ALEXANDRIA, Va.—The American Optometric Association (AOA) has announced that the first class of the AOA Center for Independent Practice’s (CIP) Independent Practice Institute (IPI) has graduated. The AOA’s CIP prepares students and optometrists for independent practice through educational opportunities and collaboration with established doctors of optometry, the AOA said. A new member-only benefit designed to prepare optometrists of all experience levels for independent practice ownership and leadership, the AOA IPI equips participants with the full spectrum of skills required to successfully launch, lead and grow an independent practice, the AOA said.