In the inaugural issue of ODC, we explored the various organizations available in the buying group space. To support your business even further, here we share the second installment—highlighting some of the key optometric alliances—designed to help you streamline the decision-making process for your practice.
O.D. Alliances
FYidoctors
Started in 2005, Canada’s doctor-owned FYidoctors works to ensure that every FYidoctors clinic has advanced technology plus access to one of the top lens laboratories in the country—its very own ophthalmic lab in Delta, BC—where the organization manufactures its own Internal Freeform lenses.
IDOC
For over 20 years, IDOC has worked to build a community of independent optometrists (now more than 3,000) and empower O.D. owners to live the practice of their dreams. The alliance provides practice management education and tools, expert advice, and unique offerings to drive business growth. All membership plans include complimentary metrics-based business solutions, negotiated vendor discounts and rebates, consulting based on deep knowledge sets, and fun and informative peer-to-peer networking.
■ idoc.net
Independent Optometric Partners
Independent Optometric Partners (IOP) is a group of practicing optometrists who have joined together to promote private practice optometry through aggregated buying power, unique learning experiences for doctors and staff, mentorship, and camaraderie. IOP is doctor-owned and not affiliated with private equity or commercial interests.
Opti-Port
Opti-Port is a national alliance of regional, multioffice eyecare providers that leverages the combined strength of its member companies to provide revenue-enhancing, cost-saving, and market-expanding opportunities by offering a solutions platform focused on group purchasing, technology, education and training, and marketing.
Professional Eye Care Associates of America
More than 3,800 independent eyecare practitioners (from both established and new practices) have joined Professional Eye Care Associates of America (PECAA) for customized tools, business advice, marketing support, education and staff training, billing assistance, human resource guidance, vendor relationships, and peer camaraderie.
Primary Eyecare Network
Founded in 1984, Primary Eyecare Network (PEN), a division of ABB Optical Group, works to enhance the independent professional optometrist’s ability to compete in a rapidly changing eyecare marketplace by providing purchasing arrangements, business management and marketing support, quality educational programs, medical billing services, and more.
Vision Source
Vision Source is a network of more than 3,300 locally owned practices and 4,500 doctors collaborating to provide quality eye care and to ensure the long-term success of private practice optometry—designed to help independent optometrists reach their full potential.
Vision Trends
Launched in 2007 by Douglas Inns, O.D., and Michael Toups, O.D., Vision Trends now includes more than 300 members in 30 states. Members benefit from programs such as vendor partnerships, insurance solutions, practice-building digital innovations, practice management education, and more.
GOOD TO KNOW
Of those ECPs looking for staff training from their buying group or alliance, a strong majority are looking for optician training options. —The OD Connection 2020 Focus Group Study
86%
Do you work with—or for—an optometric alliance not included on our list? Please email kerri.raimo@pentavisionmedia.com.
—Compiled by Kerri Ann Raimo
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