(May 20, 2011) - As part of the 2011 Optometry's Meeting® in Salt Lake City, UT, the new AOA Practice Management & Career Center will offer attendees an opportunity to immerse themselves into the business world of optometry through two unique programs. For newer practitioners, the First Practice Academy^TM (FPA) provides continuing education to teach business management strategies and techniques. The Management & Business Academy^TM (MBA) for Eye Care Professionals is a unique education seminar led by a faculty of distinguished eye care practice consultants.  

The FPA is a comprehensive, professional education program designed to teach business management strategies and techniques to optometric practitioners in their early years. The FPA represents four two-hour lectures on the latest practice techniques required to help professionals succeed in what may be the most challenging period in an optometric career - the first years of practice ownership. New independent practice owners often struggle during this time because they lack business and financial training. First Practice Academy^TM is designed to help optometrists develop the mindset, work habits and practice strategies that will help make their practice successful.

The FPA curriculum features presentations from some of the most experienced eye care practitioners in the profession of optometry. Additionally, attendees will participate in a breakout session where they can share personal insights, pose questions and explore issues that affect their practices. 

Those participating in the First Practice Academy^TM during Optometry's Meeting® will earn special privileges: complementary unlimited access to the FPA website, as well as e-mailed information with updates on how to continue to develop a vibrant optometric practice.

The presentation of the First Practice Academy^TM at the Practice Management & Career Center during the 2011 Optometry's Meeting® is a joint effort by creators of the FPA: CIBA VISION, Essilor, and the American Optometric Association.

Interested attendees should register by visiting www.firstpractice-ce.com.

For established practitioners, the MBA for Eye Care Professionals program will equip attendees with proven techniques to increase the satisfaction and loyalty of patients and help them optimize the financial performance of the practice. Participants in the one-day MBA program will be presented with an extensive series of practice performance benchmarks that allows them to compare their practices with the practices of MBA peers. Once attendees complete the program, they will join over 2,200 other MBA graduates who have full access to the MBA Web site and who receive e-mails and publications that further their MBA education.  MBA is brought to you by CIBA VISION, Essilor and the AOA. Registration for this full-day program is $149 for non-OD staff members, $199 for optometrists.  To register, visit www.mba-ce.com.