(Press Release)
KINGWOOD, TX – Optometric alliance Vision Source held its annual member meeting, The Vision Source Exchange, from March 16-19 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas, during which it celebrated its 25th anniversary with the meeting’s theme of “Celebrating Our Past, Forging Our Future.”
In the heart of historic downtown San Antonio, more than 3,500 doctor members, optical staff and vendors attended the 2016 Vision Source Exchange, making it the largest national meeting in the organization’s history. With more than 514,000 square feet of exhibition space and nearly 200 exhibitors, attendees had access to the latest technology and products. Additionally, Vision Source members could earn up to nine hours of complimentary CE courses for both optometrists and optical staff.
The 2016 Exchange was kicked off by its sold-out opening night celebration with a performance by the hometown Texas band ZZ Top at the Tobin Center. Attendees heard three keynote presentations throughout the Exchange. Former Southwest Airlines executive Dave Ridley offered words of advice on building, nurturing and sustaining customer service that leads to customer retention. Dr. Derrick Artis, OD, executive vice president of operations for Vision Source, moderated a discussion between legendary coaches Bob Knight and Lou Holtz called "Lessons on Leadership." Knight and Holtz shared stories of their experience building championship teams and cultures while conveying how leadership is critical to building a successful practice. Attendees were also entertained by Adam Trent, "The Futurist" and star of the Broadway hit show ‘The Illusionists.”
Vision Source aims to continue building relationships with leading medical groups, integrated health systems, health plans and ACOs. Exchange attendees received in-depth information regarding the dozens of relationships Vision Source has developed, its outreach to diabetic patients, and how to effectively work with primary care doctors to improve collaborative care, early detection and treatment.
“We are proud to come together in such large numbers to reflect upon the passion and dedication that our members have demonstrated over 25 years,” says Jim Greenwood, president and CEO of Vision Source. “This is a time to celebrate our accomplishments while preparing members for a prosperous future. San Antonio served as the perfect backdrop for our 25th year. We were proud to offer an exclusive opportunity to our members and their staffs to investigate industry trends, discuss integrated health care opportunities, and network with fellow independent optometrists. Without the support of Vision Source members and our vendors, none of this would be possible. We truly appreciate everyone’s dedication and willingness to make each Exchange better than the last.”