep course would be very well received and a good incentive for new membership. On the other end, why not some very advanced education perhaps partnered with a local school of nursing or medicine. The main thing is to raise your sights and provide meaningful educational opportunities and not just the typical advertising pap that has been the staple of most State Societies.
If you have a school of opticianry in your State where do they fit into your educational program?
Great topic!
This last year, I have emailed my state society 5 times. I have received auto-replies to each of them saying that they will get back to me. I have had one email response back.
I compare my state optical society to two other groups I am involved with (one is the training and development ASTD and the other is the human resource group SHRM). The websites for ASTD/SHRM are well organized. I can easily find what I am looking for. If I email, my emails are returned. All are welcomed to the websites but there are "perks" (additional things to access) for paid members to the ASTD/SHRM.
ASTD/SHRM has monthly meetings. All are welcome. Meetings are posted even in the metro newspapers. Members pay less than non-members ($10 - $15 vs $25 -$30).
There are SIGS and GIGS (special interest groups and geographical interest groups) so you can connect with people with similar interests or geographically. These include Newbies to the industries, people with advanced skills, specialization (like e-learning). They even have mentorship programs ~ paring up newbies with veterans.
There are classes held twice a year for ASTD. One class is a 5 - week class for newbies to the industry. One subject each week. They have another class for senior level members. Again, one subject each week.
SHRM has a national certification test - they provide weekly training sessions on one particular topic one night a week each week leading up to the test. Each session is $30 whether you are a member or not. Only certified people teach the classes.
Our state optical society has nothing listed on the website for ABO/NCLE training or even when the exams are going to be held. :hammer:
I know you didn't want any rants ... so I am sorry if my reply comes across as a rant.
It's frustrating asking your state optical society "what can I do to help the organization " and getting absolutely no response in reply.
Thanks for asking ~ I think it's a great topic !!!
Karen
I would like to see the state org's working with each other, to form a unified voice to protect opticians. Every state is so diffrent in reguards to what "is" an optician. They should be the same. I know this is a long term goal but I feel it needs to be done. And I agree, great topic Judy!
Paul:cheers:
I'm not an optician. I am an optometrist. Having said that, I'm not so sure it is the job of a state association to educate it's members in the basics. I think that is the job of an institution of higher learning, or a technical school, or even a well run apprentice program.
I think a good state association should offer CE to it's members, though, as well as other things such as maybe health insurance, representation to the state legislature on issues affecting scope of practice, or insurance and regulatory issues that affect optical practice. A good state association should be in the business of educating the public in what is good eyecare/eyewear and how to seek out it's members.
Just an opinion from someone who has served as his state optometric association president some time ago.
1. A plan to bring in new membership. Not just ideas, a plan with steps that require action and results. New membership is essential to keep the organization fresh and with the times, and financially viable.
2. Mentoring new members to help them grow in the profession and the organization. "Revolving door" boards and executive committees exisit in part because no new membership is trained to help and take over.
3. Ask what your state members want using a simple survey via mailer, online, or phone call. Tally the results, then accomplish the three most requested.
4. Personal contact is essential. That means a system for members to call or visit potential members on a regular basis. Sure, you may get shot down, but you'll also have some interest and sign-up. Then, you can help mentor the new members.
5. Make sure new members in your organization are recognized, not just with a mailer and certificate, but personally. Call and thank them. Shake their hand and thank them. Most importantly, invite them to board meetings; get them involved. It may start with them checking in attendees at CE hours or being a classroom monitor, but it can go so much farther with a little attention and help.
1. reduce membership fees to a desirable reasonable amount so people will want to participate.
2. Contract with optical vendors a discount program on merchandise, goods,services,etc. For being a valued member.
3. Buy an anunity with ongoing membership fees to create revenues for programs that will help the association and its members when additional funds are needed for emergency purposes.
Hi Guys:Here's a survey I did in Tennessee a few years ago. The format may be of assistance to you.The purpose of this survey is to collect suggestions as to how the TDOA can better serve its membership. Please take a few minutes and complete this questionnaire.
