RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif.—More than 700 VSP network doctors participating in the VSP Global Premier Program attended SHiFT, the Premier Program annual meeting, held virtually on February 26 and 27. The robust, interactive, two-day experience honored the resilience and commitment of Premier Program doctors who delivered exceptional patient care throughout the pandemic, VSP said. Additionally, exclusive new support, educational opportunities and partner offers were highlighted during the event. “Over the course of the last year, we’ve been inspired by stories we have heard from network doctors and their dedication, courage and creativity in the midst of challenges from the pandemic,” said VSP global chief network officer Michelle Skinner.

“We were privileged to recognize Premier Program doctors and honor their resilience at SHiFT, and while challenges remain, the future of private practice remains incredibly bright. The Premier Program will continue to deliver more opportunities that empower and support the success of doctors,” she said.

Key highlights and announcements from SHiFT include:

Celebrity Keynotes

SHiFT attendees heard from NBA legend and chairman and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr. on his entrepreneurship journey and overcoming challenges; leadership expert and best-selling author Simon Sinek on how business leaders who embrace key principles have the resilience to thrive where others fail; and one of the most sought-after female business speakers in the nation, best-selling author and regular Forbes contributor Jackie Freiberg on small business insights and practical tips that practices can implement immediately.

New Support for Premier Program Practices

In addition to more than 20 existing exclusive partner benefits, two new partner offers have been announced:

• Optos ultra-widefield devices help doctors discover and manage eye and systemic disease, increase practice flow, and patient engagement. VSP Premier Program practices can receive special pricing and lease options, as well as additional discounts on trade-ins for any Optos device. For a limited time, eligible practices can also get a Premier Program rebate.

• The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is one of the nation’s leading HR organizations that offers access to a range of experts, tools and resources for private practices. VSP Premier Program practices can now obtain a 15-month membership for the price of 12 months as well as special pricing for comprehensive human resource tools, resources and direct access HR Knowledge Advisors.

New Education and Training from Premier Academy 360


Bottom left, VSP global chief network officer Michelle Skinner, top right, VSP Vision Care president Kate Renwick-Espinosa, and bottom right, VSP global chief operating officer Earnie Franklin participated in a “State of the Industry” panel on Saturday, February 27 at SHiFT, moderated by Dr. Valerie Sheety-Pilon, vice president, Eye Care Solutions, VSP Global, top left.
Since launching in 2019, Premier Academy360 has delivered ever-increasing business-building tools, education, and resources for network practices. Doctors and staff virtually attended more than 15,450 hours of CE content through a mix of both live and on-demand webinars.

This year at SHiFT, 20 new webinars and on-demand education sessions were made available, as was three hours of complimentary continuing education from a partnership with the Premier Program and SECO International. SHiFT attendees were the first to hear about new course offerings including an upcoming 14-part podcast series hosted by Doug Lipp, the former head of training at Disney University.

For those registered attendees who missed the live events, recordings are available to registered guests through March 7, however, live CE courses are no longer available for credits.

National Marketing to Drive Patient Flow

This year’s SHiFT meeting follows sustained support from the Premier Program throughout 2020, including a variety of marketing initiatives designed to encourage VSP’s nearly 90 million members in the U.S. to choose a Premier practice location for their eyecare and eyewear needs. These efforts resulted in a 52 percent increase in patient traffic to Premier locations, helping reboot patient flow following pandemic stay-at-home orders, the company said.

Over the past seven years, more than 49 million patients chose a practice participating in the Premier Program for their eyecare and eyewear needs, according to VSP. The Premier Program has also delivered over $14 billion in revenue to participating practices and saved them an estimated $5 million as a result of exclusive partner offers, executives noted.