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.
Also, and perhaps of greatest potential impact, AIO is introducing a new service which will form part of the special ‘aspiring independents’ event at this year’s AIO Conference in Cambridge.
This new service will provide practical and on-going assistance for those wishing to enter into independent practise as well as those who have recently done so. It includes all aspects of business planning and management, obtaining specialist financing, optimising cashflow, getting the best supplier deals and providing ongoing mentoring and advice.
In conversation with both students it is clear the perceived barriers to entry into independent practice are much greater than they are in reality. The service AIO introduces alongside a number of partner organisations will be aimed at identifying any such barriers and helping to knock them down.
Email mike@aiovision.org or to call 0800 1300 486.