PECAA Propel: A Free Community Providing Business Education To Optometry Students And First Year Graduates

PECAA Propel™ provides complimentary membership and business training to optometry students and first year graduates, designed to enhance the clinical education gained in optometry school. This complementary approach equips you with the well-rounded expertise needed to seamlessly transition from student life to a thriving career in private practice. With the guidance and support of the PECAA community, you will learn skills to effectively lead a small business, overcome challenges and achieve your private practice goals. 

Propel membership offers a wealth of opportunities for professional growth, collaboration, and ongoing support. As a valued member, you gain access to: 

A Thriving Community of Peers 
Become an integral part of a vibrant network of established private practice owners. This community serves as a vital platform for sharing insights, exchanging experiences and building lasting relationships with fellow students and established professionals who understand the unique challenges and triumphs of your professional path. 

Exclusive Event Invitations 
Receive special invitations to members-only events designed to enhance your professional development and provide unique networking opportunities. These events may include workshops, guest speaker presentations and informal gatherings that facilitate deeper connections within the community. 

The PECAA Annual Meeting 
Attend our flagship Annual Meeting, a cornerstone event for PECAA members. This comprehensive gathering offers a robust agenda featuring keynote speakers, Peer-to-Peer breakout sessions on diverse topics relevant to private practice and ample time for networking with colleagues from across the country. It's an invaluable opportunity to stay abreast of industry trends, acquire new skills and strengthen professional relationships. 

Propel Town Halls 
Designed to be interactive, these virtual sessions offer a platform where you can learn from industry experts, share experiences, ask questions, and connect you with a supportive community of other Propel members from across the country.  Each session features guest speakers who are seasoned professionals in private practice management, business strategy and product knowledge, bringing valuable perspectives and practical insights directly to you.  

Propel Connect Newsletter 
Crafted exclusively for our valued PECAA Propel members, we give you a deeper look into the initiatives and insights that matter most to optometry students. Propel Connect delivers content that enriches your membership — we encourage you to explore the articles, engage with the content and continue to be an active part of our growing network. 

Practice Management Training and Education
Equip yourself with the essential knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage and grow a practice. Our training programs delve into crucial aspects of practice operations, from optimizing workflows to billing and coding, ensuring you are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of a successful private practice.  

Exclusive Vendor Webinars
Stay at the forefront of industry innovations and best practices through access to exclusive webinars presented by leading vendors. These sessions offer invaluable insights into cutting-edge technologies, services and solutions that can enhance your practice and benefit your patients. 

COPE- And ABO-NCLE-Accredited Continuing Education Events  
Fulfill your continuing education requirements with ease through our virtual continuing education offerings. Our diverse range of courses ensures you stay current with the latest advancements and regulations in your field, maintaining your professional licensure and expanding your expertise. 

Maximizing Your Propel Membership 

To fully leverage the benefits of your Propel membership, we encourage you to actively engage with the diverse opportunities available. While the Propel Connect newsletter provides you with happenings, resources and insider information — here's more on how to make the most of your membership: 

Virtual and In-Person Events

Propel hosts a variety of events throughout the year, designed to foster networking, knowledge sharing and professional development. These include: 

• Propel Town Halls: Connect. Learn. Grow — learn from established professionals with real-world experience and bring your questions for them. 
   
• Education Webinars: Accessible online sessions featuring expert speakers on a wide range of topics relevant to your professional growth. 
   
• Trade Show Receptions: Exclusive networking opportunities at industry trade shows, including: 
  • Young OD Events: Tailored gatherings for emerging professionals to connect with peers and mentors.
  • Member Appreciation Events: Social functions designed to celebrate our community and strengthen professional relationships.
     
• Annual Meeting: PECAA’s signature event of the year held each spring offering unparalleled business education and resources to strengthen Member practices. 
   
• Education Programs Tailored For Private Optometry Practices: Propel provides access to comprehensive certification programs to enhance skills, boost professional advancement and demonstrate expertise, helping you gain specialized knowledge and differentiate yourself.  
  • Optometric Business Academy is designed to elevate optometrists, practice leaders and third- and fourth-year optometry students into empowered, data-driven leaders. 
  • Office Manager Certification Course delivers critical information and training to ensure your practice excels through the efforts of the entire staff; despite the course name, many ODs find this to be an enlightening and relevant curriculum. 
  • Optical Management Certification Course focuses on frame management, assortment management and building custom tools to take your optical to the next level. 
  • Optometric Billing & Coding Certification Program is designed for eye care professionals operating within the billing and coding capacity of the practice and those who wish to better understand this critical practice function.​​

Additional Career Resources 

• Classifieds are a dedicated webpage where Propel members can: 
  • Post that they are seeking employment — an excellent resource for connecting with potential employers and discovering new career opportunities. 
  • Look for jobs posted by PECAA Max members, including technician, front desk administration and optician positions — a great way to gain experience, earn income and explore various roles in a practice.
     
• Internship — access to diverse programs, enabling individuals to gain practical experience and build professional connections. 

Whether you’re envisioning your own private practice, looking to enhance your business acumen or joining an existing private practice, PECAA Propel is your catalyst for success. Join today and become a part of a community that supports and accelerates your journey toward private practice success.