Block Buying Group By John Sailer Monday, February 13, 2012 12:11 AM RELATED CONTENT Finding Strength in Numbers Making the Choice: Vital Stats on ECP Alliances and Buying Groups *VM Web EXCLUSIVE: "Membership Has Its Benefits," Say ECPs in Buying Groups and ECP Alliances The Alliance C & E Vision/Vision West Independent Doctors of Optometric Care (IDOC) Opti-Port Prima Eye Group Primary Eyecare Network (PEN) Professional Eye Care Associates of America (PECAA) Professional Eyecare Resources Co-op (PERC) OD Excellence Villavecchia Buying Group Vision Source Block Buying Group Founded: 1983 Owner: Michael Block, president Executives: Carolyn Walsh, general manager; Judy Biglin, controller; Scott Abel, director of business development Contact: www.blockbg.com; (800) 524-1480 Programs: vendor discounts; Elite Vendor Program allows members to earn additional rebates based on achieving modest goals; proprietary iChoice progressive lens; no-charge credit processing; no fees to join and no administrative fees; monthly newsletter; monthly video series on Eyefind and VisionMonday.com Event: annual Block Business Academy Members: 4,000 Focus for 2012: Elite Vendor Program; iChoice lens