Around the Network, Featured
Highlights from Family Reunion: A Celebration of Excellence
Aug
Our annual TSO Family Reunion event was a resounding success. This year we gathered together at the beautiful Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Texas. This years event was an invigorating blend of collaboration, education, and networking. Some of this years highlights included the annual shareholder meeting, the golf outing and the CE. This year’s Family Reunion showcased TSO’s dedication to excellence in eye care and its leadership in the optometry industry.
The meeting kicked off with the shareholder meeting, where the TSO network reaffirmed its confidence in its leadership by re-electing Drs. Cameron Smith, Benny Peña, and Nelson Juarez, along with David Friedfeld, to the Texas State Optical Board of Directors. This board plays a crucial role in steering the long-term strategic planning and operations of TSO.
During the meeting we also honored exemplary practices within the TSO network with the 2023 Palladium Practice and Platinum Practice awards. These awards celebrate practices that have demonstrated exceptional performance, patient care, and community contributions.
For the first time, TSO Dowlen in Beaumont, TX, achieved Palladium Practice status, an honor reserved for practices generating four million dollars in annual sales. This milestone reflects the tireless dedication and hard work of the doctors and their staff, symbolizing not only financial success but also a profound positive impact on the community through superior patient care.
Additionally, TSO Rockwall and TSO Camp Bowie were recognized as 2023 Platinum Practices, each surpassing one million dollars in yearly sales. This recognition celebrates the outstanding teamwork and commitment of the doctors and their office associates, highlighting their ability to deliver exceptional care and make a significant difference in their communities.
One of the most heartwarming moments of the entire conference was the presentation of the 2023 Tom Ford Award to Dorthy Warner. Dorthy, who joined the TSO Dowlen team in 1981 and became the office manager in 1988, has been instrumental in the practice’s growth and success. Under her leadership, TSO Dowlen evolved from a single-doctor practice to the first-ever Palladium Multi-Doctor Practice. Dorthy’s unwavering dedication to excellent customer service and her commitment to patient care have been pivotal in the practice’s achievements.
The golf outing this year was another big success as vendorssponsors and TSO doctors gathered early morning on Saturday before the official start of Family Reunion to play at the Steven’s Park Golf Course. Attendees of the event were treated to breakfast, lunch and tons of prizes all made possible by our main event sponsor CooperVision. We look forward to growing this event as it really highlights the camaraderie and relationship building that takes place at Family Reunion.
Last but not least, this year’s continuing education program was filled with enriching courses designed to enhance the professional knowledge and skills of both doctors and staff. The agenda featured informative sessions such as the hands-on ZEISS staff training and the comprehensive Frame Management course, led by Board of Directors members Dr. Patel, David Friedfeld, and Steve Baker, which highlighted the new Frame Management program. A standout session was Dr. Gary Gerber’s Myopia course, which focused on innovative strategies and practical approaches for integrating myopia management into practice. His engaging and humorous presentation helped attendees understand how to deliver optimal care and achieve better patient outcomes.
The Texas State Optical Family Reunion Conference 2024 was not just a meeting but a vibrant celebration of achievements, camaraderie, and forward-thinking. Attendees left inspired, equipped with new knowledge, and motivated to continue their journey toward excellence in eye care. As TSO continues to set benchmarks in the industry, events like this reinforce the organization’s commitment to its mission and values, ensuring a bright future for its network and the communities it serves. We look forward to seeing you at next year’s Family Reunion.
