IDOC IDOC is an alliance committed to the growth and prosperity of independent optometrists. IDOC is proud to be Great Place to Work-Certified™.

For over 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.

09/12/2026

What happens when an optometrist stops apologizing for wanting to make money?

In this episode of the Eye Own a Business Podcast, host Dr. Steve Vargo and Dr. Allan Panzer discuss why he has never apologized for wanting to make money and how that mindset has shaped 47 years of independent optometry.

The conversation explores Allan’s approach to practice profitability, the ROI of Optos, why retinal screening has become such a high-value service, and why reviews can be more powerful than advertising.

To hear Dr. Panzer perspective on building a profitable, patient-first practice, listen on all podcast platforms or watch “I Like to Make Money” on YouTube: https://bit.ly/4gYFRa1

When you need a fresh perspective on your practice, who’s in your corner?​Today is National Swap Ideas Day, and we’re ce...
09/10/2026

When you need a fresh perspective on your practice, who’s in your corner?​

Today is National Swap Ideas Day, and we’re celebrating the IDOC community that gives independent ODs various opportunities to learn from peers, share what’s working, and see things from a different perspective.​

From Viewpoint and local study groups to Vision Forward and our national Connection conference, there’s always a place to connect and swap ideas.​

If you’re ready to swap ideas in person, there are two Vision Forward opportunities still ahead in 2026:
📍 Atlanta | October 9–10​
📍 Phoenix | November 6–7​

Come with questions. Leave with new ideas, fresh perspective, and people you can turn to.

Register at https://bit.ly/4iX6QFB

Back-to-School Just Got Good.Fit Patients in PRECISION®.Give your patients 16 hours of comfort(1,2) in a lens that’s eas...
09/10/2026

Back-to-School Just Got Good.

Fit Patients in PRECISION®.

Give your patients 16 hours of comfort(1,2) in a lens that’s easy
to handle(3,4)**. Recommend PRECISION® contact lenses this Back-to-School season.

Learn more at: https://bit.ly/4gMbzIN

*Based on in vitro measurements of unworn lenses.
**Based on the mean subjective ratings on a scale of 1 (Poor) to 10 (Excellent) for overall vision, overall comfort and overall handling in subjects wearing PRECISION1® contact lenses from a clinical study, measured at three-month follow-up visit; n=69.

References:
1. Fogt J, Patton K. Long day wear experience with water surface daily disposable contact lenses. Clin Optom. 2022(14):93-99. 2. In a 2-week prospective clinical study in the US; n=181; CLEAR CARE Cleaning & Disinfecting Solution used for cleaning and disinfection; Alcon data on file, 2023; REF-21959. 3. Alcon data on file, 2019. REF-09857. 4. Alcon data on file, 2019, REF-04452. 5. Cummings S, Giedd B, Pearson C. Clinical performance of a new daily disposable spherical contact lens. Poster presented at: American Academy of Optometry Annual Meeting and 3rd World Congress of Optometry; October 23-27; Orlando, FL. 6. Based on a survey of 500 US optometrists who fit contact lenses; Alcon data on file, 2023. REF-22032.

Important information for PRECISION7® (serafilcon A) contact lenses: For daily wear or extended wear up to 6 nights for near/far-sightedness. Risk of serious eye problems (i.e., corneal ulcer) is greater for extended wear. In rare cases, loss of vision may result. Side effects like discomfort, mild burning or stinging may occur. ​

See product instructions for complete wear, care and safety information. [Rx Only]

Independent ownership asks a lot of you. ​So today, let it ask for nothing. ​Rest. ​Relax. ​Slow down. ​Do nothing. ​You...
09/07/2026

Independent ownership asks a lot of you. ​

So today, let it ask for nothing. ​

Rest. ​
Relax. ​
Slow down. ​
Do nothing. ​

Your vision built this practice. Your team helps carry it forward. And you deserve a day where you don’t have to be the one holding everything together. ​​

Happy Labor Day, to our members and independent owners.

Consider this your official permission slip.​

❤️ ​Tag an independent owner who needs to see this.

09/05/2026

Most patients aren't looking for more frame options. They're looking for confidence that they're choosing the right one.​

In this episode of the Eye Own a Business Podcast, host Steve Vargo and Susan Daly discuss the “three pair presentation” and how a more guided approach to frame selection can improve both the patient experience and capture rates within independent practices.​

The conversation explores why the first frame shown matters, how strategic frame progression builds patient confidence, and how simplifying the decision process can help staff become stronger prescribers of eyewear.​

To learn more about how simplification can improve patient decision-making and capture rates, watch the full episode on YouTube at https://bit.ly/4xEAKmp

09/04/2026

There’s no one right model for a successful practice.​

Nathan Hayes, Director of Financial Services for IDOC Books and Benchmarks, shares why the key is knowing who you want to serve and building your strategy around their needs.​

At Vision Forward, Nathan will help teams make their goals actionable by strengthening the people, infrastructure, processes, data, and accountability behind them.​

There are two more opportunities to experience Vision Forward in 2026:​

📍 Atlanta | October 9–10​
📍 Phoenix | November 6–7​

Come for the learning. Stay for the community. ​

Register at https://bit.ly/3Stf9OP

The answer you’re looking for might start with, “How are you handling this?”IDOC Study Groups are happening in communiti...
08/31/2026

The answer you’re looking for might start with, “How are you handling this?”
IDOC Study Groups are happening in communities near your practice this September, giving you a chance to connect with fellow independent practice owners, share what’s working, and talk through the challenges you’re facing.