1. Are you a member of the Tennessee Dispensing Opticians Association (TDOA)? YES [ ] NO [ ]
2. If you answered NO to question 1, why are you not a member? Use the back of the form.
PLEASE RATE THE FOLLOWING TDOA AREAS
(1. Definitely satisfied, 2. Satisfied, 3. Neutral, 4. Not satisfied, 5. Definitely not satisfied).
3. Continuing Education 4. Political Representation
5. Newsletter 6. Local Chapter
7. President 8. Vice-President
9. Officers 10. Directors
11. Support for Formal Education 12. Legislative Efforts
13. Contact Lens Review Course 14. Spectacle Review Course
15. Overall Member Services
16. In your opinion, where should the TDOA headquarters be located? Choose one.
Maryville [ ] Bristol [ ] Knoxville [ ] Chattanooga [ ] Nashville [ ] Memphis [ ]
17. What two (2) things do you like best about the TDOA?
1.
2.
18. What two (2) things do you like least about the TDOA?
1.
2.
19. Please list two (2) changes you would like the TDOA to make.
1.
2.
20. Please give the names of two opticians you would like to nominate to the TDOA Board of Directors.
1.
2.
21. Who would you nominate for the Tennessee Board of Dispensing Opticians (Licensing Board)?
22. What comments do you have regarding TDOA Continuing Education?
Use the back of the form.
23. What is your opinion regarding support the TDOA has provided formal education and the Roane State Community College Opticianry Program? Please indicate if you are a graduate of the RSCC program. Use the back of the form.
24. Do you feel the TDOA represents your best interests? YES [ ] NO [ ] Please comment.
Thank you for your efforts. I will compile and forward the results to the TDOA.
Hi Guys:Here's a survey I did in Tennessee a few years ago. The format may be of assistance to you.
The purpose of this survey is to collect suggestions as to how the TDOA can better serve its membership. Please take a few minutes and complete this questionnaire.
1. Are you a member of the Tennessee Dispensing Opticians Association (TDOA)? YES [ ] NO [ ]
2. If you answered NO to question 1, why are you not a member? Use the back of the form.
PLEASE RATE THE FOLLOWING TDOA AREAS
(1. Definitely satisfied, 2. Satisfied, 3. Neutral, 4. Not satisfied, 5. Definitely not satisfied).
3. Continuing Education 4. Political Representation
5. Newsletter 6. Local Chapter
7. President 8. Vice-President
9. Officers 10. Directors
11. Support for Formal Education 12. Legislative Efforts
13. Contact Lens Review Course 14. Spectacle Review Course
15. Overall Member Services
16. In your opinion, where should the TDOA headquarters be located? Choose one.
Maryville [ ] Bristol [ ] Knoxville [ ] Chattanooga [ ] Nashville [ ] Memphis [ ]
17. What two (2) things do you like best about the TDOA?
1.
2.
18. What two (2) things do you like least about the TDOA?
1.
2.
19. Please list two (2) changes you would like the TDOA to make.
1.
2.
20. Please give the names of two opticians you would like to nominate to the TDOA Board of Directors.
1.
2.
21. Who would you nominate for the Tennessee Board of Dispensing Opticians (Licensing Board)?
22. What comments do you have regarding TDOA Continuing Education?
Use the back of the form.
23. What is your opinion regarding support the TDOA has provided formal education and the Roane State Community College Opticianry Program? Please indicate if you are a graduate of the RSCC program. Use the back of the form.
24. Do you feel the TDOA represents your best interests? YES [ ] NO [ ] Please comment.
Thank you for your efforts. I will compile and forward the results to the TDOA.
Last edited by Roy R. Ferguson; 11-02-2005 at 10:21 AM. Reason: Typos
1st thingOriginally Posted by Judy Canty
They can create a representative that can go from office to office letting Opticians know they exist! ←just like a frame rep does.
