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Online learning is not new to IDOC, but the company has been using it more to engage with its members during this unprecedented time. IDOC recently launched two new resources: the “Eye Own a Business” podcast (https://idoc.net/podcasts), and the IDOC Optometric Specialty Community on Facebook. (https://www.facebook.com/groups/idocspecialty)





“The goal of this new podcast is to help eye doctors grow the practice of their dreams,” said Steve Vargo, OD, IDOC practice management consultant and podcast host. “We want to teach independent ODs how to build a thriving practice while wearing the hats of both a doctor and a business owner. Our guests talk about tools and strategies ODs can use to create a practice and a life they love.”

The “Eye Own a Business” podcast launched in June 2022 and, according to IDOC, is one of the fastest-growing podcasts in the industry with more than 1,000 downloads in the first three months.

IDOC also launched the IDOC Optometric Specialty Community on Facebook this spring. “We’ve seen a lot of interest among our members in making specialty services a more meaningful part of their practice,” Vargo stated. “This group is a community that learns from each other, supports each other, and provides the insight, knowledge and motivation to become the ‘go-to’ practice in an OD’s area for whatever specialty service they provide.” Members of the community also have access to live training events and Q&A sessions.

As with many practices, staffing is a top issue for IDOC members. “Staffing is a huge pain point for many practices right now, including recruiting and retaining employees and staying competitive with payroll and benefits.”

Vargo said IDOC has a strategy to address members’ needs for staff retention along with other areas of interest including specializing in dry eye and myopia management; becoming less dependent on vision plans; and learning about medical optometry.

He said, “We’re always innovating at IDOC, so we have many plans in the works for expanding our resources. In addition to continuing to grow the Facebook community and podcast audiences, we’re to planning to further develop specialty coaching to help ODs cultivate the leadership skills they need to successfully manage their practice.”

IDOC is creating additional educational resources such as webinars and e-learning tools that equip practice owners with industry-specific training while also offering them the opportunity to connect with experts and like-minded business owners.

“We offer comprehensive educational resources for our members,” Vargo said. “Our personalized approach to learning, technology expertise and hands-on execution are designed to make it easier and faster for eye doctors to accomplish their goals and bring the joy back into practicing optometry.”