SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Vision West Inc., a leading ophthalmic practice management and group purchasing organization, has recently expanded its online educational offerings for members through new partnerships with two leading online education providers.

Vision West members will have access to over 100 online ABO, NCLE, COPE, CPC/AOA and state board approved courses for $5 per course – a savings of $10 per course – via a new partnership with Quantum Optical, the company said. Members will receive 24/7 access to these online courses that can be taken at home, in the office, or on the go, through the Vision West Education Portal.

Vision West has also established an exclusive relationship to offer its members more than 1,000 on-demand webinars from National Seminars Training. For $49 a year, members can now have access to a variety of courses to help them better run their practice, with topics such as customer service, HR, finances, business management and technology, Vision West noted. Additionally, subscribers will have access to on-demand seminars and a computer skills library.

These new educational resources join Vision West's ongoing discounted online COPE-approved continuing education program through the Southern California College of Optometry (SCCO). Through the program, Vision West members have access to high-quality CE on a variety of ophthalmic topics for only $22.50 per course credit hour, the company said.

“In today's ever-competitive world, it is more important than ever for the independent eye care professional to keep themselves and their staff always learning,” said Joseph C. Mallinger, OD, MBA, FAAO, president and CEO of Vision West. “This is why we felt it was imperative that Vision West add to its already outstanding educational resources to make sure we are doing our part to fully support our members as they strive for excellence.”

Based in San Diego, Calif., Vision West is marking its 25th anniversary this year. Founded in 1988 by the California Optometric Association, Vision West is privately held and provides members with competitive discounts and programs with more than 250 vendor partners. Membership in Vision West is open to all eyecare professionals and is free to join with no contract or purchase minimums. Consolidated statements provide members with detailed information to help manage cash flow. Members can also access their account with 24/7 web enhanced online tools that provide options to receive invoices, statement details, pay online and generate key reports. Vision West provides continued industry support to 14 state optometric associations, the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) and various IPAs and partners. The company reports it has given back over $8 million to the optometric professions.