View from the AIO: Recruiting to independent practices

One of AIO’s key objectives is to encourage and help newly qualified optometrists and dispensing opticians into independent practice. To deliver on this objective the association starts with visits to all universities that offer the relevant qualifications to provide students with some insight into how independent practice can differ from multiple practice.

Invariably at the end of our visits we find most students would like to end up in independent practice. The second strand of AIO’s work is the offer by many members to provide pre-reg places for students to provide first-hand experience of working in an independent practice.

Next is the student workstream that forms part of the annual AIO Annual Conference which provides students of all years the opportunity to mix with independent practitioners in a relaxed environment as well as listen to some great speakers.