UNITED STATES
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Released 02/29/2008
CIBA VISION and Essilor of America Introduce “First Practice Academy™”
Targets Unique Business Needs of New Optometric Practice Owners
Atlanta, Feb. 29 2008 – CIBA VISION and Essilor of America announce the launch of a one-of-a-kind optometric educational initiative: the First Practice Academy™ (FPA). Endorsed by the American Optometric Association, the FPA is the first and only training program designed for independent optometrists who have been private practice owners for three years or less. Kicking off in June 2008, the FPA will provide new optometric business owners with strategies and tools to enhance their patients’ experience, achieve financial success and gain competitive advantage.
Taught by industry-leading independent optometrists who have built large private practices from the ground up, FPA seminars will feature practical advice and real-world experience on rapidly growing and running a successful practice. The curriculum focuses on business fundamentals, with seminars on finance, profitability, marketing, staff management and the legal aspects of practice.
“New independent start-ups often struggle during their first few years of ownership because they feel overwhelmed by the business and financial requirements of running a practice,” said Richard E. Weisbarth, O.D. F.A.A.O., Vice President and Global Head of Professional Development and Partnerships, CIBA VISION. “The First Practice Academy allows new owners to develop the necessary skills to better serve their patients’ needs, enhance success, and to differentiate their optometric practices in today’s competitive environment.”
FPA attendees will also have the opportunity to benchmark the performance of their business versus other independent practices. By completing a confidential questionnaire on the financial aspects of their practices, attendees will be given an individualized, detailed performance appraisal based on key comparative metrics from other new and established practices.
“Today’s graduates are some of the best clinical optometrists in the history of the profession,” said Howard B. Purcell, O.D., F.A.A.O., and Essilor’s Vice President of Customer Development. “The First Practice Academy builds on the practice management foundation established at the schools and colleges to provide the timely skills, resources and networking opportunities needed to help new owners optimize the success of their practice.”
The FPA provides attendees with a forum to meet and build relationships with other new optometric business owners who are dealing with the same challenges, or who may have fresh new ideas. Attendees will also benefit from a web site offering best-in-class practice management tools and a handbook with detailed business strategies and actionable, step-by-step tactics developed specifically for new optometric business owners. Additionally, there will be on-going support for FPA alumni, with updated practice-building information and tips, as well as the opportunity for continued online dialogue and Q&A with faculty.
“The American Optometric Association applauds CIBA VISION and Essilor of America’s commitment to supporting optometrists during their critical formative years," said Peter H. Kehoe, O.D., F.A.A.O., AOA president-elect. "We consider such programs vital to the success of new O.D.s who have chosen to pursue private practice."
The First Practice Academy is an extension of the premier business-building Management & Business Academy (MBA) program that CIBA VISION and Essilor of America introduced in 2005 to provide business and practice management education to established optometric practices. The MBA program focuses on practical strategies and techniques proven effective in the real world by the most successful private practices in the United States, and more than 1,500 O.D.s have attended MBA seminars over the past three years.
Participants in the FPA seminar will be nominated by the American Optometric Association, CIBA VISION and Essilor of America. New optometric private practice owners interested in learning more about the First Practice Academy can contact their CIBA VISION or Essilor of America sales representatives.
About CIBA VISION
With a focus on innovation, quality and strong partnerships with eye care practitioners, CIBA VISION is a global leader in the research, development and manufacturing of contact lenses and lens care products. CIBA VISION shares eye care practitioners' passion for healthy vision and dedication to improving the quality of patients’ lives around the world. With worldwide headquarters in Atlanta CIBA VISION is the eye care unit of Novartis AG (NYSE: NVS). For more information, visit the CIBA VISION web site at www.cibavision.com.
