DALLAS—Nassau Lens Company, Emerging Vision and Vision One announce today they are testing a concept created to assist select new graduates entering independent practice in North and South Dakotas. The program is designed to support independent eyecare professionals (ECPs) by providing financing to optometrists looking to open first-time practices, while providing practice management, marketing expertise and brand support from a leading optical franchisors, Emerging Vision.
 
According to Glenn Spina, CEO Emerging Vision, “This concept has been a long time coming. We are excited to be providing this opportunity through a pilot that allows new graduates the freedom to return to their home states and set up private practices with the backing of a 100-year proven franchise, Sterling Optical; ophthalmic lens manufacturer and consistent supporter of the independent ECP, Nassau Lens Company; and trusted financial partner, Vision One.”
 
Statistics show that the majority of third-year optometry students want to start their careers as independent practice owners; but due to college related debt, only 15 percent actually become owners in their first year. Meanwhile, approximately 500 independent practices close each year primarily due to the lack of proper succession planning. The three companies have come together in an effort to increase the numbers of students who can realize their desires for private practice, with the backing of a trusted and successful franchise model.
 
“Supporting these types of initiatives is an important way for us to help optometrists remain independent and competitive in this changing marketplace,” said Howard Purcell, OD, senior vice president of Customer Development at Essilor. “The dynamics of the optometric practice today present some unique challenges to graduating ECPs. This pilot will allow us to determine the best way to help even more enter private practice, and we are glad to provide that support.”
 
Emerging Vision will provide guidance with site selection and purchase, practice management and product selection, human resources and branding and marketing support, and all key areas to run a successful practice.
 
“We believe in this initiative as an extension of the already strong business support Nassau Lens Company provides to Emerging Vision through our product and lab support channels,” stated Maureen Cavanagh, president, Nassau Lens Company. “Essilor has always made the independent ECP a priority in its business model, and growing the industry through helping emerging new graduates is a great way to continue that support.”
 
For more information about the pilot, contact Kristan Willingham, corporate communications director, Essilor.