FOLSOM, Calif.--Early this month Eyefinity kicked off a new program for private practitioners. Called Express Path Network, it is designed to streamline online lab and frame ordering as well as claim filing.

Using the new system, eyecare practitioners can now enter orders and patient information in a one-step process using Eyefinity's eBuy Express. Frames are drop-shipped to the lab directly from the frame supplier, so the ECP does not have to pull that frame from his or her board and then send it to the lab.

The program is designed to create a more-efficient job turnaround process, reduce administrative work and keep the dispensary's frame boards full, according to Eyefinity.

Practitioners using the Express Path Network who are providers for Eyefinity parent Vision Service Plan also receive a minimum $2 credit in VSP's Partnership Plus program.

Participating in the initial program are six Eyefinity frame partners--L'Amy, Kenmark, Viva, Charmant, Safilo and Altair--plus 31 ophthalmic labs that have integrated with Eyefinity. Additional frame vendors and labs may be added later as they link with the Internet portal, company officials noted.

Said Don Yee, Eyefinity's president and chief executive officer, "We're not only extremely proud of the valuable tools and services we've developed since our inception to help empower the private practice, but we're also pleased with the way our industry partners have responded to innovate with us to deliver new and exciting programs that benefit private practice."

Yee noted, "The addition of the Express Path Network to our eCommerce services not only provides private-practice eyecare doctors and their staffs with ease and convenience, but also allows private practices, frame manufacturers and labs to work together to best serve the eyecare patient."

Eyefinity also recently announced an agreement with contact-lens distributor Diversified Ophthalmics to offer Diversified's CL lines--including Bausch & Lomb, CIBA Vision, CooperVision, Hydrogel Vision, Ocular Sciences, Unilens and Vistakon--directly to private eyecare practices through eBuy.

Said Dave Delle Donne, Eyefinity's vice president of business development, "Not only does this agreement with Diversified Ophthalmics provide our customers with more options for efficiently ordering contact lenses, it also provides more convenience for both doctors and their patients."

Ronald Cooke, OD, president and chief executive officer of Diversified Ophthalmics added, "We're extremely proud to be providing the quality name-brand CL products we distribute through this growing channel."            --Cathy Ciccolella