Entrepreneurs are back in fashion in the general economy with artisan producers and specialist services leading the charge. Is there any reason to believe that optics should be any different?
In recognition of this, the 2013 Optician Awards (see News) has some new categories to appeal to the Alan Sugar or Michelle Mone inside us all. 2013 will see the first ever Business Excellence trophy awarded to showcase the best business practice in retail optics. The Dry Eye Award, sponsored by Spectrum Thea, will highlight additional areas of business, often clinical, in which retail optics can engage. The Start Up Practice of the Year Award is at the very heart of growth and seeks to reward and recognise those taking the plunge by opening a new venture.
Historically, the route into business for optometry graduates was to serve time with an established practice before striking out in business often with a dispensing partner. More recently the career path for eye care professionals is to become an employee of one of the big groups and develop from there. While these groups have opened up new career structures, there are only so many senior posts up for grabs. All around the country there are qualified, smart and ambitious ECPs working in practices making profits for someone else, but I do not believe that they have lost the spark to be their own boss. New thinking and diversity can only be positive for the public and the profession.