2nd thing – they can attend CE’s and have their little table educating Opticians that they exist! ←just like the lab and manufactures do.
3rd thing … I am off to work so I will have to post later…
There were a lot of great suggestions to Judy's post. A suggestion I have would be to have Association chapters around the state so all opticians wishing to be active in their state society can attend meetings without traveling great distances (which most wont do). This should lead to more members, more ideas for the society, more revenue for the society and a stronger association.
In a licensed state this is well in good. There are to many unlicensed states that the only recognized venture is ABO Certification and that CE is so readily available that there is no attendance at regional meetings unless a manufacturer is feeding them and giving the ABO credit. Essentiallly free.
So many people say they can not support their state society by joining for $10 or less a month but have discretionary dollars to pay for nights on the town, lattes daily, cigarettes and alcoholic beverages. They also want to know why they don't make more money; give nothing in hopes that others will and have critized over & over again that they would join if ...... These same individuals do not believe in themselves or should I say invest in themselves to get a formal education and readily place the blame on others.
It is time for all unlicensed states to seek voluntary registration and work towards a formal education goal as the future benchmark. There is no way licensure and mandatory requirements can come about because of such division within opticianry.
Bev I thought you might like this for the PA associations web site. Just create a seperate key for your directory from google and paste it in the source code. Enjoy.
[OPINION]
PS - The reason why I wont join is due to the fact that most associations that I have been involved with have been helpful untill they cashed my check. Unfortunately the associations mostly are run by the same group of people and have the feel of a clique making me feel like an ousider.[OPINION]
Last edited by HarryChiling; 02-21-2007 at 04:59 AM.
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I know a man whose real given first name is Doctor. He is called "Doc".
If each optician would do a legal name change we could all be doctors.
Since most people are not aware that doctor simply means teacher, they would have an immediate higher opinion of opticians.
Take for example "Optometrist", no medical school degree yet they call themselves "doctor".
Chiropractor's refer to themselves as "doctor", no medical school training.
Some professions use the term when a "doctrate" of education is obtained.
Professors who really do teach. Preachers who teach. Some preachers who do not obtain a doctrate of education but are given an honarary title. Whoa!
So let's even the playing field. Let's have;
"Doctor of server", at Wendys.
"Doctor of mechanics", at the garage.
"Doctor of wax", for the person who does the floors.
"Doctor of cabs", for the cab driver.
"Doctor of maids", for the gals at the motel.
"Doctor of reception", for the receptionest.
"Doctor of crime", for the policeman.
"Doctor of bricks", for the brick mason.
"Doctor of doo", for the plumer.
"Doctor of mud", for the ditch digger.
"Doctor of big rigs", for the truck driver.
"Doctor of hair ", for the hairdresser.
We could go on and on but for the lack of space and time, while I work on my "Doctrate of BULL", I already have my Masters.
You got that right Bev!!
I've been a member of the POF ever since I moved to Florida and I have no sympathy for those who struggle to get the CE requirements. Too many Opticians only take the manatory 20 hours and that's it. They have to put themselves out for 1 weekend every two years.For the most part these people do not support their states association, another problem with me. Opticians, as a whole, need to take their careers more seriously if they ever want to become real professionals. The problem is, most don't care. Florida, for instance, only has about 25% of it's Licensed Opticians as memebers of the POF, not acceptable. Get a grip people and join your state associations
This is a problem of all state associations. When and if the licenses are watered down (in the states that have licensing requirements) and the wages of opticians are depressed due to a new supply/demand model, all the opticians who were too busy to care about their state associations will be the first to complain and wonder why no one was looking out for their interests.You got that right Bev!!
I've been a member of the POF ever since I moved to Florida and I have no sympathy for those who struggle to get the CE requirements. Too many Opticians only take the manatory 20 hours and that's it. They have to put themselves out for 1 weekend every two years.
