Essilor to host independent ECP forums

Essilor of America announced that it will host four independent eye care professional forums next month, according to a company press release.

The forums, one of which will be available via simulcast, are invitation-only and designed to discuss the state of the industry, to hear optometrists speak about their business, challenges and opportunities and how to anticipate in an evolving independent optometric industry, the release said.

Details about how to participate in the simulcast forum will be provided in coming weeks.

“Increasingly, we know that it’s imperative to understand the bigger picture of the optometric industry in this country,” Howard Purcell, OD, vice president of customer development, Essilor of America, said in the release. “We have a vested interest in gaining insight into the changing dynamics of the industry, and we believe the time is now to generate conversations with the doctors who are on the frontline of these changes.”

At Essilor’s request, Tim Jankowski, OD, former chair of VSP Global, will join as a special guest at the forums. He will present highlights and answer questions about his company’s Bain & Company study that concluded the independent optometry industry faces major challenges, including competition from large national retail chains, increased consumer adoption of online purchases and desire for greater price transparency. He will also address a shift from the personalized shopping experience toward a more efficient retail environment, the release said.