Feb. 1, 2024 — The Professional Eye Care Associates of America (PECAA) has opened registration for the 2024 PECAA Annual Meeting taking place April 29 to May 1 at the Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas.
Exclusive to PECAA Max members, the event gathers independent eyecare professionals, vendor partners, and industry leaders for three days of peer networking, educational sessions, and special events. Now in its 15th year, the PECAA Annual Meeting is designed to encourage meaningful connections and the exchange of experiences, perspectives, and ideas within the independent eyecare industry. Last year’s event hosted nearly 800 attendees.
This year’s event will feature keynote addresses from former major league baseball pitcher, Olympic gold medalist, and Amateur Athletic Union Sullivan Award winner Jim Abbott, who was born without a right hand and played 10 seasons in the big leagues; 30-year decorated Air Force veteran, nationally recognized ophthalmic technician, and COPE-approved speaker Lynn E. Lawrence, CMSgt, USAF (ret), MSOL, CPOT, ABOC, COA, OSC, who led 540 optometry and ophthalmology technicians at 90 locations and oversaw quality control for 133 optical locations worldwide as the Air Force’s ophthalmic career field manager; and entrepreneur, two-time TEDx speaker, and author of “Permission to Screw Up” Kristen Hadeed, who has worked with leaders and organizations across a wide range of industries to encourage courageous, compassionate leadership.
The event will also host education sessions on a range of topics including best practices and industry trends, along with continuing education and certification courses for both doctors and staff.
Other features include the PECAA’s Annual Member Choice Awards, an engaging way for attendees to learn about vendor offerings for PECAA Max Members. Additionally, PECAA Gives provides an opportunity for attendees to support a nonprofit. This year’s beneficiary is the Goodie Two Shoes Foundation, a nonprofit that provides disadvantaged children with new shoes, socks, and other essential items.
“I’m fascinated with people’s models for success, and the benefit of attending the PECAA Annual Meeting is the opportunity to connect with practices different from your own,” says PECAA Max member Keshav Bhat, O.D., of Union Family Eye Associates in Matthews, NC. “I may meet a doctor whose practice is in a town with a population of 3,000 people or one who has four practices spanning 250 miles. Additionally, I can have a conversation with a vendor and come back the next day and the representative will have thought through my situation and have a customized plan for me. Going to the PECAA Annual Meeting encourages people to be a part of the family. The larger and stronger we are, the more successful we can be.”
For more information about the event and PECAA Max membership, click here.