In today’s highly competitive marketplace, it’s harder than ever to remain independent and thrive. The result? Ownership fatigue—and many O.D.s are looking for fresh ways to collaborate, align, and join together to remain independent, together.

Our brand new PentaVision publication—The OD Connection—steps up to the plate to deliver key information, critical intel, and fresh ideas in the optometric alliance and buying group arena to help independent O.D.s make the right choices to be stronger, together.

In our cover feature—Stronger Together, starting on page 12—we deliver an insider, from-the-ground view of the key features + benefits of joining forces with an optometric alliance and/or buying group from the expert, veteran perspective. Four eyecare professionals (two belonging to alliances and two to buying groups) share their perspectives on everything from pricing and discounts to value-added services such as metrics, education, and meetings.

We also unpack the details on the optometric alliance and buying group landscape with a feature unveiling our exclusive market research. The results of The OD Connection’s Alliances + Buying Group Focus Group Study (starting on page 16) reveal the facts on what ECPs across the country find most valuable from their buying group or alliance + how it’s helping their bottom line.

There’s also much, much more in this debut issue of ODC, so keep on turning the pages. Don’t miss our compelling interview with IDOC President Dave Brown (page 10), plus our guide to buying groups—The Players: Part I—starting on page 18 is an excellent resource to tear out and save.

Want more?

Look for three more enticing issues of The OD Connection coming your way in 2020, and check out our Facebook page: @TheODConnection

We hope you enjoy the issue!

ERINN MORGAN
Editor-in-Chief + Editorial Director Eyecare Business +
Corporate Optometry Today!