(PRESS RELEASE) BOCA RATON, FL — Healthy Eyes Advantage and Professional Eye Care Associates of America (HEA + PECAA) has announced the formation of a strategic partnership with Young ODs of America (YODA) to support YODA’s mission of helping optometrists who have recently begun their careers find direction and mentorship in multiple sectors. Under the arrangement, HEA + PECAA will work collaboratively with YODA leadership to promote the group’s three pillars of community, career development and leadership.
The organizations kicked off their new collaboration with an array of events on September 24-25 in conjunction with Vision Expo West in Las Vegas. These included Young ODs representatives William To, OD, ABOC, and Katalina Yandell, OD, participating in HEA + PECAA’s Regional Leader/Ambassador meeting in which the group developed a platform of grassroots initiatives for advancing independent eye care, including the provision of resources and networking needed to assist young doctors in starting their own practice or otherwise beginning their eye care careers. Additionally, HEA + PECAA was pleased to sponsor, along with CooperVision, a series of events for Young Optometrists, including two networking receptions, a lunch roundtable discussion, a career zone panel discussion and champagne toast.
“Young ODs of America is an important voice representing the future of the profession, and HEA + PECAA is delighted to embark on this mutually beneficial partnership to construct resources that will help young professionals flourish in today’s exciting environment,” stated HEA + PECAA Chairman and CEO Jim McGrann. “HEA + PECAA is committed to championing today’s young ODs as they shape the essential work performed by the profession and become tomorrow’s leaders, and YODA’s insights are critical to helping HEA + PECAA develop impactful programs to help young ODs succeed.”
Lance Anderson, OD, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives for HEA + PECAA, echoed those sentiments, stating, “The future is incredibly bright for today’s young optometrists, with a broader range of clinical specialties and treatment options than ever before. Likewise, the rapid evolution of the eye care industry has made it more important than ever before for young clinicians to have a strong support network from colleagues and business solutions partners like HEA + PECAA. We are excited to collaborate with YODA to create a vibrant future full of opportunity for those who are up and coming in their careers.”
“Optometry thrives because when it matters, we always look to one another and unite towards advancing the profession forward. Young ODs of America is proud to partner with HEA + PECAA as they continue to invest in the success of young optometrists around the nation and work to make the profession better for the generations to come,” stated YODA co-founder William To, OD, ABOC, Chief Executive Optometrist of Optical Illusions of San Mateo, California.
“Young ODs of America has been looking for a partnership with an organization that shares similar values and goals for young ODs. The synergies between YODA and HEA+PECAA are exciting and will elevate the benefits to all members. YODA, with the help of HEA+PECAA, will expand its membership programs, enrich networking events and develop educational programs to get young ODs to the next level in their optometric journey,” stated YODA co-founder Justin Bazan, OD, owner of Park Slope Eye in Brooklyn, New York.
Independent eye care professionals interested in learning more about the value delivered through HEA + PECAA’s suite of ophthalmic purchasing and practice solutions, resources on a variety of subjects ranging from revenue optimization to operational efficiencies and peer networking opportunities, are encouraged to contact the HEA Solutions Specialist team at 800.959.2020, Option 3.