LAS VEGAS—The newly branded annual Vision Source member meeting, The Exchange, hosted more than 3,100 attendees last month here at Caesars Palace. The far ranging program at the eyecare alliance’s North American meeting addressed the group’s growth plans, introduced new members of the executive team, national branding and upcoming education and practice growth initiatives as well as issues in the managed health care realm which are impacting eyecare professionals.

Vision Source founder, Glenn Ellisor, OD kicked off the meeting by saying, “Change is impacting virtually all aspects of vision care from business to technology.” Referring to Vision Source’s 5,500 members in the U.S. and Canada as “our secret sauce,” Ellisor told the crowd, “Remember, what happens in Vegas...are valuable ideas taken home by you to your practices.”

Added newly appointed Vision Source president and chief operating officer Jim Greenwood, “One of my top priorities is to educate current and potential members on the upcoming health care changes and prepare them for what is to come. It is important for independent practitioners to have a strong brand presence, support system and network during health care reform.” Greenwood also shared his experiences in the health care market at Concentra.

Special guests included Michael Wilson, founder and CEO of Healthcare Highways, and Neil Godbey, Principle of Advanced Plan for Health, who discussed opportunities and obstacles surrounding the Affordable Care Act. Gary Gerber, OD hosted his live radio show, The Power Hour, on site Friday night.

Baseball Hall of Famer and Transitions lens wearer, Cal Ripken, Jr., held an exclusive meet and greet with 30 members. Vision Source also announced a national TV campaign with Transitions Optical via major media which is tagged with Vision Source, directing consumers to members via the group’s website. In addition to the launch of the Vision Source-branded “Eco” frames through new vendor MODO, members were introduced to the “MODO – One for One with OGS” campaign. ■

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 (L to R) Vision Source’s VP Walt West, OD, founder Glenn Ellisor, OD and new president/COO Jim Greenwood talked about a range of new branding, training and education programs at The Exchange.

 During his opening remarks, Greenwood announces a new Gold Standard Book, “to guide all Vision Source members toward an enhanced patient experience.”





  (L to R) A contingent from Vision Source Canada, Dr. Casey Tepperman, Dr. Kevin Tyber, Dr. Archie Chung and Dr. Tom Wilk have a discussion.

 MODO highlighted Eco at its booth at The Exchange.





 Enjoying the opening night’s cocktail party at Caesar’s Palace, the Viva Int’l Group team (l to r) are Kelly O’Grady, Linda Holston, Leslie Bray, Richard Perry, Jan Cory and Karyn Helser.

  (L to R) Rodney and Bev Suliteanu with Mike DeBono at West Groupe booth.


 Dr. Leroy Norton (l) with Vision Source’s Derrick Artis, OD.