Optometrists Share Their Experiences with the Initiative and the Value They Found in Each Other
PLEASANTON, Calif., January 10, 2017 — Following a year of recognition and thought leadership in the field of optometry, the inaugural class of Best Practices is preparing to pass the torch to a new group of honorees. As CooperVision, Inc. begins the process of notifying the 2017 Best Practices—to be announced publicly in the coming weeks—the 10 practices that helped pioneer the initiative reflect on the benefits they have gleaned from being part of it.
Launched in late 2015, the first-of-its-kind Best Practices initiative recognizes U.S. eye care practices that have found innovative ways to provide the best possible care to their patients and make their businesses thrive, even in the face of increased competition. The inaugural class of honorees was unveiled in February 2016.
Since then, honorees have been broadly recognized among their peers and presented with opportunities to share their insight and successes to help elevate the eye care profession. Many doctors took advantage of opportunities to highlight their expertise and their practice within leading optometry publications, while others were featured as speakers at industry trade shows. And all were able to connect with each other to learn and share ideas.
“One of the primary benefits of the Best Practices initiative—which was perhaps a bit unexpected—was the honorees’ access to each other,” said Michele Andrews, OD, Senior Director of Professional Affairs, North America, CooperVision. “Through the program, we are able to foster relationships between a network of eye care professionals who have a passion for the profession and the drive to achieve excellence within it. We look forward to expanding the Best Practices community with new honorees each year.”
The inaugural class of Best Practices honorees was asked to share their most valuable takeaways from the year:
- “The Best Practices program has inspired me to continue to elevate my practice and remain positive and committed to our profession, despite any challenges we may face as an industry. The opportunity to meet the other Best Practices—who I consider to be industry leaders—has allowed me to learn from their creative experiences, which I have found to be incredibly valuable.”
– Dr. Casey Hogan, OD, Advanced Eye Care Professionals, P.C. in Oak Lawn, Ill.
- “It was great meeting other doctors who practice optometry at such a high level. I have enjoyed discussing a variety of topics with them, including tips for practice management and improving the ‘wow’ experience for patient care in private practices. I hope to meet the future class of Best Practices so that we can continue our education and together elevate the eye care industry to a whole new level.”
– Dr. Roxanne Achong-Coan, OD, Coan Eye Care in Ocoee, Fl.
- “I treasure opportunities to immerse myself in a network of exceptional colleagues like I have through the Best Practices program, and find the collaboration and camaraderie to be energizing and inspiring. It was a tremendous privilege to work with this group of Best Practices doctors over the past year. Through this program, I was reminded, in particular, that I need to continually model my passion for learning and excellence for my staff.”
– Dr. Kerry Giedd, OD, Eola Eyes in Orlando, Fl.
- “Our class shares a common passion for delivering an uncompromised caliber of care to patients. We understand that our constant in this industry is our ability to bring positivity and quality to each experience. My team and I are very proud to have been part of the inaugural class of Best Practices.”
– Dr. Samuel J Teske, OD, PA, The Eye Doctors in Tampa, Fl.
- “I truly enjoyed spending time with like-minded colleagues at CooperVision’s R&D facility at the educational summit in the spring. I learned many new clinical and practice management tips that I believe will help my practice continue to evolve and succeed. Most importantly, I made some very inspiring friends.”
– Dr. Maurice Zadeh, OD, Family Eyecare of Roswell in Roswell, Ga.
- “My Best Practices peers are early adopters of new technology and methods to grow their practices. They embrace innovation and understand the importance of hanging on to traditional tactics for long-term success—caring deeply for patients and putting their wellbeing before the prospect of economic gain. It is a pleasure to know them.”
– Dr. Beverly Smith, OD, San Ramon Family Optometry, Inc. in San Ramon, Calif.
- “This year, our Best Practices class has been able to share ideas and curate what works best in this ever-changing industry. We are focused, and willing to learn and try new ideas. We are accountable to each other to hurdle industry challenges, and I feel grateful that we have been able to share this experience together.”
– Dr. Ami Ranani, OD, Somers Eye Center in Somers, N.Y.
- "It has been very gratifying to meet and interact with other like-minded colleagues. We have shared both successes and challenges in our professional practices, but I have learned something from every encounter with my fellow honorees. I want to extend my sincere appreciation to CooperVision for supporting optometry in such a unique manner.”
– Dr. James W. Vann, OD, VisionArts Eyecare Center in Fulton, Mo.
- “I am grateful to have been introduced to a group of dedicated, hardworking, focused doctors who practice at the next level of patient care. They all—each in their own way—have shown me that there are many ways to improve patient service and satisfaction. They have reinforced my belief in the advancement of optometry as a profession, and they have set an example for all of us to follow.”
– Dr. Mark Perry, OD, Vision Health Institute in Orlando, Fl.
- “I continue to be amazed at the different approaches to eye care and the practice of optometry that all result in successful practices. I have incorporated several key practice success ideas into my office that have been directly sourced from CooperVision’s Best Practices program.”
– Dr. Steven Wilson, OD, Wilson Eye Center in Valdosta, Ga.
CooperVision plans to leverage Best Practices alumni to continue advancing the program. Several of this year’s honorees served on the selection committee for the 2017 Best Practices. To stay up to date on this process and learn more about the honorees, visit www.eyecarebestpractices.com and follow the initiative on Facebook and on Twitter.
About CooperVision
CooperVision, a unit of The Cooper Companies, Inc. (NYSE:COO), is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of soft contact lenses and related products and services. The Company produces a full array of monthly, two-week and 1-day lenses, all featuring advanced materials and optics. CooperVision has a strong heritage of solving the toughest vision challenges such as astigmatism and presbyopia; and offers the most complete collection of spherical, toric and multifocal products available. Through a combination of innovative products and focused practitioner support, the company brings a refreshing perspective to the marketplace, creating real advantages for customers and wearers. For more information, visit www.coopervision.com.
About The Cooper Companies
The Cooper Companies, Inc. ("Cooper") is a global medical device company publicly traded on the NYSE (NYSE:COO). Cooper is dedicated to being A Quality of Life Company™ with a focus on delivering shareholder value. Cooper operates through two business units, CooperVision and CooperSurgical. CooperVision brings a refreshing perspective on vision care with a commitment to developing a wide range of high-quality products for contact lens wearers and providing focused practitioner support. CooperSurgical is committed to advancing the health of families with its diversified portfolio of products and services focusing on women’s health, fertility and diagnostics. Headquartered in Pleasanton, CA, Cooper has more than 10,000 employees with products sold in over 100 countries. For more information, please visit www.coopercos.com.
Media Contact
Heather Kowalczyk
McDougall Communications for CooperVision
heather@mcdougallpr.com or (585) 330-4878