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NORWALK, Conn.—IDOC, an alliance of independent optometrists based here, said late last week that “solid growth in membership” has positioned the group to begin 2020 with a record number of participating independent OD practices. In addition, IDOC said that its members had initiated “healthy engagement in an array of new benefits” that have rolled out to the more than 3,000 independent OD members over the course of the last 12 months. IDOC also invested in growing its staff in 2019 by adding new hires to support the expanding member programs.

One key area of growth was among the Practice Development Team, where IDOC added two new Practice Development Leaders (regional responsibilities) and promoted a third internally. As part of this expansion, IDOC welcomed:

• Brian Adams (Central Region), who brings a strong background in business innovation and leadership from his previous roles at Wells Fargo, Pfizer and Alcon. He will focus on helping IDOC members thrive in an evolving private practice environment.


• Denise Guy (West Region), who has been a part of the optical industry for more than 22 years, serving first as a manager of a large optometry office and later in a sales capacity for companies such as Vison Service Plan (VSP), Oakley, NVision Eye Centers, Hoya and Kodak.


“We’re gratified by the response to our newest member programs,” IDOC president and chief executive Dave Brown said in the announcement, noting that the enhancement of member programs last year coincided with the 20th anniversary of IDOC’s founding. Based on the member interest in business-focused technology and consulting services, IDOC plans to expand these services again in 2020, a strategy designed to empower independent practitioners with the most advanced decision-making tools in the industry.

“Our latest innovation, IDOC Insider, provides private practices with real-time business insight based on advanced data and analytics technology,” Brown added. “That’s the edge that growth-focused practices need in today’s competitive climate.”

IDOC member ODs and staff will gather at The Connection 2020, IDOC’s annual national conference, Feb. 13-15 in Orlando, for three days of valuable collaboration, workshops, continuing education and peer-to-peer networking. The event features keynote guest Billy Beane of “Moneyball” fame. He will deliver a thought-provoking talk about innovation, opportunity and leadership. All independent ODs are invited to register for The Connection 2020 at www.IDOC.net/Connection2020.