Photo provided by Vision Source. Amir Khoshnevis, OD, President of Vision Source, introduced the Gateway Tour from the stage at The Exchange, the annual Vision Source meeting.
Vision Source programs equip ECPs with the tools and resources for success in today’s tech landscape.
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By Amir Khoshnevis, OD, President, Vision Source
June 11, 2025
From its very beginning nearly 35 years ago, Vision Source® has been a doctor-led network of practices. At our annual meeting, The Exchange, held in Denver earlier this year, it was my honor to reinforce that commitment through a variety of programs and initiatives that will continue to help Vision Source member practices as well as independent optometry as a whole.
As I stood before my colleagues, I felt a profound sense of urgency. We are at a unique intersection of technology and health care, a moment that presents both challenges and incredible opportunities for independent practices. The rapid evolution of technology is reshaping how we deliver care to an aging population, and it is crucial that we adapt to these changes to ensure the health of our practices.
It is also the very mission of this organization to help practices grow.
I shared the inspiring story of Chris Browning, OD, in Indiana, who has seen one of his established practices grow by an astounding 349% over the past decade. This growth is not just a number; it represents the potential that exists when we embrace innovation and adapt to the changing landscape of optometry.
That’s not entirely surprising. As we shared at The Exchange, members’ 2022-2024 cumulative same-practice growth was up by 19.4%. Many of these members acknowledge the resources, programs and initiatives from Vision Source to help make that happen.
BEYOND YOUR EYES
For example, in 2024, the Beyond Your Eyes marketing campaign launched. This campaign has empowered our members to share a powerful message about the importance of comprehensive care. Since its launch, participating practices have displayed an impressive 85 million ads and garnered over 770,000 clicks. In other words, participating practices acquired an average of 15 new patients per month through the awareness raised.
These results reflect our commitment to elevating the level of care and addressing not just vision, but overall ocular and systemic health.
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That same year, we introduced the Vision Source Next Associate OD program, through which we help member optometrists who have struggled with finding associates. Student loan debt can deter aspiring optometrists from entering private practice. By developing a program whereby Vision Source members can apply to help new associates offset these loans, we can encourage talented individuals to join our ranks, ensuring that the future of our profession remains bright.
It is essential that we create pathways for new practitioners to thrive in an environment that values their contributions. At The Exchange, we noted that 14 new associates have been added to the network through this program, which also means that 14 member practices can add more services, see more patients and be more secure in their commitment to their communities.
ANNOUNCING THE GATEWAY TOUR
Now, at the cusp of a revolution in technology, including artificial intelligence, we recognize the need to prepare our practices. So, we announced the Gateway Tour, a practice management and education event we are bringing to 12 cities this year. The program kicks off at the American Optometric Association’s Optometry’s Meeting in Minneapolis.
The Gateway tour is designed to equip our members with the tools and resources they need to navigate this technological revolution. This tour is open to all private practice optometrists and their staff, ensuring that everyone is aligned and prepared to implement innovative strategies that will enhance patient outcomes and drive profitability.
As we prepare for the launch at the AOA meeting, I am filled with excitement about the possibilities that lie ahead. Attendees will benefit from an exclusive keynote from an optometrist dedicated to innovation, paired with real-world strategies from practicing doctors. They will leave with practical tools to create an immediate impact in their practices.
We should embrace this moment at the intersection of technology and health care. Our collective strength lies in our commitment to each other and to the patients we serve. By prioritizing the health of our practices and leveraging the power of technology, we are not just adapting to change; we are leading the way for a thriving optometric community.
The Gateway Tour is open to optometrists in and outside of the Vision Source network and their staff. Learn more HERE.
Amir Khoshnevis, OD, is President of Vision Source.
