#United States #Orlando #IDOC #THE CONNECTION #Chad E. Foster

Overview

The Connection 2026: 'The Future in Focus' is set to take place from February 12-15, 2026, at the luxurious Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando, Florida. Organized by IDOC, this event is a perfect platform for optometrists, practice owners, and staff to engage in meaningful networking, education, and innovative solutions for their practices. The conference aims to bring the future into focus for attendees eager to improve their practices and embrace new opportunities.

Keynote Speaker

The event will kick off with a keynote address from Chad E. Foster, a remarkable leader who has transformed challenges into opportunities. Despite losing his sight at a young age, Foster excelled academically as the first visually impaired graduate of Harvard Business School’s leadership program. At the conference, he will share insights into resilience and purposeful leadership, inspiring attendees to overcome obstacles in their professional journeys.

Vendor Marketplace

The Sponsor Marketplace promises a bustling hub featuring over 60 vendors showcasing the latest in optometry technology and support products. Attendees will have access to exclusive offers and will get to explore groundbreaking innovations, particularly in the fields of AI and practice management. Doctor Ansel Johnson from Vision Salon, IL expresses his enthusiasm by stating, "I love coming to The Connection to see what's new, what's innovative…".

Interactive Roundtable Discussions

An exciting feature of The Connection is the IDOC Roundtable Discussions. These peer-to-peer engagement sessions are the perfect setting for practice owners to share challenges and solutions in a curated environment. Participants often leave these sessions with actionable insights, as General Manager Melissa Bastian states, "It's nice to actually be able to talk to each other, say what we're going through, and get different perspectives."

Breakout Sessions

With over 30 dynamic breakout sessions, attendees can tailor their learning experiences to match their professional development needs. Some sessions provide Continuing Education Credits focusing on key areas such as marketing strategies, AI integration, and optimizing patient experience. Notable speakers scheduled to share their knowledge include Dr. Steve Vargo and Kayla Ashlee.

Hands-On Optical Staff Training

The conference will also feature Quantum Optical's Pinnacle Program, a two-day comprehensive training workshop for optical staff. Designed to enhance core competencies in areas like Rx analysis and refractive errors, this workshop promises to empower practices with improved skills, ultimately increasing patient satisfaction and reducing oversights.

Closing Celebration

On the evening of February 14, attendees can unwind and celebrate their learning at Universal's Islands of Adventure. This close-knit gathering offers complimentary access, food, and drinks while allowing participants to enjoy exhilarating rides — a perfect way to conclude an informative weekend.

Golf Tournament

On February 15, a private golf tournament will be held exclusively for doctors and practice owners at Shingle Creek Golf Course, offering an additional networking opportunity amid beautiful landscapes.

Join Us at The Connection 2026

The Connection 2026 represents a unique opportunity for IDOC members and potential members to innovate, connect, and evolve within the optometric community. With leading speakers, interactive sessions, and enriching networking, this event is designed to ensure that participants are prepared to lead their practices with renewed vision and confidence.

For further details and to register, visit IDOC's official website. Don't miss your chance to be part of this transformative event!