"It's clear that you're committed to your own practice models, and equally committed to taking what you learn here and executing those models even better. That reinforces to us why there's so much room in optometry for new opportunities."
Jerry Warner, CooperVision’s President, Americas, voiced those sentiments to the company’s 2017 U.S. Best Practices honorees, who had gathered in Pleasanton, Calif. in mid-March to meet each other and be feted for their contributions to eye health. Now getting ready to launch its third year, the one-of-a-kind Best Practices initiative continues to win praise from eye care professionals across the United States, burnishing the CooperVision brand.
After a months-long nationwide search, nomination process and intensive judging, 10 practices were designated as 2017 honorees. Criteria demanded that each advance the profession through innovation, industry leadership, and patient experience, forging new pathways to success in the face of industry changes and increased competition.
“This program is gaining considerable momentum as we enter year three. Our ability to help optometrists exchange information and ideas – to provide ways for them to share what’s working well – is rewarding for their businesses, good for their patients, and beneficial for CooperVision,” said Simon Seshadri, Vice President, Marketing, North America. “The Best Practices initiative is a core component of illustrating our commitment to optometry, inspiring meaningful change as our industry evolves.”
The 2017 Best Practices Summit featured roundtables focused on topics such as optimizing the patient experience and effective marketing strategies, a tour of the CooperVision Advanced Development Center, and an exclusive, small-group meeting with author, entrepreneur and medical device pioneer Nicholas Webb. Honorees were also recognized at a dinner attended by CooperVision senior executives.
“What’s incredible is that our inaugural class was eager to meet and continue sharing their experiences with our latest honorees, as well as to continue their affiliation with the program,” noted Michele Andrews, OD, Senior Director of Professional and Academic Affairs, North America. “All participants are gaining opportunities to understand CooperVision beyond our products. They’re immersed in our culture, see our values first hand, and meet the people behind our innovative portfolio. These optometrists – some of the most respected and up-and-coming talents in their field – now have a tremendous grasp of how we are truly committed to making the right decisions for ECPs.”
The 2017 Best Practices have been broadly recognized and presented with opportunities to help educate and elevate the profession through the telling of their stories, including exposure through news media, conferences, Professional Affairs events, and social media. CooperVision will open 2018 Best Practices submissions in the fall.
Meet Our 2017 Best Practices Honorees
Amarillo Vision Specialists – Amarillo, Texas
Blount County Eye Center – Maryville, Tenn.
Caruso Eye Care – Lake Worth, Fl.
Castle Pines Eye Care – Castle Pines, Co.
Complete Eye Care of Medina – Medina, Minn.
Havasu Eye Center – Lake Havasu, Ariz.
Lawrenceville Family Eyecare – Lawrenceville, Ga.
Little Eyes – Carmel, Ind.
Premier Eyecare – Knoxville, Tenn.
Specialty Eyecare Group – Kirkland, Wash.