PHOENIX, Ariz.—An assembly of 3,000 Vision Source doctors, staff and vendors are in attendance at this week’s Vision Source Exchange, the annual national meeting of the large independent optometric alliance group. The Vision Source Exchange is being held here at the Phoenix Convention Center, from April 29 through May 2.

With a conference theme of “Connection, Passion, Purpose,” the Exchange featured 100,000 square feet of exhibition space and nearly 200 exhibitors. Optometrists in attendance also took advantage of the opportunity to attend up to eight hours of complimentary CE courses.

A featured exhibit at The Exchange is The Optical Dream, a new program inaugurated by Vision Source earlier this year. Nearly 2,000 practices have registered for this exclusive Vision Source program which provides online training and incentives for optical staff to learn techniques to increase patient satisfaction and optical revenue, the company said. With the May 11 launch of the second trimester of The Optical Dream program, additional training focal points will include: annual supplies of contact lenses, backup eyewear and plano sunwear, according to an update provided to attendees by Dr. Walt West, vice president of practice management and the creator of The Optical Dream.

Two notable keynote speakers provided motivational entertainment for the conference attendees. Robert X Fogarty is a photographer and founder of Dear World and is known for his distinct message-on-skin-style to tell stories of his subjects including survivors of the Boston Marathon bombing, the Joplin tornado and Hurricane Sandy. Frank Caliendo is a comedian and actor known for his impressions of notable celebrities, politicians and professional athletes.

The Exchange will also include an update and next steps for members concerning the 100+ relationships with integrated health care organizations that have been implemented by Vision Source to date. Throughout The Exchange, attendees will receive in-depth information on the progress of the Vision Source managed care initiative, its outreach to diabetic patients and how to effectively work locally, with primary care doctors on early detection and treatment.

“We are very excited about the record-breaking turnout at The Exchange,” said Jim Greenwood, president and CEO of Vision Source, “Not only is it a time to learn about new industry trends and integrated health care opportunities, but is also a time to network and forge new relationships. We are extremely proud to offer this opportunity to our members and their staffs, and we truly appreciate the support of the vendors that take part in The Exchange each year,”

Founded in 1991, Vision Source is North America’s largest network of independent optometrists consisting of nearly 4,000 members.