What defines an independent?
This is a question that the AIO council has considered on a number of occasions down the years to arrive at its current definition which relates to ownership structure and who runs the practice. But in a fast-changing world there are other views and an almost inevitable blurring at the edges. Doug Perkins famously declared Specsavers as independent in 2016 which for most would stretch the bounds of definition beyond breaking point.
But there are other smaller multiple outlet practices that would fiercely claim to be independent and it is hard to know where to draw the line. There are other models as well, for example the Hakim Group practices operate within an entirely different structure and of course there are many forms of franchise which allow for varying levels of ‘independence’.
To further complicate matters, there are many who would claim that truly independent practices operate with a different mindset to the large multiples based on patient eye health primacy rather than a retail focus. However, there is a fine dividing line in so much as all practices rely on sales of eyewear to survive. It was in part to help to define this fine line that AIO introduced the independents’ code in 2016 so those practices that operate with patient eye health primacy could be clearly identified by the public. This begs the question is independence more about how a practice operates than its ownership or management structure.
No doubt the AIO Council will continue to debate this point in the coming months and years, and will certainly be taking soundings from the wider independent community at its regional events in March. For those who cannot get to these events – answers on a post card please (or perhaps preferably by email to mike@aiovision.org).