Independent Practice Programs

2026-27 Independent Practice Institute

The AOA CIP Independent Practice Institute equips the next generation of doctors of optometry to become independent practitioners, providing essential and contemporary eye health and visual care in their communities, through a 12-month, virtual and in-person professional practice management and business development curriculum.

AOA CIP Independent Practice Institute equips new doctors for independent practice

AOA Independent Practice Institute graduates first class

AOA Independent Practice Institute Celebrates Its First Class of Graduates

What is the Independent Practice Institute?

The AOA CIP Independent Practice Institute is a 12-month member benefit program designed to engage and equip the upcoming generation of doctors with the business basics of running an independent practice.  Through a combination of virtual and in-person training, discussion groups and networking opportunities, IPI participants will obtain the skillset and confidence necessary to start or step in to an independent practice leadership role.

Developed by the AOA Center for Independent Practice, the IPI is open to active AOA member students and doctors of optometry at any stage in their careers.

AOA CIP Independent Practice Institute equips students and doctors for independent practice

What is the purpose of the AOA Independent Practice Institute?

All schools and colleges of optometry provide practice management education and information.  However, with schools and students focused on classes and the national boards, clinics and externships, and campus organizations and extracurricular activities, graduates tell AOA that by the time they are interested in joining or starting an independent practice, they don’t necessarily have confidence they know or recall how to handle the business aspects of practice management.  The AOA CIP Independent Practice Institute provides training in business and practice management to help, regardless of where you are in your career. 

What you can expect from the program:

• Highly interactive sessions that are designed to provide a business and practice management foundation from subject-matter experts and fellow participants
• 8 virtual sessions at 8 p.m. ET will not exceed 2 hours
• 2 in-person sessions: one at Optometry’s Meeting (2026), one at Optometry's Meeting (2027)
• Free registration for Optometry’s Meeting
• Guided small group/cohort discussions
• Monthly session prework and assignments that support learning and application
• Program materials including workshop and webinar resources, recordings and tools
• Roster with contact information

What we expect of participants

• Engage and actively participate in each session
• Complete all prework and assignments
• Attend Optometry’s Meeting in 2026 and 2027
• Connect with peer participants to enhance learning and further develop your network

How to participate in the 2027-28 AOA CIP Independent Practice Institute

The Center for Independent Practice will being accepting applications for a new class of IPI participants in January 2027. Questions? Contact Madison Lamp.

Build Independent Practice at Optometry’s Meeting®

The AOA Center for Independent Practice held its 2025 Symposium at Optometry's Meeting in Minneapolis.  Dr. Jeff Sonsino moderated an unbiased and uncensored discussion of the future of independent practice with an elite panel including Drs. Selina McGee, Carrie Roitstein, Mile Brulic and Ryan McKinnis.

The AOA Center for Independent Practice held its 2024 Symposium in conjunction with AOA+ at Optometry’s Meeting in Nashville, with pop-ups featuring Bill Nolan, president, practice transitions for Williams Group; Bernie DeJesus, student loan consultant, GradFin LLC team at Laurel Road; and Frank L. Vivians, Jr., assistant vice president, medical business development officer, Bank of America Practice Solutions. The Wiliams Group supported the 2024 Symposium.

The AOA Center for Independent Practice held its 2023 Symposium at Optometry’s Meeting in Washington D.C., featuring expert Tom Bowen, founder and CEO of Thrive Practice and Life Development. The 2023 Symposium was sponsored by Johnson & Johnson Vision.