(PRESS RELEASE) BOCA RATON, FL — Professional Eye Care Associates of America (PECAA) hosted approximately 900 private practice professionals, strategic vendor partners and industry leaders at its Annual Meeting April 9 –11, with a record number of doctors present. Taking place in Orlando, PECAA’s 16th annual signature event included peer networking and collaboration, keynotes, education and a variety of unforgettable experiences themed around the vibrant Florida backdrop. The power of storytelling took center stage, challenging attendees to harness their imaginations and craft dreams for their practices as big as the area’s famous attractions.
PECAA President Jonathan Worrall, together with company co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer Lance Anderson, OD, and Chief Member Experience Officer, Justin Manning, OD, MPH, FAAO, opened the meeting by affirming PECAA’s mission of protecting and promoting private practice eye care, noting that PECAA has a tailored membership experience for every stage of a career in private practice, from student to startup to established practice, with all three groups represented at this year’s event.
Worrall commented, “This year’s Annual Meeting invited doctors and their teams to imagine new possibilities for their practice. The future of private practice is brighter than ever as demand for eye care services soars, opportunities in subspecialty services abound, and new technologies are enhancing practice efficiency and patient outcomes. PECAA’s Annual Meeting is the ideal forum for supporting and uplifting doctors on their journey to achieve new heights of practice success, and we are so grateful that our members and vendor partners leaned in with enthusiasm to all that this year’s event offered.”
Two powerhouse keynotes inspired bold thinking. Movie director, author and 30-year Pixar veteran Matthew Luhn shared how practices can leverage the emotional impact of storytelling to connect with and broaden their patient base, emphasizing that “whoever tells the best story wins.” American record holder, four-time Olympian and three-time World Champion high jump athlete Chaunté Lowe shared her personal journey of overcoming adversity and emphasized the importance of strength and collaboration as a way of building boundless resilience for personal and team success.
James Hoffman, OD, FAAO, and Karen Hoffman, OD, of Orange Park Eye Center in Orange Park, Florida, reflected on the event, “Engaging with this year’s theme of storytelling truly strengthened our story as a couple, personally and professionally. We learned that sharing our story with our patients builds connection and ensures a strong practice foundation.” Dr. James Hoffman continued, “What made the Annual Meeting especially memorable was the people. The keynotes made impressions in our hearts. The doctor breakouts were impactful, with our favorites being Optical Selling Success and Navigating Economic Waves. The entire event allowed us to connect with like-minded independent practitioners.”
Attendees enjoyed many opportunities to connect with colleagues to share ideas and best practices.
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- The high-energy Partner Pavilion featured more than 60 vendor partners and hosted the event’s opening reception with roaming models sporting the newest frames and sunglasses and a variety of Florida-themed activations that set the tone for a fun-filled three days.
- This year’s event commemorated the 10th anniversary of PECAA Gives, which empowers positive change in the cities that host PECAA’s Annual Meeting by enabling attendees to donate to a local charity. This year’s beneficiary, Page 15, is dedicated to enriching Central Florida’s cultural landscape by developing and growing educational and creative literary arts programs. A record amount of more than $40,000 was raised.
- PECAA’s renowned Member and Vendor Appreciation Event took place at the lively Mango’s Tropical Café and immersed attendees in the region’s Latin culture, featuring high-energy performances by Dancing with the Stars’ Emma Slater and Alan Bersten, as well as Grammy winner and legendary percussionist, R&B singer and songwriter Sheila E. Attendees with extra stamina enjoyed an after party with a feel-good show from DJ 13lackbeard, official DJ of the Dallas Cowboys.
The 2026 PECAA Annual Meeting will bring members together in San Diego, California, on May 17-19.
