More CIP Resources
The AOA Center for Independent Practice highlights these additional resources developed by CIP, developed with CIP's input, or in line with CIP areas of focus.
EyeLearn: Professional Development Hub
The AOA’s member-exclusive, centralized education portal EyeLearn, offers an expanding online catalog of educational modules, webinars and resources to help advance clinical proficiencies, the practice of contemporary optometry and practice management for doctors of optometry, future doctors of optometry and paraoptometric staff. When accessing EyeLearn, members log in with the same username and password used to log in to the AOA website. There is a user guide offered for quick reference as well.
CIP webinars on Practice Matters are available for CE credit in EyeLearn for easy access for student and doctor members of AOA
- Practice Matters: Starting a New Practice
- Associate to Owner: A Path to Success in Independent Practice
Additional AOA EyeLearn courses can be found in the content search bar or through specific course catalogs. For example:
- Practice Success: Implementing Modernized Procedures into Your Practice
- Practice Success: Starting a Private Practice – A Path to Success
- Case Study: When a Patient Chooses a New Doctor in the Practice
- Case Study: Dismissing a Patient
Golden Opportunity Awards $50,000 to start a practice
Doctors of optometry can apply to receive a $50,000 award to help establish their first independent practice as part of the second annual Golden Opportunity Award. The 2025 application deadline has passed. Finalists will be selected in April 2025 and winners will be announced during Optometry’s Meeting®, June 25-28, 2025, in Minneapolis.
The Golden Opportunity Award, honoring the legacy of Dr. David Golden, aims to support optometrists who represent underrepresented groups within the profession or who are committed to establishing practices in underserved areas. This initiative is pivotal in promoting a more diverse and equitable landscape in the field of optometry.
The AOA Foundation, in collaboration with the Professional Eyecare Resource Co-Operative (PERC) Alliance, launched the Golden Opportunity Award in 2024 to provide substantial support to emerging optometric professionals. Learn more about the inaugural awardees.
When to consider referring for low-vision rehabilitation
This Low Vision Awareness Month—and year-round—know when to refer, how to find the right provider and other considerations to help patients maintain their quality of life.
Bringing the optometric community together
The AOA announced its new Advocacy Network Partner Program and recognized Alan Glazier, O.D., the influential founder of ODs on Facebook, as its first advocacy network partner. Read more about the doctor of optometry behind the online community.
Cutting-edge education at Optometry’s Meeting® 2025 in Minneapolis
A global audience converges on the American Heartland for unmatched learning opportunities at Optometry’s Meeting®, June 25-28, in Minneapolis.