B&L adds new dimension to business

The lectures give optometry undergraduates an overview of the business world and concentrate on three key areas - practice economics and finance, marketing, and personnel issues. As part of the evaluation process for the course, students have to submit a dissertation with a business slant including topics ranging from an analysis of the accounts of optical enterprises to articulating pricing strategies and approaches to optical sales promotions. 'The premise of this series of lectures is that clinical excellence and commercial success go hand in hand in today's primary care optometric practice,' says B&L professional services manager Nick Atkins. 'The need to develop an awareness of business issues is essential so it makes sense to introduce this early in the eye care professional's career,' he adds.