Consultant handover at the OSA

Ann Blackmore with Mathias Semombwe

Ann Blackmore is retiring as regulatory consultant to the Optical Suppliers Association (OSA) after six years in the role.

“Ann’s extensive knowledge of the optical landscape, both in the UK and Europe, comes from her positions within EUROM 1, the European Council of Optometry and Optics, plus time at FODO” – stated the OSA.

Taking over from Ann is Mathias Semombwe, who brings more than six years’ quality and regulatory experience gained through his work across the medical device, pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.

Over the past three years, Mathias has worked within the optical industry, most recently as quality assurance (QA) and regulatory manager at Sparca/AOS. Prior to this, Mathias held senior QA positions at Nelsons Pharmaceuticals and GlaxoSmithKline.

Mathias said he was “looking forward to delivering the quarterly reports for OSA members and answering direct questions from businesses – large and small – who have queries about any aspects of regulatory matters, both present and impending”.

Before handing over to Mathias, Ann gave a regulatory affairs update to members at the Association’s recent autumn meeting at the St Pancras Hotel in London.

Andy Sanders (centre) with ABDO’s Alex Webster and Julian Clarke

The keynote speaker at the event was Andy Sanders, professional services director at Hoya, who highlighted the benefits of being a CPD provider in terms of profile raising, supporting professional training, and strengthening relationships.

Andy emphasised how the OSA could help with the planning and provision of CPD, and encouraged delegates to make use of the “tremendous pool of knowledge available to OSA members”.

“We are now in the first year of the three-year cycle, but by December 2027 many in the profession will be very anxious to complete their 36 points,” he added. “By starting now, OSA members can be well placed to provide this.”

Meeting at the St Pancras Hotel, London, delegates from every aspect of the optical supply chain heard the latest regulatory news from OSA consultant, Ann Blackmore. There was also a briefing on the Green Charter’s progress in providing a benchmark for the entire optical community to work towards.

Dicom was also on the agenda as part of the Opticare Innovations update. The OSA Dicom Committee was formed, with new chairman Nathan Little, and vice chairman Paulo Barbiero, who will be the OSA’s representatives on the wider DICOM Task Group.

The OSA’s annual general meeting and Christmas luncheon will be held on 5 December at the Bloomsbury Hotel, London.