NAPLES, Fla.—Nearly 100 attendees—a record attendance— from multiple segments of the eyecare/eyewear industry gathered here recently for the 7th annual National Association of Vision Care Plans (NAVCP) conference.

The conference offered two days of discussions on topics such as health care reform and the role of managed vision plans in promoting eye health and wellness, as well as plenty of time for networking.

Outgoing NAVCP president Liz DiGiandomenico of EyeMed Vision Care passes the gavel to incoming president Richard Sanchez of Advantica.

In addition, the group shared initial results from the NAVCP’s first member utilization survey.

The NAVCP also elected new officers and board members during the event. The new NAVCP president is Richard Sanchez of Advantica; Sanchez succeeded Liz DiGiandomenico of EyeMed Vision Care, who had held that office for the past two years. Elected first vice president was Joe Wende, OD, of Davis Vision. Other NAVCP officers are Kimberly Hess of Superior Vision Services, VP-marketing; Erich Sternberg of AlwaysCare Benefits, VP-legislative affairs; Aspasia Shappet of MESVision, VP-industry relations; LaJeanne Niles of Carl Zeiss Vision, VP-membership; Don Yee of OptumHealth Systems, secretary/treasure. David Lavely, OD, of OptiCare Managed Vision, and DiGiandomenico were elected directors at large.

Sanchez outlined five key objectives for the organization in the coming year: developing the NAVCP’s strategy toward the rollout of health-care reform, and partnering with other groups aligned with its strategy; reviewing the organization’s structure to make sure it best represents its members’ interests; continuing to communicate the value of vision care and the role of vision plans in health care; expanding the awareness and role of the NAVCP with benefiting entities; and continuing to increase membership.

The NAVCP currently has 17 primary members and 16 allied members. New members since last year’s conference are Eyefinity/OfficeMate, NGL Insurance, Focal Center, Pro Fit Optix, Eyemart Express and eyeQuest; For Eyes, Block Vision and VisionWeb also have returned as NAVCP members.  ■ ■

Cathy Ciccolella

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