From left: Gray Sass, OD, Wildwood Eyecare, Marietta, GA and his wife,  Dr. Stuart Tasman, OD and Mary Tasman of Tasman Eye Associates, Kennesaw, GA;   Judson Briggs, OD, Briggs Vision Group, Dunwoody, GA and his wife, Tammy Briggs, were on hand for the Block BG Academy.
BOCA RATON, Fla.—Two hundred eyecare professionals and another 90 exhibitors and course educators headed towards the Florida sunshine last month to take part in the first Block Business Group Business Academy By The Beach at the Boca Raton Resort & Club here, Jan. 24th-Jan 26th.
 
The multi-faceted program, featuring COPE/ABO approved CE, workshops and a trade show exhibit featuring top industry vendors and Block Practice Builder affiliates, was a major initiative of the Block Business Group. Said Michael Block, president, “The response was overwhelmingly positive. This was a weekend of learning, networking and purchasing opportunities for Block members. We had attendees from many parts of the country, including New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania as well as Iowa, Colorado and many from throughout Florida and Georgia. Canada, too.” Noted Rachel Block Smith, “One of the best received aspects of the meeting was the accredited CE, people appreciated and took part extensively in those offerings.”
 
The program featured both clinical and practice/dispensary management courses as well as a healthy exhibit hall, networking receptions and dinners.

"Being around all these optical geeks has been just really wonderful, learning a lot!,” said Sandra Schainkin-Scott, Seacrest Optical, Delray Beach, Fla., who added,”I'm taking a lot back with me, I thank Mr. Block for putting this on. New friends, new people new enlightenment—it’s been a great experience." Noted Joseph Hallak, PhD, OD, Hicksville, N.Y., "Kudos for a job well done. I sensed clearly the audience interest, participation and appreciation. I look forward to more."

Approximately 45 exhibitors took part in the exhibit hall. Partner sponsors included Essilor of America, Inc., Luxottica, Luzerne Optical Laboratories and Shamir Insight, Inc. More recap info will be posted soon on Block Business Group website. VM was on the scene and provides a glimpse of the action via a slideshow here.