Give them a hand up

In response to John Stewart-Robinson’s letter, I’d like to reassure him that so far this year members of AIO (The Association for Independent Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians) have visited four Schools of Optometry – namely Cardiff, Plymouth, Aston and Bradford and asked how many students aspired to a future in independent practice.

The response from the majority (ranging from 75 per cent up to a staggering 94 per cent in Bradford last week) has shown their desire to be able to practise their chosen profession as independents, in charge of their own destiny.

So come on all you independents, let’s give them a helping hand – offer a pre-registration placement or some holiday work experience, so today’s students will find out about the very real alternative to a commercial multiple practice. AIO has lists on its website of independent practices which offer pre-reg optometrists and trainee DO placements plus holiday work experience opportunities.