ATLANTA—Eyecare professional alliance, Independent Doctors of Optometric Care (IDOC) will present an international Fulbright scholar and expert on age-related macular degeneration, a chief economist with Morgan Stanley and an authority on the Affordable Care Act at the 2014 Optometric Business Conference to be held at The Loews Hotel here, April 3 to 6, 2014. All independent optometrists and their staffs are welcome to attend.

Professor John M. Nolan, PhD, from Waterford, Ireland, will provide the latest information on age-related macular degeneration, including his research on the nutritional and preventative approach that optometrists can adopt in their practices to provide better patient care. This session will also include how the latest technology in protecting patients against the harmful effects of blue light can be integrated into the practice, significantly impacting patient outcomes and practice revenue. Also speaking on the blue light topic will be IDOC CEO, Mark S. Feder, OD; Alan Berger, MD; and Gary Morgan, OD.

In addition, a leading Morgan Stanley economist will discuss key financial issues facing every business owner. Feder explained why this information is crucial for ODs: "It is critical that independent optometrists are informed about the forecasted economic changes for 2014 and beyond, if their businesses are to survive. There is so much uncertainty today as a business owner—from tax changes and a sluggish economy to the implications of the health care law, every business owner risks being negatively impacted if he or she isn't prepared. We feel obligated to deliver this information to the independent optometrist as part of IDOC's ongoing efforts to protect the industry."

Another session will feature a thorough update of the Affordable Care Act, including the final enrollment statistics, initial successes and setbacks in the rollout, as well as a projection forward as to how 2014 and beyond will play out for vision care providers. Other speakers during the conference will include Mark Wright, OD, FCOVD; Craig Steinberg, OD, JD; Carole Burns, OD, FCOVD; and communication strategist, Mark Hinton; on topics including “A Cross-Examination of Legal Topics Every OD Should Know,” “Creating a Digital Marketing Strategy for Your Practice,” “Evaluating Recall Systems,” and “Key Points for a Robust Sunglass Strategy.” Exhibits, networking opportunities and new study group sessions will round out the event.

Online registration is currently open.