On 11 October, a group of entrepreneurial dispensing opticians and optometrists gathered at the ABDO National Resource Centre in Birmingham to attend the Become an Independent Optician event.
This annual event, hosted by ABDO, is supported by a range of other organisations and businesses who are all instrumental in supporting the independent sector. This includes the Association for Independent Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians (AIO), SightCare, the National Eyecare Group, Myers La Roche, Eyewear Styling Academy, Spec Network (Seiko), and Eyeplan.
The event kicked off with a welcome, brief introduction and aims from Nick Walsh, ABDO head of corporate development. Nick then handed over to Mike Ockenden from the AIO and John French from SightCare, who explained the roles of their respective organisations in supporting independent practitioners – including facilitating peer groups, coaching, a buying group, political support, effectively lots of great help in running your own business.
Independent practice owners, Clive Marchant (Colin Lee Opticians), John Stevenson (Stevenson Jones Opticians) and Eva Dave (Style Optique) then spoke about their experiences of starting an independent optical business and the learnings and experiences that this brings. There were some truly inspiring stories to be heard.
Following time for refreshments and networking, attendees then had time to speak with the organisations and businesses taking part to talk more specifically around how they could work together.
The event was seen as a great success overall with attendee Gurmit Bansal stating: “I would like to say this event is invaluable for someone looking to set up on their own as an independent practice. The event was well organised and very informative and a ‘ must go to’. The support network available makes the prospect of opening and owning an independent practice a much more realistic one. I wish I had known this earlier in my career. “
The event will run again in 2023, with details available in the coming months.