AUSTIN, Texas—PECAA, a nationwide doctor alliance group for independent eyecare professionals, hosted its inaugural Strategic Partner Summit here in mid-October. The invitation-only event brought together senior leadership from integral industry vendor partners to discuss the inevitable changes impacting the industry and to explore solutions on how the group, collectively, could best serve their mutual customers and help support the future of independent optometry, according to an announcement.  Jamie Hughes, PECAA’s general manager, led the summit meeting, and Bart Foster, managing director of Sanitas Advisors, acted as the facilitator.

“As our industry continues to evolve, it’s apparent that PECAA, our partners and our members are part of something much bigger than ourselves,” Hughes said in a post-meeting announcement. “This was an opportunity to bring together key market leaders to foster relationships, help facilitate cross-industry


programs and to build long-lasting, positive impact programs for independent practitioners. The PECAA team was energized by the innovative ideas and collaboration during the summit. We plan to build on the success of this event—plans are already underway for next year’s summit.”

The event featured senior-level representation from ABB Optical Group, Alcon, Carl Zeiss Vision, De Rigo REM, Hoya Vision Care, Johnson & Johnson Vision, Kering Eyewear, Luxottica, Marchon, OOGP, Safilo USA, Transitions Optical, Tura Inc., VSP Global, VSP Optics Group and Wisconsin Vision Associates.

“PECAA has always strived to create a true partnership with the vendors that we do business with,” said Dr. Lance Anderson, PECAA’s founder. “This summit meeting has taken those partnerships to a new level. I am excited about the new value PECAA can offer its members with the help of this coalition of valued strategic partners.”