The Association for Independent Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians (AIO) launched its new ‘Eye Promise’ quality mark for independent practices at Optrafair and had the opportunity to showcase this major initiative with a wide range of independents.
The feedback was universally positive and a number of practices have already signed up to the scheme, and will be part of the initial group of practices going live with Eye Promise in mid-May. It is anticipated that a steady flow of practices will follow in their wake and that Eye Promise practice numbers will grow rapidly.
The AIO stand was a hive of activity for the three days, particularly on Sunday, and the CET events held on stand which focused on visual impairment and supporting sight loss proved to be very popular.
With the launch of the new Practice Support Network for aspiring and recently established independents, promotion of the AIO Conference on October 14 and 15 in Manchester, and the pre-reg student training available from our friends from the Optom Academy, there was lots to talk about on the stand.
We were delighted with the great level of interest shown in the new Eye Promise quality mark and in particular by the speed with which people grasped the concept. It is all about promoting quality long term eye health care and enabling great independents to differentiate themselves on the high street.
By launching Eye Promise at Optrafair we were able to take advantage of the unique opportunity that the event offers to reach out to a lot of independent practitioners, both AIO members and non-members alike.