• March 7, 2023
• FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
• Press Contact: IDOC® 203-853-3333

March 7, Trumbull, CT – IDOC's national conference this year, The Connection 2023, drew an incredible audience of more than 1,000 attendees including record-breaking attendance by IDOC members, sponsor representatives, and other industry professionals from across the country. The Saturday night Universal CityWalk Block Party capped the week with a tremendous blowout party, in appreciation of the IDOC member community.

Exploring The Possibilities
The theme for this year’s event was Explore The Possibilities, inspiring attendees to think outside the box, get out of their comfort zone, and learn and grow to enhance their practices’ success. The keynote speakers—world-renowned explorer Alison Levine, leadership guru Chris Goede, and optometry expert Sharon Carter—championed this theme with keynote sessions that had attendees on the edge of their seats or the precipice of a mountain top, helping owners and staff alike to better understand their personal values, work as a team, build trust and accept change. A vibrant sponsor marketplace of over 50 exhibitors showcased industry innovations and provided attendees with ample opportunities to network with vendors, seek out new products, and gain insight into industry trends.

Presenting Three Rivers Optical & Highlighting IDOC Services
IDOC had the opportunity to introduce attendees to Three Rivers Optical—the newest addition to the IDOC family. Steve Seibert, Managing Director of Three Rivers Optical, and Oliver Spandow, IDOC Chief Operating Officer, presented during a Fireside Chat on the main stage, diving into the strategy and long-term vision of IDOC’s newest Lab Service. Members got a chance to meet Steve and his team at the Three Rivers Optical booth and learn more about the rich history of the independent optical lab.

IDOC’s suite of practice management services for the independent OD community received a tremendous response at the event. “Last year we launched IDOC Services from the main stage at The Connection. This year, we were able to demonstrate the success and tangible results these services have produced over the past 12 months, and the real-life benefits owners and practices are seeing from letting IDOC’s experts take on these practice tasks,” says Dave Brown, President and CEO of IDOC. Attendees flocked to the IDOC booth to learn more and sign up for IDOC Services—a testament to how needed these services are in supporting independent practices, taking things off their plates so they can focus on providing the best care to patients and growing their businesses.

IDOC’s full suite of offerings were highlighted at the event including IDOC Marketing Services, Financial Services, Optical Services, HR Services, and Lab Services. IDOC Service experts from all around the country were available throughout the entire event to meet with members, driving IDOC’s commitment to innovation and business support for the independent optometry community. IDOC Services are available to all independent practices, regardless of alliance affiliations.

Inspiring Education
This year, IDOC brought back its one-of-a-kind Roundtables—a member favorite—to kick off the week’s activities. Continuing Education and practice management courses dominated the agenda, with over 25+ hours of CE credits, role-specific classes and over 40 speakers to help drive new ideas and growth. “IDOC Roundtables are beloved by our members, and give owners and staff an opportunity to learn from each other and take away best practices to bring back to their own offices,” says Nathan Hayes, IDOC Director of Financial Services.

Save The Date for The Connection 2024
Next year, IDOC’s national conference will be held in Austin, Texas. The event will take place at the Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Round Rock, TX (about 20 minutes from Downtown Austin) from February 14 – February 18, 2024. This family-friendly resort boasts a huge indoor waterpark, tons of games and on-site restaurants and more. To get notified about the event and registration, click here or visit idoc.net/events.

About IDOC
For the past twenty years, IDOC has remained committed to building a powerful community of independent optometrists, providing advanced practice management tools, advice and support systems that drive business growth. Membership plans include expert consulting, metrics-based business solutions, negotiated vendor discounts and peer-to-peer networking. IDOC works collaboratively with 3,000+ independent ODs to help them stay ahead of industry change and achieve their business vision, their way. For more information about IDOC, call (203) 853-3333 or visit IDOC.net.