The Alliance By John Sailer Monday, February 13, 2012 12:12 AM RELATED CONTENT Finding Strength in Numbers Making the Choice: Vital Stats on ECP Alliances and Buying Groups *VM Web EXCLUSIVE: "Membership Has Its Benefits," Say ECPs in Buying Groups and ECP Alliances Block Buying Group C & E Vision/Vision West Independent Doctors of Optometric Care (IDOC) Opti-Port Prima Eye Group Primary Eyecare Network (PEN) Professional Eye Care Associates of America (PECAA) Professional Eyecare Resources Co-op (PERC) OD Excellence Villavecchia Buying Group Vision Source The Alliance Founded: 1996 Owners: Surgery Partners Executives: Frank Soppa, vice president of optical services; Kim Bratcher, operations manager; Jadyn Ballard, premium programs manager Contact: www.thealliancebg.com; (888) 466-8263 Programs: vendor relationships, contracts and programs structured to improve operating costs and profit margins; business development and resources to educate the practice and staff; regional meetings providing continuing education, industry and product updates Events: regional meetings and planned events at major trade shows Members: 3,350 Focus for 2012: support the continued growth of members’ practices