NORWALK, Conn.—IDOC, a privately held alliance of independent optometrists in the U.S., has announced its national conference in Chicago, called The Connection, to showcase its broad industry leadership and unique solutions for independent ODs to build successful, thriving practices, at every stage of their business, the group said. The conference will be held Aug. 15 to 18 at the Swissotel in Chicago. Attendance is complimentary for IDOC members, and this year, IDOC is also offering complimentary registration for 3rd and 4th year optometry students and independent optometrists who are not currently members of IDOC.

The Connection is a leading conference for ODs, practice managers, and staff to come together to network, share ideas, teach, learn, and keep their practices moving forward. “The Connection is where independent ODs can join together as a force to connect, learn, engage and experience IDOC’s core mission to help them succeed at every stage of their practice” said Steve Vargo, OD, MBA, management consultant, IDOC.

IDOC has assembled a lineup of speakers, programming and sponsors to provide attendees with critical insights and knowledge that will positively impact their businesses on their first day back in the office. New features and distinctive programming include:

• Keynote Speaker Linda Kaplan Thaler, author of Grit to Great. Based on her best selling book, Grit to Great, Thaler reveals that the most extraordinary successful people were completely ordinary growing up. She will detail how a meteoric rise to fame, brilliance and success often has little to do with an "it" factor, but grit, determination, guts, initiative and tenacity. Thaler will illustrate how grit is the most important determinant of future success and how anyone can improve their chances of being successful.

• State Optical Factory Tour-Made in USA. Attendees can get a look inside Chicago's State Optical Company and learn how they are creating the next big thing in handcrafted, luxury eyewear, in their state of the art factory in the heart of Chicago. Along with the tour, attendees will get insider tips and sales techniques in the presentation, Two is the New One - Increasing Multiple Pair Sales, and spend time in the showroom where they can view and try on frames.

• Alcon Multifocal Fit Event. This program provides a unique opportunity to learn more about Alcon’s innovative multifocal contact lens portfolio, and how to personalize the multifocal fit to improve presbyopic patient outcomes. With a focus on expert discussions around the unique needs of today’s presbyopic patients and the opportunity that this presents for eyecare professionals and their practices, this program is designed to maximize optometrists’ efficiency and success with Alcon multifocal contact lenses. Attendees will hear from national level ECPs designed to increase awareness of the opportunity that presbyopia presents for ECP practices; how Alcon multifocal lenses are designed to meet the needs of today's presbyopes; and the unique optical design of Alcon's MF contact lenses. Attendees will experience an in-depth training on the latest Alcon Multifocal Fitting process through expert-lead hands-on live patient fitting.

• IDOC Chat. Attendees can meet, connect and share best practices with their peers, gain new ideas and insights in a completely customized way that allows the member to choose the most relevant topics of discussion for their practice.

To register for the conference, or learn how to receive the special membership rates being offered, ECPs can visit The Connection’s website or call (203) 853-3333.