The MBA, or the master of business administration postgraduate degree, has long been a way for those in career management or the social sciences to develop their career. But is it relevant to optometrists? We explore the benefits it has offered those optometrists, from practice owners to boardroom clinicians, who have embarked on an MBA route.

More recently, the influence of the MBA has been spreading beyond its traditional markets of industry and commerce. For example, it’s now possible to study for MBAs that focus on health and social care. Optometry has not been immune to the many attractions of the MBA – more and more optometrists are looking to it as a way of learning about every angle of business, from the everyday economics to leadership strategies. This is in order to broaden their personal experience, enhance career opportunities and give their practices a competitive edge. Optometrists also have the option of gaining other business qualifications, such as a diploma or a certificate in business administration.