A Look Back and What’s to Come
PECAA Propel, a membership for optometry students and first-year graduates that supports their journey to practice leadership or ownership, is set to celebrate its one-year anniversary in November!
The free membership now boasts nearly 600 members who are benefitting from critical business training to complement their clinical education in optometry school, creating the perfect formula for private practice success, as well as a pipeline of independents to respond to the increasing demand for quality eye care.
Year one for Propel was all about introducing the new membership to optometry schools and their students. Looking ahead, PECAA will expand Propel offerings and activities in year two. PECAA Propel Program Manager Alicia Crider recently described those plans.
“Even with Propel in its early stages, we’ve built a wonderful community that is already augmenting our student members’ preparedness for practice leadership,” said Crider. “The PECAA team is working to create meaningful ways for Propel members to engage with one another and with seasoned professionals who are providing career-shaping guidance. From Town Halls where practice owners share their journeys and students have the opportunity to ask questions, to practice visits that connect students with PECAA members and their real-world insights and experiences, we love creating connection and fostering leadership. The future is bright – for the Propel program and the students who are already benefiting from this membership – and PECAA is proud to support the next generation of optometrists as they shape the future of the profession.”
2025 Propel Milestones
The program hit the ground running with its recruitment efforts after launching last year, visiting optometry schools across the country. First up was an event at the State University of New York College of Optometry in partnership with VSP Vision where several students became members on the spot!
Earlier this year, Propel took a trip to the Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Optometry (IAUPR) to speak to its private practice club students where everyone in attendance joined the program – that’s 23 students!
The membership also hosted its first Propel Town Hall in a virtual Peer-to-Peer-style setting where students heard from PECAA Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer Lance Anderson, OD, and Rasa Tamulavichus, OD, of multi-location Big City Optical in Illinois, who shared practice insights as well as lessons from their early years as a practice owners.
Throughout the year, Propel has participated in numerous
events, from the University of California at Berkeley Student Day, Vision Expo East and the 2025 PECAA Annual Meeting, where six members attended through a travel grant, to spread the word about optometry’s newest student program!
IAUPR School of Optometry student, Private Practice Club President and PECAA Propel member Melanie Carrión, shares “Being a part of PECAA Propel has been an incredible opportunity. Every event I’ve participated in has provided invaluable experiences that have helped shape me as a future optometrist. Through this program, I’ve learned so much and have had the chance to connect with so many inspiring people. I am truly grateful to PECAA for their dedication and involvement with students.”
The PECAA Community in Action
One of the most important aspects of membership is the power of the vibrant PECAA community, known for its commitment to collective growth and success. Propel has greatly benefited from the volunteerism of PECAA members who have donated their personal time to support the program. A special thanks to all
who have given their support and those who have volunteered to participate in the future.
“The response to Propel from students and ODs alike has been both exhilarating and encouraging, making it a compelling membership addition,” said PECAA’s Chief Member Experience Officer, Justin Manning, OD, MPH, FAAO. For students, we’re offering them a free roadmap to successfully lead their own private practice. For doctors, it’s an awesome way to give back to the profession that brings them immense joy and purpose.”
Want to Help?
There are several ways to support the PECAA Propel membership, from encouraging an optometry student to join, to speaking at an event or hiring a new graduate. Contact PECAA Propel Program Manager Alicia Crider at alicia.crider@pecaa.com to let us know how you want to get involved.
PECAA Propel members gain access to invaluable business resources and opportunities designed to inspire and empower private practice success, including:
- Practice management, education and industry resources
- Connection to the PECAA community
- Career development assistance
- Ongoing support, including the resources and community backing needed to successfully transition into private practice