Eyecare Plus considers affiliation with NZ-based group

It’s expected preliminary meetings will be held between the two optometry groups at Eyecare Plus’ national conference on the Gold Coast in October, after mbers from Eyepro were invited to attend in order to discuss new ways of working together.Eyecare Plus chairman Mr Justin Durkin said the increasingly competitive optometry landscape meant the group needed to continue to develop new services for its mbers.“We’ve had an exciting year with winning the Canstar Blue ratings for the most satisfied patients in Australia but we can’t rest on our laurels,” Durkin said.“We have the same values and many of the same challenges, so it makes sense for us to share knowledge and work together.”While the long-term nature of the affiliation will be the subject of further discussion at upcoming strategy meetings, it is likely to extend into training and marketing activities. Eyepro managing director Mr Chris Clark, said the affiliation was an exciting new step for his group.“It’s a win-win. We’ll come together as independent optometrists and exchange ideas around best practice,” he said.“I’m sure we can learn from each other and there will be obvious savings in terms of the development of resources.”The Eyecare Plus Biennial Conference will be held at The Star on the Gold Coast, from October 26–28.IMAGE TOP: Eyecare Plus chairman Justin Durkin, Eyepro managing director Chris Clark and Eyecare Plus deputy chairman Dale Rolfe.