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Survey shows OD group members order most frames, contacts through alliances
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Nearly 80% of buying group or independent practice alliance members surveyed by the Vision Council say they purchase frames and contact lenses through the group.
The Vision Council announced that it surveyed 353 eye care practitioners (ECPs), of whom 76.8% are members of at least one buying group or independent practice alliance (IPA).
The survey explored which buying groups or IPA respondents were a member of, which products and services ECPs purchase through their buying groups or IPAs and how satisfied they were with the services rendered, according to a Vision Council press release.
Among the sample, Vision Source, C&E and OOGP are the top three most popular buying groups or IPAs.
About 48% of respondents said they were “extremely satisfied” with the services and products received from their buying group/IPA, with an additional 25.1% being “satisfied,” according to the press release.
Ophthalmic frames are ordered by 78.2% of members via the group, followed by 76.8% ordering contact lenses.
About 30% of those surveyed anticipate increased use of buying groups/IPAs in the next year.
About 23% of the respondents had no affiliation with buying groups or IPAs. The top reason for avoiding buying group or IPA membership is the belief that there are no cost advantages, according to the press release.