4 disruptions challenge independent practice

She bases part of her analysis on the results of a 2010 survey of 6,000 U.S. consumers, exploring current customer preferences-where they go for exams and buy materials-and their anticipated future buying habits.

Spaulding outlined four major disruptions for skepticism about the future of independent optometry:

"It makes sense that customers would trust and remain loyal to their optometrists for exams but seek more value from online vendors or mass merchandisers for materials," Spaulding said.