Jonathan Worrall.
 
BOCA RATON, Fla.—Professional Eye Care Associates of America (PECAA), a large community of independent eyecare professionals, has announced the launch of PECAA Propel, a new membership for optometry students and first-year graduates that the group said supports their journey to practice leadership or ownership. Now open for enrollment, PECAA Propel offers free membership and comprehensive business training that the group said bridges the gap between the clinical education provided by optometry schools and the business acumen crucial for practice success. Through the program, PECAA noted that it aims to create a pipeline to bolster the longevity of independent eyecare.

“Today’s business environment is leading many students and young professionals to feel that a career in private practice is beyond reach,” said Jonathan Worrall, PECAA's president. “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.”

According to the announcement, PECAA Propel members will gain access to invaluable business resources and opportunities to interact with experienced professionals. Most importantly, they will benefit from the support of the vibrant PECAA community known for its commitment to collective growth and success, with the tools needed to join and run a small business, address challenges and achieve goals.

 
“Most new optometrists graduate confident in their clinical knowledge and skills but underequipped with the business know-how needed to lead a practice,” said Justin Manning, OD, MPH, FAAO, PECAA’s chief member experience officer. “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. PECAA Propel is their partner for business insights, leadership skills and confidence to excel within the independent eyecare landscape and attain ownership if that’s their goal.”

According to the organization, PECAA Propel offers numerous benefits designed to inspire and empower the road to private practice, including:

  • Practice management, education and industry resources.
  • Connection to the PECAA community.
  • Career development assistance.
  • Ongoing support, including the resources and community backing needed to successfully transition into private practice.
“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,” stated Timothy D. Fries, OD, 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. “Optometry schools appropriately have a commitment to clinical excellence as their number one priority and offer varying levels of practice management education. 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.”

Optometry students and first-year graduates ready to chart their course to private practice are encouraged to learn more about PECAA Propel and join today, the group said.

PECAA provides members access to more than 200 vendor partner programs, a customizable suite of industry-leading business advisory services, and strong connection to a community of growth-minded peers offering a network of support, according to the group.