BUSINESS: The Independent Eye: Optical on Main Street Jobson Optical Research’s ECP Income Study Showcases Financial Landscape for Independent ECPs By Gwendolyn Plummer Friday, September 13, 2024 7:30 AM NEWARK, N.J.—Jobson Optical Research released its annual ECP Income Study this month, offering new insights into what ECPs across the country are earning. This extensive study includes the average income for optometrists, opticians/dispensers and optical office managers in the U.S—these metrics include independent ECPs, offering a helpful guidepost for other independents. In addition, a full comparison of males vs. females is broken out across all demographics. For the study, Jobson Optical Research polled its internal database of ECPs; total respondents included 355 optometrists (all working 32+ hours per week), 267 opticians/dispensers and 99 office managers.Participants had from June 17, 2024, through July 18, 2024, to complete the survey, and they were asked to report on their 2023 income. Other points addressed throughout the study included the following:• Family status• Years in the optical industry• Business type• Private equity-owned offices• ECP-owned offices• Supervisory roles• Pay structure• Average hours worked per week• Negotiations• Income satisfactionThe study, which is available for purchase and download now, can help independent ECPs across the country benchmark their compensation policies against the national and regional variances.