NORWALK, Conn.—IDOC (Independent Doctors of Optometric Care) has formed a relationship with Connecticut’s ProHealth Physicians —the state’s largest Accountable Care Organization (ACO). “The partnership will allow IDOC to help ensure the long-term success of independent optometry by providing its members the opportunity to participate in the ProHealth health care delivery network as a preferred provider of eyecare and related services,” an announcement from IDOC said.

ProHealth’s Primary Care Physicians and IDOC members will work together to maximize the coordination and effectiveness of care by focusing on collaborative care management, access to care, transition of care between PCPs and optometry, patient communication and reporting of efficiency, quality and other metrics.

According to James Cox-Chapman, MD, Chief Medical Officer at ProHealth, the partnership is good news for patients. “We’re looking forward to collaborating with IDOC members not only on eye health issues, but on detection and management of chronic conditions and their effects, particularly diabetes. It’s all part of our mission to deliver care that addresses the needs of the whole person. We feel that optometry is an important part of the equation, and are confident that this collaboration will result in improved patient outcomes.”

As the Affordable Care Act continues to evolve and change health care delivery, practitioners will benefit from inclusion in ACOs, and “IDOC is delighted to be able to bring that opportunity to its members.”

“This partnership will enable our members in Connecticut to expand their patient bases, while participating in a holistic approach to health care that enhances clinical excellence,” said Dave Brown, president & CEO of IDOC. “We are currently seeking similar relationships across the U.S., and look forward to creating new opportunities for additional IDOC members.”

IDOC members from Connecticut who wish to participate will be notified regarding the simple steps they need to take to secure inclusion in the partnership. For questions regarding the health care reform efforts that IDOC is pursuing, contact the company at (203) 853-3333.

IDOC offers independent optometrists vendor programs and services, business consulting and national, regional and local educational programs that empowers its more than 2,100 members to provide the highest level of vision care and ensure the success of independent optometry.

Based in Farmington, Conn., ProHealth Physicians is Connecticut’s largest physician-owned health care delivery system, serving over 380,000 active patients, and completing over 850,000 patient encounters per year. Formed in 1997, ProHealth has grown to include more than 350 primary care and specialty providers and offers select specialty and diagnostic/therapeutic services such as ENT, pediatric and adult gastroenterology, plastic surgery, imaging, physical therapy, sleep medicine services, ADHD diagnosis and treatment, audiology, neurology, and regional Express Care walk-in centers.