Oct. 27 President’s Column: Handing over the keys
For several years, we’ve been hearing about the challenges in transitioning a practice from a senior doctor to a junior doctor around the country. Our industry partners have recognized this and suggest that possibly several hundred viable optometric practices literally close their doors each year rather than being transitioned to a new independent optometrist.
As the organization that represents optometrists in all practice settings, it is critical from our perspective that independent practices (optometrist owner) remain viable and transition to new owners whenever possible.
Pete's AOA Weblog 
Sorry this comment is late Pete, but hey – I’ve been busy!
I’m a little worried about the AOA, MOA (Michigan),and independent optometry’s future. If my area is a microcosm of what is to be, there won’t be much left in 20 years. Of approximately 20 practices in my area that used to be independent, 2 closed thier doors and 4 sold to organized ophthalmology. Three practices have taken on young associates (including mine), but have not seen them transition into ownership, nor with any definite plans to own the practice any time soon. If no one wants to buy a practice except ophthalmology — then — I don’t know if I want to even think about it.
Dave