Chris Bennett: Securing the next generation of independents

Action to foster the next generation of independent opticians has been promoted by a range of organisations and backed by business.

In an uncharacteristic outbreak of collaboration and joined-up thinking, several optical support bodies have pooled their resources to offer practical help and assistance to young optical professionals looking to own their own business (In Focus page 6).

At Optrafair last year the Association of Independent Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians (AIO) brought together a range of support bodies to form the AIO Practice Support Network.

Last week ABDO opened the doors of its swanky new National Resource Centre in Birmingham for an event seeking to help would-be independents. Providing the help and advice were member organisations of the Network: Eyeplan, National Eyecare Group, the Seiko-backed Specs Network and Myers La Roche. Joining them were Sight Care and Storm which together are also offering help to burgeoning indies.