NEW ORLEANS—Marking its 10th anniversary this year, PECAA (www.pecaa.com) (Professional Eyecare Associates of America) held its annual meeting here last month, a blend of business and networking opportunities against the backdrop of the unique atmosphere, sights and sounds of New Orleans.

The gathering, a series of workshops, peer-to-peer breakouts, continuing education, training and dynamic speakers along with an expansive vendor exhibit hall, is designed for doctors, managers and staff.

Today, PECAA’s organization continues to grow, noted Chris Millet, COO. Currently, PECAA, based in Portland, Ore. has 1,026 members, representing 1,386 locations and 2,096 doctors across the country. As the alliance has grown, so, too has its support staff, serving the varied business and purchasing needs of its members.

In addition to PECAA’s premier vendor partners, including Zeiss, Luxottica, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Revolution EHR, Hoya and VSP, the exhibit hall featured dozens of additional vendor partners in the frame, lens, contact lens, instruments and technology arena.

Other speakers at the meeting’s general sessions included Richard Heiland, a leadership facilitator speaking about “The 21st Century Doctor as a Leader;” Marge Axelrad, SVP/editorial director of VM, providing a broad view of optical industry trends and statistics; Scott Jens, OD, CEO of Revolution EHR who gave an overview of the changing reimbursement area; Samantha Toth, in a COPE approved session on Using Creativity to Differentiate; and Hoya’s director of professional relations, Greg Hicks OD, talking about overcoming “pain points” in building a successful independent practice.