Losing Your Independence - The Race to Nowhere!?
Long time lurker - first time poster.
We all know that change is inevitable, and one must adapt to survive long term. However, each and every week we read the press releases and articles on the latest developments within the Canadian ophthalmic landscape and it's rather concerning.
It is becoming more evident that independent practices feel the only way to survive is be acquired or drink the buying group's cohered Kool-aid.
Yes, we all know that there is strength in numbers and a unified force is stronger than a divided one, bla bla bla...but when you slice it up, and look past the slick marketing jargon, one must really ask the question what am I really gaining?
There's one group that basically buys you out and acquires you if you meet their market criteria. Then there's a few others that promise better purchasing power, practice support and a group hug once at a year at the annual convention. Either way, each method requires full compliance and obedience to their brands or else all hell breaks loose.
I have many long time colleagues that have made the switch and sold their souls and independence. Let me tell you, the information I get back is a mixed bag and very interesting. The majority of feedback I've received back indicates a lot of promises falling short. Not to mention, I'm receiving better pricing and support from my lens/frame vendors than my colleagues that signed on the dotted line!
Every practice in every market is different, there is no cookie cutter solution to success. So my question is, why would one trade their years of sweat equity and democracy for 'rules, regulations and quotas? Isn't that the definition of a dictatorship?
