ITM Institute Of Health Sciences in New Panvel hosted a unique brainstorming session where stalwarts from the optical trade were invited to discuss existing problems in the industry and propose solutions
The trade of optometry is evolving at a dynamic pace. And the need of the hour is to identify the problems that could be hampering this pace of growth. On Friday, July 22, 2016, ITM Institute of Health & Sciences hosted a one of its kind brainstorming session in association with Vivek Mendonsa, Marketing Manager, Lawrence & Mayo.
The session opened with an introductory address by Professor R.S.S Mani from ITM. He thanked the dignitaries for coming and welcomed the idea of hosting such sessions to help academic institutions deliver industry ready professionals to the trade of optometry.
Attendees to the event included a mix of representatives from leading eyewear companies, lens companies, academic institutions and reputed opticians. Vivek Mendonsa initiated the session with a presentation that elaborated on the urgency to unite all stakeholders in the optical trade in order to help generate better growth opportunities.
Mr Nitin Putcha from ITM also welcomed the delegates and stressed on the importance of uniting stakeholders to come up with better methods for further growth of the industry.
Prema Chande, Principal, Lotus College Of Optometry was amongst the first person to share her opinion in this regard. She talked about the need to focus on training through four year programs to provide more qualified talent to the trade. Prema elaborated on the efforts being undertaken by LCOO to train students and the need for industry support to further strengthen the program.
Prof Mani urged industry and academia to join hands to prepare relevant curriculums that help institutions train students in a better way. Adding to his point, Sujay Suresh Dangi, from Titan Eye + talked about the importance of focusing on the consumer as the fourth stakeholder and the need of regular upgradation as well as right guidance to help students passing out make the right career choice.
One of the attendees, Boman Dinshaw highlighted the gaps in the training pointing out how students passing out lacked soft skills. He pointed out in the current scenario, store owners were investing more in incorporating these skills to make them industry ready.
As a suggestion, he talked about representatives from industry regularly being invited to review optometry colleges and their teaching methodologies. This can help in creating a better learning environment.
Other key issues discussed during the meet included the lack of the infrastructure in colleges, need of industry participation to bridge the gaps, and the importance to fine tune the sales process.
