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History
Brief historical account
- 1982
Buying groups make their appearance in several industrial, commercial and professional sectors, including that of Optometry.
All these groups were controlled by private interests and participating optometrists felt that most of the benefits generated by the various programs offered in fact were not passed on to them. Moreover, many of the promotional programs adopted by these groups often went against the profession's code of ethics and the policies of the Quebec Association of Optometrists.
To counteract this situation, the Quebec Association of Optometrists (AOQ), then presided by Dr. Jean-M. Rodrigue, decided to create a buying group controlled by optometrists for the sole benefit of optometrists. Its mandate: to further the cause of Independent Optometry against the increasing threat of large optical chains. Its main feature: all benefits would be passed on to the participating optometrists.
- January 1983
The AOQ's General Assembly authorizes Optometric Services Inc. to begin its operations. Service agreements for 204 clinics (285 optometrists) are put into effect.
The following months are devoted to establishing the service group's operating structure, negotiating agreements with approximately 20 suppliers and selecting a computer system for centralizing payments.
- September 1983
OSI begins its operations and centralizes the payments/purchases of its 204 member clinics.
The Optosys™ practice management software is launched, featuring the first version of the Patient Management and Inventory Control modules.
- 1984
OSI extends its operations across Canada by signing 37 optometrists in 20 clinics located outside of Quebec.
- 1989
Creation of "The OSI Award for Excellence in Practice Management". Presented yearly to one graduating student from each of the Optometry schools in Canada who has achieved a high academic standing, as well as demonstrated strong leadership in the areas of professionalism and communication skills.
- 1990
OSI innovates with the introduction of two new ophthalmic purchasing programs: The Quantity Purchasing Program and the Frame Fair.
- 1991
The OPTO-PLUS banner begins its operations. This OSI subsidiary enables Independent Optometrists to join forces and pool their professional and financial resources to develop large-scale advertising campaigns and leading edge marketing tools.
The Quantity Purchasing Program becomes more diversified with the addition of new products, such as silicone nose pads, clip-ons, etc.
- 1992
Two new purchasing formulas are introduced: The Immediate Delivery Quantity Purchasing Program and the Perpetual inventory Quantity Purchasing Program.
- 1993
The Frame Fair concept grows beyond frames to include a wider variety of ophthalmic products and its name is changed to Ophthalmic Fair.
- 1995
OSI officially launches its own private label contact lens line for the exclusive use of its members: Mediflex™.
- 1996
Privatization of OSI. OSI becomes a privately owned corporation, dissociated and independent from the Quebec Association of Optometrists (AOQ), with its member Independent Optometrists as sole shareholders and modifies its mission statement accordingly.
OSI then explores new growth venues and proceeds with the development of collective action programs aimed at industrial vision, managed care and practice management/marketing training for the benefit of its members and shareholders.
In December 1996, OSI launches its practice management and marketing training program.
- 1997
OSI considerably increases the scope and range of its services with the launch of the Marketing Services and the development of its own Web site.
OSI also takes a new, streamlined, more eye-catching, modern and dynamic corporate image.
- 1998
OSI makes a strong entry into the industrial vision market through the acquisition of Securo-Vision Inc., the leader in Quebec.
- 1999
OSI takes leaps ahead in the safety eyewear segment of the market through the acquisition of Protecto-Vision Inc.
OSI launches a new Web site creation and hosting service in order to facilitate and promote the implementation of Internet technology in all its member-clinics.
- 2000
OSI continues to develop new programs and launches Collection Horizon, the private and exclusive brand for which is found progressive lenses, and frames.
- 2001
A nother first: the creation of a wholly-owned finance company. Opto-Finance Inc. enables OSI clinics to finance their equipments and computers at competitive rates and to keep the profits on those financing within their group.
- Today
OSI is now a more diversified multi-service company offering many of the most important support services needed by independent clinics of optometry. No surprise that it now represents more than 1,598 optometrists working in approximately 775 clinics across Canada. This gives OSI an estimated 42% share of the Canadian market for independent optometrists.
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