AA
I'm new to opticianry, so I a big draw for me would be interaction with other opticians, especially more experienced ones who could "mentor" me. I wouldn't necessarily be looking for training, just a chance to talk to people who have been there already. An association should be easily accessible and visible, through newsletters, emails, or a well-designed web page. (apparently the California Optician's Association doesn't have one, or if they do I've not been able to find it...) It doesn't have to be complicated, maybe meetings a few times a year. Tour a local lab... Material or product workshops... Presentations from local experts in various fields like refracting, problem solving with difficult patients, fitting children or the elderly... volunteer work in the community to make the group more visible, educate the public in eye health and vision care... there's lots that a group could do.
My three things would be-
1. Be easy to find and welcoming of potential members
2. Provide opportunities for opticians to meet with each other and discuss whatever topics the group would lean towards, be they basic or advanced.
3. Keep it simple- while I would like to be a part of a local or state association, I don't have a lot of time or money to devote to it... so if there are too many meetings or lengthy programs or high dues, I'll burn out real quick.
It's like being a travel agent... I help people see the world!
I definitely agree that networking with each other should be a priority. We should support each other as much as we support our local and national organizations.
Opticiansfriend.com guy.
Lady Nicole,
If you find something for California, please let me know since I've been looking as well. :D
Snitgirl ~
I couldn't find a website but I did find this ... (after much searching ~ it wasn't on the NAO,or OAA sites ... :o )
California Association of Dispensing Opticians
P.O. Box 763
Manteca, CA 95336
(213) 681-7597
Thanks GOS Queen! You are the champ!!
I shall make a phone call after I get off work today to see what they are all about. Bummer that there is no website available. Thank you for your time :D
The question:
What three things can your state opticians association do to attract/retain your membership?
My answer:
Is more complex than listing #1, #2, #3, but it's an offer to assist state associations any way I can, not a rant. Here goes...
Almost every product or service used in real life as well as optical life was somebody's "brilliant idea" at one time. Then, someone inevitably comes along and makes that brilliant idea better. That's forward progress, and that's one of the things I believe we are all shooting for, myself included. My personal goal is to become the Lee Iacocca of opticianry. ;)
Seriously, it is indeed a shame that most (but not all) opticianry associations do not or can not market themselves successfully to potential or existing members. There are a myriad of reasons, but two that keep popping up are not enough manpower available and/or the lack of sufficient operating capital.
This is where I believe I can offer the most assistance. I am offering my company's services and resources to any and all interested societies that would like to incorporate my suggestions/ideas/abilities or anything we have to offer into your organization's efforts. Quantum Optical currently works with 5 state associations on various levels, and would welcome the opportunity to work with each and every one out there.
Suggestion #1 - Communicate
An attractive, professional, user-friendly website with timely information on a real, popup-ad free server that is updated and managed on a regular basis. We have custom-built, and currently manage websites for the Opticians Association's of Pennsylvania, New Mexico and Mississippi. Essentially, we have provided these associations with a cost-effective way to communicate with their members via the web. www.paoptician.org , www.mado.org , www.oanm.com .
Almost anything you can dream of can be done better, faster and cheaper on the 'net, including quarterly e-mail newsletters, list management, calendars, forums, announcements, secure online membership payments, name it. We are also responsible for maintaining and updating the sites, which takes that particular responsibility off the staff.
If you need a website built from scratch, have a site that needs a face lift, paying too much for the site/hosting you have, or if you would just like some help with hanging your shingle on the web, feel free to contact me directly for special "family rates" on hosting, site design, and site management. Once you have a site, the doors are wide open to do many, many beneficial things with little or no effort, and again, I am happy to assist with that growth. The key to it however, is site management and regular updates, which I will oversee personally.
Through some unique working relationships, we can also assist in good ol' fashioned paper items such as printing and mailing of newsletters, brochures, membership announcements and renewals, etc.
Suggestion #2 - Educate
It has been the long-standing model of national opticianry to have 3 separate organizations do specific functions to perpetuate growth within the field. We created the ABO/NCLE to certify, the NAO to educate, and the OAA to legislate. It's safe to say other professions, service trades and craftsmen have a similar two or three-pronged model, and they all function with varying degrees of success.
