National Optical Care (NOC) will next month be launching a new division of its business that offers independent optometry practices new subscription-based buying group and managed services opportunities.
The company’s Optical Growth Partners’ business model – which it says differs to other buying groups in the industry – will be based on a set monthly membership fee across three levels of membership.
It will offer independent optometry practices corporate level optical supplier benefits, including the transparent payment of quarterly purchasing rebates. Members will also be offered non‑optical supplier deals across areas of the business such as insurance, electricity, and other key business operating expenses.
According to NOC, the benefits and partnerships will collectively provide major opportunities for independents to save money and improve their profitability.
Through its higher levels of membership, Optical Growth Partners will also offer members its expertise to support a range of areas of their business operations, including marketing services, human resources, benchmarking, IT systems and business growth initiatives.
With 14 acquired practices, NOC has an expanding portfolio of independently branded practices, which it is already applying tested business improvement and growth strategies to.
“We have a unique opportunity in the optometry industry to offer our expertise and intellectual property to help support and improve as many independent practices as we can,” NOC CEO Mr Jason Gowie said.
“We already work with a range of different brands, locations and patient demographics and we believe that the more independent practices that are prospering, the better for the overall industry and health of Australians.”
He said senior NOC executives have successfully run a buying and managed services group in another healthcare industry with more than 500 members, based on the same model.
“Optical Growth Partners will be built on the key values of transparency, nurturing, and respecting both practice and supplier partnerships, and doing what we say we are going to do,” Gowie added.
Optical Growth Partners is set to launch on 1 May 2021. For any further information, contact Paula Sadler, general manager of marketing and manager services on 0438 016 995 or psadler@nocltd.com.au.
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