Optometry Australia (OA) has been named the 2020 APAC Professional Association of the Year, with judges commending the body’s COVID-19 response.
Customer relationship management platform Glue Up revealed the 4th annual APAC Association Awards winners Thursday 3 December.
It recognises the achievements of associations and individuals across the region and their impact on communities and professions. Other winners included Planning Institute of Australia (Large Association of the Year), International Coach Federation – Singapore chapter (Small Association of the Year) and Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (Industry Association of the Year).
The Judging Committee – consisting of senior-level association experts including from Australia, Africa and the Philippines – examined nominee’s activities, member acquisition and engagement as well as challenges overcome in 2020.
The judges highlighted OA’s commitment to its members early in the COVID-19 pandemic when 90% of practices closed or shifted to telehealth services only. This was while it kept aiming to deliver its core project work to advance the profession and optometry.
“Optometry Australia responded quickly to this crisis by establishing a Crisis Leadership Group in March 2020. It included Australian and New Zealand executives from peak optometry bodies to guide the profession through the pandemic,” the awards website stated.
“To help members that could be financially hurting, it also offered 50% off 2020 and 2021 membership fees.”
OA president Mr Darrell Baker was proud to lead an award-winning professional organisation.
“The professional team at Optometry Australia, led by CEO Lyn Brodie, is well deserving of this recognition and I encourage you to share with me our hearty congratulations,” he said.
Eric Schmidt, CEO and co-founder of Glue Up added: “2020 has been a year of monumental change. COVID-19 has acted as a catalyst for remote working, digitisation and technological advancements. Despite the challenges, many associations have stepped up and risen to challenges.”
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