What is Näe ry?

The Finnish Association of Vision and Eyecare is a trade association that works to advance the world’s best eye care. We represent optical retailers that provide optician, ophthalmologist, and optical laboratory services, manufacturers, importers, and wholesalers serving the industry, and professional and educational organisations.

We’re responsible for influencing economic, health, and education policy in this sector. Our goal is to ensure that high-quality vision and eye health services are available to all Finns equitably and cost-effectively. 

We form an active network of organisations together with the Federation of Finnish Special Commodity Trade (ETU), Suomen Yrittäjät, the Finnish Association of Private Care Providers (HALI), and the Finnish Commerce Federation. Together, we aim to influence the operating conditions of the specialty retail sector and the social and health care system. 

More than 80% of all new legislation in this sector comes from the EU. In addition to our work at the national level, we also collaborate closely on the international stage. Näe ry is a member of the following organisations: the Nordic Council of Opticians (NOR), the European Council of Optometry and Optics (ECOO), and the manufacturer organisation EUROMCONTACT. 

What do we offer our members?

We’re a strong trade association in the vision and eye health sector, representing more than two-thirds of the industry’s operators. 

Our primary mission is to influence legislation and government practices and to promote the interests of specialty retailers and private healthcare providers in accordance with the policies of our member companies and organisations. Through our extensive network, we offer our members practical opportunities to influence policy, advice on employment and legal matters, and expertise in handling consumer disputes. 

Communications aimed at members provide support, up-to-date information, and inspiration to help with work life. 

Education and research are the key elements of our operations. We encourage our members to obtain education at member prices and carry out development projects together with research institutes and educational institutions. Member benefits also apply to training programs offered by the Federation of Finnish Special Commodity Trade (ETU), Suomen Yrittäjät, and the Finnish Commerce Federation. 

How does our organisation work? 

Between general meetings, our activities are led by the board of directors. The preparation and implementation of matters, in turn, are the responsibility of the Finnish Association of Vision and Eyecare’s office, which is led by the CEO. In addition, member-group-specific networks participate in the preparation process by providing statements on various topics during the policy-making process. These networks may also submit proposals to the Finnish Association of Vision and Eyecare’s board. 

The organisation has four member networks: entrepreneur, chain, wholesale, and eye surgery. Each network has representatives in the association’s board of directors, and every member company may participate in the activities of its own member network. This is how we guarantee a fair role for everyone in decision-making. 

Näe ry’s staff and contact information 

Näe ry’s bylaws (in Finnish)