A new industry group run under the guidance of the Association of Optometrists (AOP) has been created to address practice decline.
The Independent Practice support group will use ideas and resources from Essilor, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Luxottica and Transitions in its aim to stem what the AOP said was the contraction of the UK independent sector.
The group has undertaken research to understand more about public perception of the independent sector. This will be used to design and test future pilot programmes. New AOP chairman Lyndon Taylor, said: 'While the AOP supports all its members irrespective of how they practise, it is clear that a vibrant independent sector is good for choice for both the public and the profession.'
Independents who feel they run successful practices have been invited to contact stevemiller@aop.org.uk to share their experiences.
