Vision Connection has been promoting the independent career path to students of optometry. In 2026 the marketing and buying group attended nine campus events at six universities in an effort to show students what independent practice looks like day to day, and help them decide on what path they want to take.
Meeting students where they are
Partnering with optometry student societies, Vision Conection ran dinner-and-discussion events, industry days, and trivia nights.
The flagship ‘Independence Unlocked’ evenings gave students direct access to people who have built independent careers. At University of Western Australia, around 35 students heard from Vision Connection CEO Joanne Scott-Dostine, Vision Connection Advisory Board member Belinda Musitano, and Helen Binckes, an optometrist from Eyes@Optometry in Dalyellup, WA.
At the University of Melbourne, Vision Connection Chair Michael Nasser and Ms Scott-Dostine compared independent and corporate environments, walked through the realities of practice ownership, and introduced the Vision Connection Independent Path Playbook.
When students shared their feedback, they were clear: they want more opportunities to branch out, use their skills, and build real patient relationships
The program also went online. On 12 August, Ms Scott-Dostine was joined by Eliza Whiteley of Whiteley Optometry in Dubbo, NSW, for a Practice to Ownership webinar requested by Queensland University of Technology students. A total of 44 students from various universities joined, demonstrating strong interest in what independent practice and ownership can offer.
Engagement High From Start to Finish
Each event ended with an open Q&A with students asking questions that included: What does independent work really look like? How do I get there? Who supports me along the way?
“When students shared their feedback, they were clear: they want more opportunities to branch out, use their skills, and build real patient relationships,” Ms Scott-Dostine observed. “That is exactly why we opened up our individual membership to students – to connect them with the independent pathway they’re looking for. We want to back them from day one and give them the community support they need to confidently start their journey.”
Just The Beginnning
In a press release, Vision Connection said the 2026 program was only the beginning. “Every attendee leaves a Vision Connection student event knowing that independence is possible as a future practitioner, partner, or owner who will keep independent eye care strong in their community,” the company said.
Vision Connection is free for individuals to join and gives students access to future events, webinars, industry updates, student placements, and job opportunities within independent optometry.
Optometry students can apply for a free Vision Connection Individual Membership at visionconnection.com.au/membership-application/individual.
Student societies are also invited to get in touch with Vision Connection by emailinginfo@visionconnection.com.au or calling (AUS) 1800 920 288.
Independent practices open to hosting optometry students from 2027 can register their interest using this link. You don’t need to be a Vision Connection member to register.