Topics include:
✓ Standing out in a crowded market
✓ Helping patients say yes—for the right reasons
✓ Selling luxury eyewear

Find your local study group → https://idoc.net/optometry-study-groups/

08/31/2026

Patients tried on the frames. They saw the prices. And they still walked out. Why?​

In this episode of our Eye Own a Business Podcast, Steve Vargo and Susan Daly discuss how frame assortment and markup strategy can impact patient purchasing behavior and your practice’s bottom line.​

Simplifying your optical can make a difference. The same is true for your lens strategy.​

Pricing power once reserved for chains is now yours through IDOC Labs. Clerra makes it real, with $50,000 or more in annual savings.​

Learn more at https://bit.ly/4ybtlLo

08/28/2026

“Can we commiserate and can we build knowledge?”​

Our member, Dr. Brian Spittle, knows the value of getting out from behind the desk and into a room with people who understand what it’s like to be in the trenches of independent optometry.​

That’s what Vision Forward offers: two days of connection, learning, and community closer to home. From expert-led sessions to candid conversations with fellow independent practice owners, it’s a chance to share ideas, work through challenges, and take practical insights back to your practice.​

There are two more opportunities to experience Vision Forward in 2026:​
📍 Atlanta | October 9–10​
📍 Phoenix | November 6–7​

Come for the learning. Stay for the community. We’d love to see you there.​

Register at https://bit.ly/4cAOPZZ

Back-to-School Just Got Good​Fit Patients in PRECISION®​Give your patients 16 hours of comfort(¹,²) in a lens that’s eas...
08/27/2026

Back-to-School Just Got Good​

Fit Patients in PRECISION®​

Give your patients 16 hours of comfort(¹,²) in a lens that’s easy ​to handle(³,⁴)**. Recommend PRECISION® contact lenses this Back-to-School season. ​

Learn more at https://bit.ly/4hU0PJp

*Based on in vitro measurements of unworn lenses.​
**Based on the mean subjective ratings on a scale of 1 (Poor) to10 (Excellent) for overall vision, overall comfort and overall handling in subjects wearing PRECISION1® contact lenses from a clinical study, measured at three-month follow-up visit; n=69.​

References: ​
1. Fogt J, Patton K. Long day wear experience with water surface daily disposable contact lenses. Clin Optom. 2022(14):93-99. 2. In a 2-week prospective clinical study in the US; n=181; CLEAR CARE Cleaning & Disinfecting Solution used for cleaning and disinfection; Alcon data on file, 2023; REF-21959. 3. Alcon data on file, 2019. REF-09857. 4. Alcon data on file, 2019, REF-04452. 5. Cummings S, Giedd B, Pearson C. Clinical performance of a new daily disposable spherical contact lens. Poster presented at: American Academy of Optometry Annual Meeting and 3rd World Congress of Optometry; October 23-27; Orlando, FL. 6. Based on a survey of 500 US optometrists who fit contact lenses; Alcon data on file, 2023. REF-22032.​

Important information for PRECISION7® (serafilcon A) contact lenses: For daily wear or extended wear up to 6 nights for near/far-sightedness. Risk of serious eye problems (i.e., corneal ulcer) is greater for extended wear. In rare cases, loss of vision may result. Side effects like discomfort, mild burning or stinging may occur. ​​
1. Fogt J, Patton K. Long day wear experience with water surface daily disposable contact lenses. Clin Optom. 2022(14):93-99. 2. In a 2-week prospective clinical study in the US; n=181; CLEAR CARE Cleaning & Disinfecting Solution used for cleaning and disinfection; Alcon data on file, 2023; REF-21959. 3. Alcon data on file, 2019. REF-09857. 4. Alcon data on file, 2019, REF-04452. 5. Cummings S, Giedd B, Pearson C. Clinical performance of a new daily disposable spherical contact lens. Poster presented at: American Academy of Optometry Annual Meeting and 3rd World Congress of Optometry; October 23-27; Orlando, FL. 6. Based on a survey of 500 US optometrists who fit contact lenses; Alcon data on file, 2023. REF-22032.​ ​


See product instructions for complete wear, ​
care and safety information. [Rx Only]

Address

50 Quality Street #110605
Trumbull, CT
06611

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 5:30pm

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when IDOC posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to IDOC:

Shortcuts

Share

Category