RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif.— VSP Global today announced that Edward “Ed” Buffington, vice president of strategic partnerships, has decided to retire on Aug. 1, 2014. Buffington is a 35-year industry veteran and a familiar face in the eyecare industry.

After getting his start as a contact lens representative, Buffington went on to co-found OfficeMate Software in 1983, eventually growing it into the leading eyecare software solution in the industry.

Marchon Eyewear purchased OfficeMate in 1994 and, under Buffington’s continued leadership as president and CEO of the software business, OfficeMate and ExamWRITER became the eyecare industry’s leading practice management and electronic medical records software solution. Once Marchon joined VSP Global in 2008, Buffington served as the executive vice president of sales and marketing from 2008 to 2011 with Eyefinity, building on the success of OfficeMate and ExamWRITER.

“Ed was instrumental in the launch and growth of a software solution that united the eyecare delivery and eyewear purchase experience,” said Jim McGrann, president of VSP Vision Care. “While his entrepreneurial spirit will be missed, his legacy will remain as a key driver in the ongoing development of industry-leading solutions focused on helping eyecare practices succeed.”

In 2011, Buffington was named vice president of strategic eyecare partnerships for VSP Vision Care, playing a key role as the strategic liaison with state optometric associations and doctor affiliates groups for VSP Global.

“On behalf of VSP, I would like to recognize Ed’s significant leadership in not only pioneering software solutions for eyecare professionals, but also in his passion to grow the eyecare industry and profession of optometry,” said Cheryl Johnson, senior vice president of Eyecare Delivery Solutions at VSP Vision Care. “He has established successful partnerships in the industry for many years, and VSP Global companies have all benefited from his leadership and guidance.”

Buffington will remain active within the industry as a consultant for the VSP Global companies.