AOA Center for Independent Practice expands to serve the next generation

Now in its fourth year, the AOA Center for Independent Practice (CIP) is expanding the ways it helps students and practitioners develop the skills and knowledge to thrive in today’s world of independent optometry practice. 

With an inaugural class of 35 participants, the CIP launched its Independent Practice Institute (IPI) this year to engage and equip the next generation of doctors through strong partnerships, business strategy and practice advocacy. The CIP also reached a new milestone by adding its sixth partner optometry school, enabling its programs and resources to reach a larger group of budding doctors. 

“The AOA Center for Independent Practice represents a great opportunity for optometrists who are looking at branching out into private practice,” says IPI participant Marie Huegel, O.D. “Practice ownership can be scary because of all of the unknowns, but this program provides invaluable resources and networking partnerships committed to our success.” 

Read a comprehensive article on the AOA Center for Independent Practice. 

AOA CIP Independent Practice Institute equips new doctors for independent practice 

The AOA CIP IPI is a new 10-month member benefit program designed for new graduates from optometry school who want to pursue independent practice. Through mostly virtual sessions—plus in-person gatherings at Optometry’s Meeting® and AOA on Capitol Hill—participants gain skills and confidence to lead independent optometry practices. 

“The Independent Practice Institute supports and empowers independent optometrists through a unique curriculum,” says Aaron McNulty, O.D., an IPI cohort leader. “The goal is to equip the next generation of independent optometrists to succeed and thrive in independent practice.” 

Topics covered in the interactive sessions include goal setting, work/life balance, business planning, marketing, patient operations and experience, personal finance, billing and insurance, and human resources. Participants are divided into three cohorts of 10 to 12 for guided, small-group discussions led by cohort leaders. 

“As independent practitioners, we need to be knowledgeable in numerous aspects of the business,” says cohort leader Tara DeRose, O.D. “The IPI cohort groups are a great way to connect with colleagues in the same phase of practice—whether joining, starting, purchasing a practice—to share ideas and support each other.” 

The program has received a 94% positive rating from participants. “As a new OD, it’s easy to believe that practice ownership is too intimidating or too complex to pursue,” says participant Allison Wirt, O.D. “I joined the Independent Practice Institute because I knew the group could provide some insight. I could not have anticipated that I would be face-to-face with titans of our field, such as successful private practice owners, corporate industry leaders, AOA leadership, and affiliated multi-disciplinary partners.” 

“The program equips and empowers ODs to take control of their careers and begin to build lifelong success,” says cohort leader Erick Henderson, O.D. “If you are ready to take your career to the next level, the Independent Practice Institute is a must.” 

Illinois College of Optometry joins AOA Center for Independent Practice 

The Illinois College of Optometry has joined the AOA CIP as its sixth and newest partner. Partner schools must have 100% AOA membership for optometrists on faculty. 

“We are pleased to be a part of the AOA Center for Independent Practice,” says Mark Colip, O.D., president of the Illinois College of Optometry. “Optometry as a profession is better with a strong AOA.” 

Other AOA CIP partner schools are Southern College of Optometry, Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry, The Ohio State University College of Optometry, University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Optometry, and Western University College of Optometry.

Dr. Colip joins the leaders from the other partner schools on the CIP Steering Committee, chaired by Robert C. Layman, O.D., AOA past president. Drs. DeRose, Henderson and McNulty also volunteer on the CIP Steering Committee, representing independent practitioners. The Steering Committee has provided direction to the AOA on the development and rollout of the CIP and its programs.