TUCSON, Ariz.—PECAA, the Professional Eye Care Associates of America, hosted its 10th annual meeting from April 19 through April 21 at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa here. The event drew more than 700 members, vendors, staff and guests to the area for a mix of education, economic and community-building opportunities. The 2018 meeting featured an all-new interactive workshop (Grow Yourself. Grow Your Team. Grow Your Practice.) that was designed specifically for PECAA members. Doctors and staff sat together in attendance to dissect scenarios submitted by their peers. Attendees of the meeting left with practical applications to real life situations they face in their practices every day, according to an announcement.


“The PECAA team worked for over a year to help develop custom-tailored workshops and presentations designed to help member practices thrive in today’s competitive eye care environment,” PECAA general manager Jamie Hughes said in the announcement. “The JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort proved to be an exceptional facility for PECAA members wanting to learn, celebrate and engage with their professional colleagues.”

Among the other key features of the meeting were peer-to-peer breakout sessions for idea exchange and best practices, an expansive vendor exhibit hall, continuing education and multiple education tracks for staff attendees. The meeting also included two evening events, a welcome reception and a Southwest street fair member appreciation event.


Hughes said the PECAA annual meeting continues to grow each year. “We continue to be inspired by the vibrancy and energy of PECAA’s community of doctors. Attendees at this year’s meeting embraced opportunities to become better business leaders, enhance their practice performance, support and share with peers – and, of course, engage in some well-earned celebrating. We look forward to building on this year’s success at the 2019 annual meeting in Austin, Texas.”

PECAA, one of the nation’s leading doctor alliance groups serving independent eyecare professionals, currently represents 1,382 members, 2,683 member-doctors and 1,886 member locations across the nation.