Should I be in an independent or a multiple?

Independents typically offer greater clinical autonomy, more varied patient cases, stronger community ties, and a closer relationship with practice ownership. You're more likely to develop a specialism and build long-term patient relationships. The trade-off is less structured progression and sometimes less salary consistency.

Multiples offer more structured training programmes, clearer promotion pathways, and often more predictable salaries and benefits. They can be a good foundation early in your career - but clinical autonomy is typically more constrained.

A useful question to ask: am I trying to build skills and experience, or do I already have those and want to work in an environment that rewards them? Early career, a multiple's structure can be valuable. Mid-career, many optometrists and practice managers find independents give them more to work with.