More than 2,600 ECPs and staff members attended The Exchange meeting in Houston.
 
KINGWOOD, Texas—Vision Source, North America's largest network of private practice optometrists, welcomed more than 2,600 attendees late last week to its in-person annual national meeting, The Exchange 2021, which was held in Houston. The company celebrated its milestone 30th anniversary and supported members with a packed program that included three captivating keynote speakers, continuing education, an exhibit hall featuring more than 100 vendors offering exclusive specials, peer-led learning labs and remarkable networking events. The Exchange also featured performances by American rock band 38 Special and one of country music's top artists, Brad Paisley.
 
With an event theme of “One Community, One Focus, One Future,” Vision Source acknowledged and honored the tremendous success members have achieved through collaboration and a shared vision to provide patients the best care available while looking to a promising future in the decades to come.
 



EssilorLuxottica's Fabrizio Uguzzoni and Rick Gadd spoke to attendees at one of the "customer roundtable" sessions at The Exchange.
“When you think about the common goal Vision Source members share to provide the best patient care and the collaborative efforts they employ in reaching their goals, it’s easy to see how Vision Source has grown into the nation’s premier network of private practice optometrists, helping to protect, shape and champion private practice over the last three decades,” said Amir Khoshnevis, OD, chief medical officer, Vision Source.
 
“The Exchange gave us an opportunity to celebrate our success and set down the path to continue advancing private practice optometry for the next 30 years and beyond.”
 
“At The Exchange, we came together as one Vision Source community celebrating our heritage of success with a focus on the successful future we will shape together,” Jeff Duncan, general manager of Vision Source, added. “Vision Source member doctors have a common focus on ensuring private practice wins that has resulted in a long history of well out-pacing industry growth. After 30 years, our Vision Source community remains intensely focused on the success of our members’ practices and a thriving future for private practice optometry.”
 
 
The Exchange event featured a full schedule of educational sessions and keynote speakers, before the closing night show of popular music drew a full-house of attendees.
 
During The Exchange, members remembered their Vision Source journeys and what being a part of the community of doctors has meant for them and their practices:
 
“I actually found out about Vision Source by mistake when I went online to find a place to sell my practice seven years ago. I was really impressed with Vision Source’s commitment to independent optometry, so I jumped in with both feet,” remembers Dr. Keith Nice of Nice Eye Care in Burlington, N.C.  “I really appreciate the friendship with other optometrists and the ability to share best practice ideas. Congratulations to Vision Source for 30 years. I appreciate all that you’ve done for us and we appreciate the chance to be on your team.”
 



Country music star Brad Paisley performed for an enthusiastic crowd at the closing event. 
“My Vision Source journey started 30 years ago, and one of my fondest memories comes from a time of great challenge when Hurricane Rita hit our practice and we were without power for two weeks. Vision Source had my back and sent a check to aid in my recovery,” noted Dr. Steve Lai of Vision Source Meyer Park in Houston.
 
“To me, it meant that I was part of an organization that cares about its members and their well-being. Thank you to the Vision Source team for always having my back and happy anniversary.”