With 11,000 Followers, Indie OD Finds a New Niche on TikTok

TAMPA, Fla.—Any small business owner knows just how important social media can be—and ECPs are no exception. Across the board, independent ODs use Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and sometimes YouTube to get in touch with patients, potentially find new patients and spread important information about eyecare. But there’s a new social media superstar in town, and Nathan Bonilla-Warford, OD, is all over it. Dr. Bonilla-Warford specializes in pediatric and binocular vision at Bright Eyes Vision, in Tampa, Florida. There is no question that working with children requires a special skill set and a special approach—something Dr. Nate has achieved by delving into the world of TikTok.

The CO Blueprint: A National Discussion With a Regional Spotlight, Helps Small Businesses Chart a New Path, Rebuild Your Business

NEW YORK—CO is the digital information and resource platform for small and local businesses, from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. In the challenging environment of the coronavirus pandemic, CO has been offering much guidance and help from experts and peers. On Wednesday, July 29 at 2:00 p.m. CO will be offering a virtual event, the fifth in a series of the CO Virtual community for Rebuilding America’s “Blueprint: Growing an Inclusive Team,” an audience-driven discussion that combines expert advice with practical strategies from business owners. 

Taking to Instagram for UV Awareness

NEW YORK—Warm summer weather brings more time spent outdoors, so it makes sense that we celebrate UV Safety Awareness Month in July, at the height of the season. Although many associate UV safety with skin and sunscreen, we also understand how important it is to protect the eyes from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Last month, many ECPs have taken to Instagram to remind their patients just how important this is—and give them tips and tricks to keep their eyes safe in the sunny, summer months. There’s still plenty of time to spread the word—so here’s a look at how some ECPs are using social media for UV Safety Awareness Month. 

New Professional Advisory Board Named for ReopenEyecare.com

ALEXANDRIA, Va.— ReopenEyecare.com the recently launched digital platform designed to help eyecare providers navigate the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on their businesses, has announced the establishment of an official advisory board. Comprised of eyecare providers and vision community leaders, the advisory board will provide expert insight and feedback to the ReopenEyecare.com board of directors with the intention of improving the functionality of the website as a resource for eyecare providers navigating the complex journey from shutdown or essential services only back to “new normal” business conditions.

Indies Celebrate Father’s Day Online

NEW YORK—On Father's Day weekend, many independents across the industry took to social media to show some love to their dads. In honor of Father’s Day, many shared stories of how their dads inspired their personal decision to join the industry, or just shared sweet, touching photos with the men in their lives. Although not everyone could be with their father, there was no shortage of love and sweetness, despite social distancing. Here’s a look at some of the independent ECPs who took a moment to celebrate Dad.