Oct. 16, 2024 — Professional Eye Care Associates of America (PECAA) has introduced PECAA Propel, a new membership program aimed at helping optometry students and first-year graduates develop business skills for leading or owning a private practice.
The program, now open for enrollment, offers free membership and training to bridge the gap between clinical education and business management. Members of PECAA Propel will have access to a range of business resources, networking opportunities, mentorship from experienced professionals, and ongoing support to help participants transition into private practice.
“Today’s business environment is leading many students and young professionals to feel that a career in private practice is beyond reach,” says PECAA president Jonathan Worrall. “Our goal is for PECAA Propel to change that mindset, so the next generation is empowered to pursue a career in private practice. The program is a natural extension of the business support that PECAA provides to independent eyecare professionals, and many of our member doctors are eager to contribute to this initiative through mentorship.”
“Most new optometrists graduate confident in their clinical knowledge and skills but underequipped with the business know-how needed to lead a practice,” says PECAA chief member experience officer Justin Manning, O.D., MPH, FAAO. “I am excited to welcome today’s students and early career professionals into this new program that will act as a handoff from their clinical training and build on whatever degree of practice management education they received in optometry school.”
“I interact daily with students and young professionals who aspire to work in private practice and are eager for guidance on making that goal a reality,” says Timothy D. Fries, O.D., MBA, MPH, FAAO, who is an assistant professor at the Ohio State University College of Optometry and serves as the advisor to the university’s Private Practice Club. “Even those students who are fortunate to participate in a robust business curriculum can benefit from access to resources pertaining to day-to-day practice operations to prepare them for embarking on their chosen career path.”