About

About OPED Brand Mergers History Team

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Our vision is a world where human movement has no limits.

Our mission is to deliver innovative prosthetic and orthotic services that empower you to do more and make our vision a reality

It all started back in 1986 with a small orthotic clinic in Fitzroy, Victoria. Our inspiration has always been our amazing clients, and helping you move without limitations.

In 1991, we began developing our own bracing range to help fill gaps in the market. As we grew, so to did our reach, and before long we expanded our orthotic service into regional Victoria with our Bendigo clinic.

Over the past 35 years we’ve now grown into the largest provider of prosthetics and orthotics in Australia. We’ve had the privilege of assisting thousands of Australians recover from a fracture, run for the first time as an amputee, or continue walking with confidence as they grow older.

Our core passion remains the same. Helping you live active, independent, fulfilling lifestyles.

We’re proud to be part of the OPED group of companies!

OPED was established in Germany in 1992 by Andreas Haßler, Engineer and ski boot Developer, together with Professor Peter Habermeyer, Orthopaedic Surgeon, and his brother Stephan Habermeyer.

Replacing the uncomfortable plaster cast with a light, functional vacuum splint was the vision of the OPED founders. Their vision became reality in 1993, when the VACOped – still the most successful OPED product today – came onto the market.

29 years later, OPED operates in 6 countries across the globe and continues to benefit patients and practitioners alike with their state-of-the-art, modern orthoses.

How seven brands merged into one

Over the past 35 years, we’ve had a number of wonderful organisations and people help become the oapl we know today.

Over 50 years helping Australians get back into life

1986

Our Beginning

Orthopaedic Appliances, an orthotic clinical services business, is formed following the acquisition from E.R. Squibb. The business is located at 93-97 Webb St, Fitzroy Victoria.

1988

Entry into the Australian Pharmacy Market

Tri-Point marketing (a pharmacy brokerage) is established with Peter Gowans and Richard Holyman, marking the business’s push into the pharmacy market.

1991

Prosthetic Clinical Services

Orthopaedic Techniques Pty Ltd, a prosthetic clinic in Victoria, is acquired and marks the business’s entry into prosthetic clinical services.

1992

Prosthetic & Orthotic Distribution

The business begins to focus on wholesale distribution opportunities into the prosthetic and orthotic market.

1993

Bendigo Clinic Expansion

The business partners with Andrew Cox and Stuart Michael from Central Vic P&O to form oapl Bendigo.

1997

History is Made!

Orthopaedic Appliances, in conjunction with Winsome Hosiery, launches the first Australian made anti-embolism stocking in the healthcare market.

2000

On the move

The business relocates its distribution operation to Ricketts Rd, Mount Waverley, Victoria.

2001

Winsome Hosiery Acqusition

The business acquires Winsome Hosiery due to the success of the anti-embolism stocking program.

2003

Expansion into Western Australia

The business acquires 50% ownership of Fremantle Orthotic Services, expanding our clinical network into Western Australia.

2004

On the move again

The business relocates its head office, distribution hub and hosiery mill to 55 Tinning St, Brunswick, Victoria.

2007

Podiatry Distribution

Pacific Health, a podiatry products distributor in Victoria is acquired, marking the business’s entry into the podiatry market.

2008

oapl is Born

The business is now known as oapl (a contraction of Orthopaedic Appliances) and the logo is updated.

2012

Orthopaedic Techniques becomes oapl

Orthopaedic Techniques’ operations have now merged into oapl.

2013

Expansion into Queensland

The business acquires Goodwill Orthopaedics, expanding its clinical network into Queensland.

2013

On the move again

The business relocates its head office and distribution hub to 29 South Corporate Ave, Rowville, Victoria.

2016

oapl Hervey Bay

oapl expands its Queensland clinical services establishing a clinic in Hervey Bay, Queensland.

2017

Expansion into New South Wales

Appliance & Limb Centre (ALC), a prosthetics clinic in New South Wales is acquired, expanding our clinical network into New South Wales.

2017

oapl Joins the OPED Family

OPED AG expands its Australian presence through the acquisition of oapl and its joint ventures.

2017

oapl Flemington

Clinics in Fitzroy and Footscray are combined into a new facility at 159 Epsom Rd, Flemington, Victoria. This becomes oapl’s flagship clinic in Melbourne.

2020

oapl Carrum Downs

The Frankston clinic is relocated to a new facility at 113a Hall Rd, Carrum Downs, Victoria.

2021

OPED Australia is Born

After OPED acquires OPC Health in 2019, oapl and OPC Health’s operations merge into a new facility at 26-32 Clayton Rd, Clayton. This sees the migration of oapl’s distribution business to OPC Health.