AOA Center for Independent Practice
Launched in fall 2022, the mission of the AOA Center for Independent Practice (CIP) is to fuel a passion for and create a foundational knowledge base to excel in the management of today’s independent practice of contemporary optometry. This center of excellence will help students and practitioners develop strong partnerships, optimize practice resources, create business strategy and utilize the fundamentals of professional practice advocacy.
Welcome Home, Independent Doctors
The AOA has long been the voice of independent doctors and we want to help you succeed. Independent practice is thriving—whether you are practicing independently, want to learn more about it or want to find opportunities, the Center for Independent Practice (CIP) is your home.
This is your one-stop hub for resources to help advance your professional skills. Revisit often to find more information and tools to help you grow as the AOA fights for broader scope, recognition and opportunities for doctors of optometry.
Partners
The AOA thanks the 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 for their visionary partnership and leadership in the CIP and independent practice of contemporary optometry.
More About CIP
Independent Practice Programs
New for 2025! Independent Practice Institute
The AOA CIP Independent Practice Institute is a 10-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, focus 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 AOA CIP Independent Practice Institute is open to active AOA member students and doctors of optometry, particularly those who are early in their careers.
Applications have closed for the inaugural 2025-26 IPI.
Click on the button/link below to "CIP Programs" to access more details about the IPI program.
Also this year, the 2025 Center for Independent Practice Symposium will be held at Optometry’s Meeting in Minneapolis.
Independent Practice Resources
Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) reporting requirements are back in effect but compliance is not required yet. Federal law requires many optometry practices and other businesses with fewer than 20 employees and less than $5 million in receipts to report certain ownership information to the Department of the Treasury by March 21, 2025. However, enforcement and fines for noncompliance are on hold until the federal government issues new guidance. The original reporting deadline for most businesses was Jan. 1, 2025, but various federal courts issued injunctions blocking enforcement. In January and February, those injunctions were lifted, allowing the Department of the Treasury to resume requiring reporting. There are some exceptions to the reporting deadlines, so carefully review the deadlines and requirements. CIP created compliance materials below. A CIP presentation is available in EyeLearn to walk through the steps to file ownership reports.
Meanwhile, the AOA will continue to fight for relief. The US House of Representatives passed a one-year delay in reporting, with AOA advocating the Senate act in kind. Additionally, the federal government indicated that it would announce new compliance deadlines before March 21 and propose additional regulatory relief later this year. https://fincen.gov/boi
Practice Continuation Program
The AOA Center for Independent Practice has created this Practice Continuity Program to assist AOA members whose successful practices might not stay open if the doctor retires. The goal is to find a suitable doctor to lead the practice who will maintain access to eye health and visual welfare and AOA membership in the community, with the assistance of expert consultants.
MORE AOA INDEPENDENT PRACTICE RESOURCES
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Optometry’s Meeting® gives students, recent grads a leg up in the field
At Optometry’s Meeting® in Minneapolis, June 25-28, attendees can tackle the job market by leveraging cutting-edge educational and networking opportunities with other students and colleagues from around the world.
Inspiring optometry’s next generation
Tessa Sokol, O.D., explains why recruiting the best and brightest into our profession isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential for the future of optometry.