Primary Eyecare Network, Diversified Buying Group and ECP Network
To Merge Into One Practice Development Organization Under PEN Name
ALAMEDA, Calif. (June 1, 2017) – ABB OPTICAL GROUP announced today that it is merging Diversified Buying Group and the ECP Network, both part of Diversified Ophthalmics, with Primary Eyecare Network (PEN). ABB OPTICAL GROUP's acquired Diversified Ophthalmics in October 2016.
A division of ABB OPTICAL since 2007, PEN is focused on supporting independent optometrists by providing favorable purchasing arrangements, business management and marketing support, educational programs for practitioners and staff, medical billing services and other support services.
Diversified Ophthalmics' ECP Network is a practice development organization that offers independent eye care providers tools and guidance to manage a successful practice. The Diversified Buying Group offers customers discounts and special pricing on tens of thousands of products from more than 100 vendors with the convenience of one monthly statement.
The merger of the three entities into one practice development organization under the PEN brand will enhance overall support for independent optometrists. Members will have access to a broad range of practice development resources, a comprehensive roster of educational events for practitioners and staff, a wide variety of valuable vendor discounts and rebates, and “white glove” account management services.
Members of Diversified Buying Group and the ECP Network will have immediate access to PEN’s new online educational portal, which provides eye care practitioners and paraoptometric staff with on-demand webinars and continuing education classes. Billing statements will transition toABB OPTICAL GROUP/PEN during the next several months.
"Combining these three powerhouses into one organization gives ABB the scale and capabilities to help independent optometrists compete more effectively and profitably in today's rapidly changing eye care marketplace," said ABB OPTICAL GROUP Vice President of Eyewear Nan Meehan, who oversees Primary Eyecare Network. “As a trusted business partner to eye care professionals, we continue to deliver the best services and programs to help them better serve their patients. We look forward to this merger leading to even greater success for our customers.”
For more information about becoming a PEN member, visit primaryeye.net.
About Primary Eyecare Network (PEN):
Founded in 1984 by a group of private optometrists, Primary Eyecare Network is a division of ABB OPTICAL GROUP focused on enhancing the independent professional optometrist's ability to compete in a rapidly changing marketplace. This includes providing favorable purchasing arrangements, business management and marketing support, quality educational programs for practitioners and staff, medical billing services, and other support services provided by PEN's knowledgeable and experienced staff. "Like" Primary Eyecare Network on Facebook at Facebook.com/PrimaryEyecareNetwork or follow @PrimaryEye on Twitter. For more information, visit PrimaryEye.net.
ABOUT ABB OPTICAL GROUP
ABB OPTICAL GROUP is a leading distributor of optical products in the United States. The company supplies nearly two-thirds of eye care professionals across the country with brand name contact lenses, fully customizable gas permeable and custom specialty soft contact lenses, ophthalmic lenses and more. The company's Digital Eye Lab is a fully automated optical lab dedicated to freeform digital lens fabrication. ABB OPTICAL GROUP also offers practice building services such as pricing strategy tools, business reviews, annual supply staff training and e-commerce solutions. For additional information, visit ABBOptical.com.
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Primary Eyecare Network Offering Free Myopia Symposium on August 6
ALAMEDA, Calif. (May 24, 2017) – Primary Eyecare Network (PEN), a division of ABB OPTICAL GROUP, is presenting a myopia symposium on Sunday, August 6 from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the San Ramon Marriot, 2600 Bishop Drive in San Ramon.
The morning session will cover evidence-based management of progressive myopia, applying research to develop a myopia-control practice, and methods and potential pitfalls of corneal reshaping. The lunch session will cover wet lab training and certification and will provide practitioners with the instruction necessary to fit Paragon CRT® Contact Lenses.
The symposium is pending approval for three hours of Council on Optometric Practitioner Education (COPE) credits.
Presenters include Yue Liu, O.D., of the UC Berkeley School of Optometry; Dan Press, O.D., of North Suburban Vision Consultants; and Craig Norman, O.D., F.C.L.S.A., of the Vision Research Institute at Ferris State University's Michigan College of Optometry.
The event is sponsored by ABB OPTICAL GROUP and Paragon Vision Sciences. Attendance is free. To register or for more information, visitPrimaryEye.net or e-mail [email protected].
About Primary Eyecare Network (PEN):
Founded in 1984 by a group of private optometrists, Primary Eyecare Network is a division of ABB OPTICAL GROUP focused on enhancing the independent professional optometrist's ability to compete in a rapidly changing marketplace. This includes providing favorable purchasing arrangements, business management and marketing support, quality educational programs for practitioners and staff, medical billing services, and other custom support services provided by PEN's knowledgeable and experienced staff. "Like" Primary Eyecare Network on Facebook at Facebook.com/PrimaryEyecareNetwork or follow @PrimaryEye on Twitter. For more information, visit PrimaryEye.net