Younger practitioners are being targeted by the Association of Independent Optometrists in its move to modernise and set up support mechanisms for individuals wanting to set up in independent practice.
AIO chairman Peter Warren said the group had had a successful Optrafair with 20 new members and perhaps double that number showing an interest to join. He said interest in the organisation had seen massive growth as the group continued its drive to engage students and optometrists employed in independent practice.
Vice chair, Robbie Cameron Davies, said the AIO wanted to set up practical support mechanisms to help optometrists set up in business to safeguard the future of the independent sector for future generations. He said while support from companies such as Eyeplan were a start there was much more that could be done by working with the supply industry.
Warren said one big issue was free sight tests. ‘The people that offer a free sight test shouldn’t be able to claim [a fee back from the NHS]’. He also bemoaned the use of conversion rate targets for clinicians.
Warren said while independents, by their very nature, didn’t always want to join an organisation they were beginning to see the advantage of working together for the benefit of the sector in a way other bodies couldn’t. ‘I’m an AOP councillor and the AOP does support the AIO. The AOP supports the individual but we are able to do and say things the AOP can’t.’
Cameron Davies said the AIO had been going into universities to talk to students. ’We want to show them that there is an alternative to the multiple sector.’ He said negotiations were on-going with suppliers but it wanted to be able offer practical help. ‘We are developing systems to help people set up their own practice.’ These were still being developed, he said.
In answer to the accusation that the AIO was viewed as a body just for successful, older independents Cameron Davies said the AIO wanted younger members employed in independent practice and had started a student membership. ‘Until recently it was a gentleman’s club. We weren’t nearly as proactive, we want to engage younger people. If you looked at our council we were a bunch of old fogeys.’