Along the way in opticianry-land, state-level organizations, who are ideally positioned to be local eyes and ears for the national legislative body, have been increasing their focus on providing CE and education. This is understandable, since it generates a revenue stream that makes up for the insufficient amount of money that comes in via membership dues.
However, the amount of valuable time it takes to plan meetings and coordinate all the things there are to coordinate when hosting a conference, might be better spent gathering more members or sitting on the state house steps. So, how can you, as an association, survive financially and still make things happen in your state, including increasing membership?
We offer a variety of cost-effective solutions that, by design, are extremely simple to implement. For example, most (again, not all) states allow online CE for all or part of their CE credits. If you are in a non-licensed or "ABO only" state, online CE is definitely a viable option. We have programs that permit you, as an association, to offer discounted or FREE CE to your members, which is a very attractive benefit on anyone's short-list of things to see in their society.
In my assessment, and based on the pace we are adding courses to our online menu, Quantum Optical will become the single largest resource of online CE for opticians by the 1st quarter of 2006, with over 70 courses and topics, by various contributing authors, totaling somewhere in the neighborhood of 125-150 hours of CE available through our site. Your members would have access to all of them, day or night, including all the bells, whistles and features built into the site. Think that would be good bait for the membership hook?
The nominal costs for some of the programs we offer can be offset by increasing dues a few bucks, or by reducing live CE expenses, either of which we can help calculate for you. Your association, in turn, would be adding a valuable benefit to your membership packet, for which members will probably be more willing to pay, since they are getting something they can use and appreciate in return.
Imagine attracting more members, devoting less time to CE meetings, and potentially maintaining the same amount of profit from each membership dollar. How many possibilities does that present? We have these programs in place for the above mentioned associations, as well as the NY State Society of Opticians, who's members currently can get all their online CE through Quantum Optical for free as a membership benefit. We can customize a program that's right for you, too.
If the online alternative is not an option for you, than perhaps you'd like to outsource your live meeting planning. Again, that is a service we can provide your association to give you more time to focus on other important issues.
As a company, these are our core functions, meeting planning and online CE programs. You can view them on my site here http://quantumoptical.com/corpservices.asp and here http://quantumoptical.com/authsvc.asp . We have the resources available to make your next meeting or distance learning alternative a success. If either of these programs spikes your interest, and hopefully they do, please don't hesitate to contact me and I will go over them in detail with you.
Suggestion #3 - Training Opportunities
Without prying open the great formal education vs. on-the-job training debate, I think we all agree that learning is a positive thing regardless where the knowledge comes from. As an instructor, I do fall on the side that has college in the mix though.
With that said, if a formal college program isn't available, or right for an otherwise motivated individual, then some form of training needs to be made available, period. Where should these individuals turn for basic knowledge? To the representative association in their chosen field.
Likewise, what about an optician who already holds certification or licensure and wants to expand on that knowledge in other areas of eye related topics? Perhaps that individual may even strive to hold additional advanced or parallel certifications to increase their own value to an employer and raise the bar just a little for the rest of us. Topics in this realm include refraction, contact lens fitting, optical business management, pre-testing procedures, etc.
Again, we as a company offer these types of programs and more, in multiple formats, developed by some of the best speakers in the business. We have done this with the Ohio Optometric Association and the Professional Opticians of Florida, just to name a few. Your association can also implement them into a live program, annual convention or online training module without any additional duties or responsibilities.
So, my friends, the invitation stands and is open to any and all optical associations. If you would like to utilize any of the services I offered to ease the workload or add valuable member benefits, by all means let's talk. If you can find a way to get this offer in front of other state association leaders that don't visit this forum, that would be great and appreciated too. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. I look forward to working with you all.
Regards,
Michael Della Pesca, President
Quantum Optical
www.quantumoptical.com
Last edited by quantum; 11-14-2005 at 02:09 AM.
Snitgirl- how did the call go?
It's like being a travel agent... I help people see the world!
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