Practices asked to join listing

Independent practices that offer training placements have been invited to join a database for student optometrists and trainee dispensing opticians to access.

The Association for Independent Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians (AIO) said most placements appeared to be within the multiple sector rather than independents.

It called on practices that supervise pre-registration optometrists, employ trainee dispensing opticians or offer future placements to list their details.

AIO secretary Pat Cameron Davies said: ‘Offering a placement in an independent practice will provide a real alternative for students who do not want to work for a multiple. It will introduce a stream of employees into the independent sector, many of whom will go on to have successful careers as future owners and managers.’