More than 1,500 members of Vision Source and their staff traveled to Washington, D.C., for The Exchange. 
KINGWOOD, Texas—Rallying behind the event theme, “United in Purpose,” more than 1,500 members of Vision Source and their staff traveled to Washington, D.C., for The Exchange, the nation’s largest annual gathering of private practice optometrists. Hosted at the Gaylord National Harbor resort, this year's Exchange packed program includes three inspirational keynote speakers, Kurt Warner, Vernice Armour and Two Blind Brothers; 10 hours of continuing education; an exhibit hall featuring more than 100 vendors offering exclusive Vision Source member specials; more than 50 peer-led “Learning Labs” and networking events.

Vision Source crafted the event to celebrate what it means to be an independent private practice owner, including leaning in to innovation, creating a legacy of best-in-class care, and putting the patient at the center of everything the practice does, according to the organization’s announcement. The events also “honors member’s entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering commitment to ensure private practice wins.”

“What makes Vision Source unique, and what we believe has led us to be North America’s premier network of private practice optometrists, is that we share values and a common purpose,” said Amir Khoshnevis, OD, chief medical officer of Vision Source. “Every single Vision Source member is committed to providing the best possible patient care, and being united in this purpose has brought and will continue to bring immeasurable success to Vision Source practices.”





(L to R) Lamont Bunyon, OD, Special Eye Care; Kenya Harley, Special Eye Care; Robin Mevissen, OD; Poolesville Vision; Thomas Mcinnes, OD, Poolesville Vision; and Alexander Nnabue, OD, Visual Eyes, arrive at the opening of The Exchange.

At the opening reception (foreground),  Robert Schulz, OD, Jorgenson, Schulz & Associates, and Callie Peotter Maursetter, OD, Isthmus Eye Care.

(L to R) Michael Wallace, OD, Flushing Vision Source; with Vision Source's Donna Mikulecky and John, Mccall OD, at the reception on Wednesday.

At the event, Vision Source leaders announced an expansion of the Vision Source Next professional advancement program, which is designed to support private practice ODs at every stage of their practice life cycle.

“This year, we are introducing the Vision Source Next Fund, made possible by support from EssilorLuxottica, to help bridge financial gaps for Vision Source members wanting to build or expand their practice network,” Khoshnevis said. “To achieve our goal of perpetuating private practice optometry, we must reduce barriers for young doctors to own a practice and support members looking to transition from practice ownership. The Vision Source Next Fund will unlock options which keep our Vision Source community and private practice strong.”

In addition, Vision Source members said they found opportunities this week to reflect on what has been achieved by the vibrant community united by shared values and common purpose of the organization.

“The Exchange is so powerful because Vision Source members are United in Purpose—in a way that no other group is,” said Laurie Sorrenson, OD, Vision Source’s administrator and advisory board member. “We are all here to find a way to run our businesses better so we can take better care of our patients. When we walk that path together, we get there faster, stronger and with better results.”

“We as Vision Source members are all independent practitioners united in our goal of keeping our mode of practice alive,” added Brandon Mondesir, OD, owner of Modern Eyes at Alafaya (Orlando, Fla.). “The Exchange energizes us as a community to help each other ensure independent practice is strong and vibrant going into the future.”

To learn more about Vision Source and the impact of belonging to a collaborative community of private practitioners, eyecare providers can call (888) 558-2020 or visit the website here. 

Founded in 1991, Vision Source is North America's most extensive network of independent optometrists, consisting of more than 3,150 member practices with 4,500 optometrists. The clinicians in the Vision Source network enjoy access to newly evolving patient channels, a wide range of innovative technologies, practice management tools, strategic marketing, and purchasing power.