OSI Summit West 2024: Uniting Canada’s Independent Eyecare Professionals

November 8, 2024

The OSI Summit West took place from October 25 to 27 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, uniting OSI Group members, aspiring optometrists, opticians, and leading suppliers. Guided by OSI’s mission to raise the bar in visual care and empower independent practices across Canada, the event featured impactful opportunities for learning, collaboration, and professional growth.

The Summit kicked off with the OSI Expo, where suppliers unveiled the latest eyewear and eyecare innovations. In addition to exploring these advancements, practice owners and managers attended an onsite job fair, seizing the opportunity to forge meaningful connections with aspiring opticians.

Following the OSI Expo, the focus shifted to an intensive program of education and knowledge-sharing. Key OSI Group Members, including Drs. Meenal Agarwal, Harbir Sian, Nathalie Trottier, Kerry Salsberg, and Jordan Friedman, delivered engaging sessions alongside industry-renowned keynote speakers. Participants delved into a wide range of topics, from optimizing human resources and elevating patient experiences to expanding clinic specialties, such as Myopia and Dry Eye management.

Even the speakers found much to learn and gain from the Summit. “I was really impressed by the quality of the sessions and entertainment,” said Dr. Meenal Agarwal, OSI Excellence Award Winner and owner of three clinics in Toronto. “It was the perfect opportunity to network with my peers from Yukon to New Brunswick.”

The spirit of collaboration and achievement carried into Saturday evening with a Roaring 20/20s gala. Amid the celebrations, OSI Group honoured the outstanding contributions of independent optometrists with an awards ceremony hosted by board members Drs. Alisha Adatia and Skylar Feltis. The evening also featured a heartfelt tribute to former OSI Board Member Dr. Bart McRoberts, recognizing his 50 years of dedicated practice in Vancouver and Squamish, BC.

Sunday brought the Summit to a close with impactful workshops. OSI Practice Advisors Gissou Bozkaya, Meghan Lancaster, and Raj Mann led an advanced session on frame fitting techniques, while other attendees participated in in-depth sessions on dry eye management and practice management software training to enhance clinic efficiency.

With its high-value learning sessions and rich exchanges, this year’s OSI Summit West further strengthened the community spirit central to the group’s mission. Building momentum into 2025, OSI Group continues to inspire and support its members to lead the way in independent optometric care.

ABOUT OSI GROUP

Founded in 1982, OSI Group leads the development of value-added services for independent optometry clinics across Canada. Exclusively member-owned, the group is committed to empowering its stakeholders through community engagement and shared knowledge.