NORWALK, Conn.— IDOC has announced a new comprehensive, online education program for optometrists and their staff available at special pricing exclusively for IDOC members. 

This collection of online optometric education materials, which includes a thorough resource library as well as podcast lessons, was developed by Scot Morris, OD, FAAO, operating partner of Morris Education and Consulting Associates. Morris is an international speaker and author known for his expertise in the areas of practice management, technology and ocular surface disease. IDOC CEO Mark Feder, OD, said, "Adding this tremendous online education resource for our membership is yet another way IDOC leads the way in providing education to help independent optometrists thrive in today's world."

The resource library covers all of the topics essential for independent practitioners and the management of their businesses, including vision and insurance plans, medical model, marketing, human resources, practice management, legal issues, scripting office procedures and more. Extensive guides provide in-depth information on optometric finances, frame buying and sales, and there are nearly 100 downloadable, customizable resources such as workflow worksheets, daily checklists and guides to ocular conditions such as dry eye.

The library outlines the steps for hiring new employees, from sample job descriptions to the steps to take during the interview process and what the employee should do on a first day. The podcasts, concise and most just five minutes long or less, often reference other materials available in the resource library to help practitioners and staff improve and grow their businesses, IDOC’s announcement said.

With more than 20 years in private practice and in optometric consulting, Morris said his goal was to make the resources concise and straightforward, noting, "Instead of spending hours developing these materials for yourself, it's much more convenient to just download it and know the resources you need will be there." He added, “This is a new way to educate IDOC doctors and their staff. Practices struggle with staying updated on what's going on and how to make positive, meaningful changes. We've made it easy, so all you have to do is press ‘play.’"

IDOC University has traditionally been in-person meetings and study groups and this new program is an extension of IDOC University in the online space. It is branded as IDOC Online University – education when the members want it on demand.

The new education resources are available 24/7 on the member portal of IDOC.net and accessible from desktops, laptops, smartphones and tablets. Those interested in having access to this educational program database can contact IDOC at info@idoc.net or call (203) 853-3333.