Hoya Vision Care has announced the launch of Empower U, a multimedia, 24-7 online training and continuing education program designed specifically to support independent eyecare practices.
“We see tremendous growth potential for independent practice optometry,” says Barney Dougher, president of Hoya Vision Care, North America. “With growth, new people are entering the profession. By investing in a scalable platform, we are providing independents a training program with the appropriate and necessary mentorship to help them differentiate their brand and thrive in our ever-shifting and competitive industry.”
Anne-Marie Lahr, OD, director of training and education for Hoya Vision Care NA, headed up the vision and development of what became Empower U. “Today’s workforce is more fluid than in past generations; people are quicker to switch jobs and even entire careers. In order to improve interest and longevity in the optical field, we knew we needed a partner who had the expertise to show people how important, how interesting and how impactful their profession was.”
She adds, “We capitalized on the opportunity to partner with Jobson’s CE services and 20/20 Magazine’s Opticianry Study Center to help us develop this robust new education and training platform.” Dr. Lahr and her team worked closely with Jobson to develop dozens of sequential modules that can help a person brand new to the business gain the knowledge and comfort necessary to be effective. In addition, every person in the practice, regardless of function, title or experience level can benefit from Empower U through the product information and business development advice geared toward advancing the practice, she notes.
The key differentiators to Empower U’s online training platform are the multiple methods used to deliver the information, including videos, animations, voice-over explanations, and an online testing and skill assessment with an office mentor, which ensures comprehension. Modules are broken up into three main sections:
• “The First 90 Days” takes the participant through eye anatomy, an eye exam, the prescription, frames, lenses and more.
• “Hoya Technology Improves Vision” is product-specific and shows the benefits of Hoya lens designs, materials and treatments on visual acuity.
• “Hoya Improves Business” has case studies and other tools to help practices differentiate their brands from chains and the Internet.
Hoya’s mission to empower independent practices through science, technology and innovation, Dr. Lahr adds, is further advanced by Empower U. The training is virtual, can be worked on anywhere 24/7 and is personalized to keep track of the participant’s progress. All of the available training is free to all Hoya active accounts, and there are ABO and COPE modules that can be accessed free of charge.
Practices that would like access to Empower U can contact their local Hoya Territory Sales Manager to get started or visit the new site at learning.hoyavision.com.
—Andrew Karp
