NEW YORK—Optical retail and vision care, like every other business today, are facing changes that are coming at a faster pace than ever, whether it’s more complex health care delivery models, new technology for eye tests and online purchasing and even outside investors with deep pockets. Everyone and every business is adjusting and rethinking their business models. Partnership is just one of the roles that alliances and buying groups see themselves playing in today’s market as they, like every other business, evolve to support growth and profitability. VM’s latest Cover Story review of alliance and buying groups’ programs and philosophies for dealing with the wave of changes today’s independent ODs are facing.