(PRESS RELEASE) LAS VEGAS — In a bustling exhibit hall, among thousands of eyecare professionals at Vision Expo West in Las Vegas, CooperVision Inc. announced its fifth annual search for the nation’s 2020 Best Practices (EyeCareBestPractices.com). The company kicked off the milestone year with a celebration for its unique program, which recognizes optometric practices that advance the profession through innovation, industry leadership, and the provision of exceptional patient experience. Best Practices reflects CooperVision’s belief that amidst significant change in market dynamics, prescribers remain the central element in ensuring the best outcomes for their patients.
In the four years since the 2015 launch of Best Practices at Vision Expo West, 40 eyecare practices across the U.S. have been named as honorees — practices small and large, new and established, independent and corporate.
“In the beginning, we had a vision for Best Practices and what it might become, but the extent to which the program has grown and evolved is something we could have never anticipated,” said Michele Andrews, OD, senior director of professional and academic affairs, North America, CooperVision. “Bringing together the honorees to exchange ideas, tackle challenges, and build camaraderie has proven to be invaluable to everyone involved, and with new honorees every year, it just keeps getting better. Through this program, we have learned that truly, every practice has a story. It has been a privilege to partner with some of the best to give them a platform to share those stories. We are proud to officially open submissions for our 2020 Best Practices.”
All U.S. optometry practices currently fitting contact lenses are eligible to apply. Best Practices candidates are encouraged to submit practice profiles and stories, sharing their insights and experiences in the following areas:
- Innovation will be evaluated on contributions to the betterment of eye health and education, leveraging technology in meaningful ways to grow the practice, and advancing the eyecare profession among the public.
- Industry Leadership will be rated on how a practice advances the profession and leads the industry regionally, nationally and even globally.
- Patient Experience will be judged on how a practice delivers excellent eyecare experiences and education to its patients, and unique aspects of patient care in which it leads.
Candidates can choose to submit their stories via written response at EyeCareBestPractices.com/applying. Applications will be accepted through November 21, 2019, and will be reviewed by a panel of judges including past Best Practices honorees, industry experts, and CooperVision leaders. The 2020 Best Practices will be announced early next year.
Best Practices honorees are broadly recognized throughout the profession by serving on professional panels, showcasing their expertise within the eyecare trade media, and representing the program at industry events.
Honorees are also brought together at the annual Best Practices Summit, which provides a forum for education and collaboration on a variety of practice management and clinical practice topics. Past Best Practices Summits have also featured keynote speakers to hone the honorees’ skills in the areas of change management, innovation, and storytelling.
New this year, CooperVision also announced plans for a Best Practices scholarship program, which will provide third-year optometry students with the opportunity to attend the educational summit. Details will be released later this year.
“Best Practices has enabled us to collaborate with like-minded colleagues, all of whom strive to be better practitioners and advance the profession. You leave the Summit with inspiration,” said Raj Patel, OD, FAAO, of Vancouver Vision Clinic in Vancouver, Wash., a 2019 Best Practices honoree. “The opportunities to network, share stories and nuggets of wisdom to take back to your practice—it has been more valuable than I could have imagined.”
For more information about the Best Practices initiative, to see past honorees, or to apply, visit www.EyeCareBestPractices.com. For full details on the Best Practices terms and conditions, including eligibility requirements, refer to https://www.eyecarebestpractices.com/terms-and-conditions.