Workplace Guide: Multiple options for ownership

Practice ownership is considered a career aim by many eye care professionals (ECPs). A survey conducted by Optician in 2021 found that 38% of respondents had considered practice ownership in some form of partnership with a chain, compared to 32% that were more interested in sole ownership. So, what are some of the options for partnerships and how can ECPs position themselves to achieve these roles?

‘We provide two business ownership options. The first is the full format franchise, being 100% owned by the franchisee and with just a 12.5% fee,’ says Ryan Leighton, CEO at Leightons Opticians & Hearing Care. ‘In addition, we also have a joint venture that works to provide existing business owners or motivated optometrists and dispensing opticians with a collaborative option. Both options provide the business owning optometrist or dispensing optician with all the back office support.’

In September 2022, OutsideClinic launched a new joint venture ownership structure. ‘The new opportunity means that optometrists can now combine a rewarding career where they deliver genuinely life-changing care with all the benefits that come from owning their own company alongside guaranteed client acquisition, comprehensive marketing support and ongoing business development as part of the package,’ says Paul Chapman-Hatchett, strategic partnership director at OutsideClinic. ‘Our partnerships offer optometrists the flexibility to manage their own day with the freedom to be out and about rather than tied in a testing room all the time.’