(PRESS RELEASE) BOCA RATON, FL — Professional Eye Care Associates of America (PECAA) welcomed nearly 900 independent eye care professionals, strategic vendor partners and industry leaders for a celebration of the PECAA community during its 2024 Annual Meeting on April 29 – May 1 in Las Vegas. The event marked the organization’s 15th Annual Meeting and included three days of networking, education and peer collaboration, all designed to help practices thrive amid a rapidly-changing eye care environment.
PECAA’s signature event of the year was a robust combination of keynote speakers and learning opportunities for all practice staff, empowering attendees with insights and ideas they can immediately apply in its practices. More than 65 product and service vendors were on hand to engage with PECAA members on the latest innovations and share member-exclusive savings.
PECAA’s President Jonathan Worrall (L), Lance Anderson, OD (C) and Justin Manning, OD, MPH, FAOO, welcomed members.
PECAA president Jonathan Worrall reflected on the significance of the Annual Meeting and community building as a cornerstone of PECAA’s commitment to private practice. “We understand the invaluable role of community in a world where connection is more important than ever,” said Worrall. “It’s more than the individual journey; it’s about the collective power of coming together to learn from and support one other.” He continued, “It’s also important that we share our gratitude for the central role of our strategic vendor partners, who make this one-of-a-kind event possible.”
PECAA regional leader and Cold Start Program alumni Kennard Herring, OD, of Nostalgic Eye Care in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, shared that the event’s community-centric environment is his favorite aspect. “PECAA’s Annual Meetings exude a family reunion vibe. At last year’s event, I gained real insights from other practice owners on how to best implement a dry eye specialty. It was special to reconnect this year with those same people who were willing to invest time in my growth.” He continued, “I now plan my schedule to ensure I can attend on a regular basis so I can continue to reap the benefits of the community atmosphere and hopefully contribute to others’ success.”
Kristen Hadeed energized annual meeting attendees with her opening keynote.
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This year’s Annual Meeting was expanded to include three keynote speakers starting with entrepreneur, two-time TEDx speaker and author of Permission to Screw Up Kristen Hadeed who shared how she learned leadership the hard way, and in the process, built a successful company by supporting her team with growth opportunities, care and connection to the company’s purpose.
Decorated 30-year Air Force veteran, nationally recognized ophthalmic technician and COPE-approved speaker, Lynn E. Lawrence CMSgt, USAF, MSOL, CPOT, ABOC, COA, OSC shared the essential elements for a thriving practice compiled from his years of service. Closing the Annual Meeting, former Major League Baseball pitcher and Olympic gold medalist Jim Abbott inspired with his personal story of success grounded in creativity, accountability and trust.
PECAA Co-founder and chief strategy officer Lance Anderson, OD, and chief member experience officer Justin Manning, OD, MPH, FAAO, engaged in an on-stage discussion about the evolution of PECAA and its Annual Meeting, sharing that while the eye care alliance has evolved significantly over the years to include increasingly enhanced benefits, vendor partnerships and opportunities, its original mission of harnessing the power of connection remains firm.
Lynn E. Lawrence shared his passion for the profession and best practice insights during the afternoon general session.
The now legendary member appreciation event returned with a Boogie Wonderland theme that transported attendees back to the 1960s and 70s. Guests attended in apparel of the era and danced the night away to the music of the Boogie Knights, heralded as “the greatest disco revival show in the world.”
The Member Choice Awards featured performances by PECAA’s premier vendor partners and provided a dynamic forum for members to learn about exclusive product and service offerings, new technology and more.
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The event also included the opportunity to donate to this year’s PECAA Gives beneficiary, Goodie Two Shoes, which was founded by retired NFL San Diego Charger Tony Berti and his wife Nikki to provide shoes to children in need in the greater Las Vegas community.
“Our goal is to provide a space for meaningful relationship building, the best in education and access to the newest industry products and services to help members connect, build and prosper,” said PECAA chief operating officer Jamie Hughes. “And year after year, we witness the members of the PECAA community lean in to level up its skills as entrepreneurs, grow its practices, and share knowledge with one another.”
The 2025 PECAA Annual Meeting will move to the East Coast, convening members in Orlando, Florida.
