SAN DIEGO, Calif.—The Optometry Association of Louisiana (OAL) has chosen to endorse Vision West, Inc. as their preferred buying group, effective Jan. 1, 2013.

“We know this new partnership with Vision West will be a significant benefit to the OAL as well as its members and their practices”, said James Sandefur, OD, and executive director of Optometry Association of Louisiana, which delivers primary eyecare to citizens in all parts of Louisiana via its 300 members. All OAL members are eligible to participate in this new program with Vision West.

Through the agreement, OAL joins a number of statewide optometric associations and eyecare groups that as of 2011 benefited in $8 million worth of non-dues revenue, via agreements with Vision West. Groups such as OAL that collaborate with Vision West automatically receive a monthly royalty, which is calculated as a percentage of all purchases their members bill to their individual Vision West accounts. Vision West will further support OAL by helping to sponsor its annual meeting.

“Vision West is honored to be endorsed by the Optometry Association of Louisiana. This agreement represents a unique opportunity for the members of the OAL,” said Joseph C. Mallinger, OD, MBA, FAAO said. “It is truly a win-win agreement, as every dollar Louisiana Vision West member optometrists spend on products and services will go directly to help their state optometric association support their profession.”

As part of its mission of helping independent optometrists and supporting the profession, OAL members will have access to Vision West's more than 250 vendor partners for some of the best discounts in the industry. Additionally, Vision West members have access to a number of tools to help them grow their practice, including education, online resources and live customer service. There is no membership fee, contract or minimum purchase required to take part in Vision West's programs.