Identifying The Need
In 2008, Drs. David Golden and Howard Stein decided to leverage the buying power of their combined eight locations in an effort to reduce their cost of goods. Very quickly, they discovered they could greatly improve their bottom line by purchasing in a collective manner. In Dr. David Golden's words, "We started PERC to improve our own businesses, and we quickly realized that there are many other successful practices that also wanted to do better. We understood that the best way to grow and improve is to work collectively."
After surveying the marketplace and talking to many colleagues, Howard and David discovered that other large practices were paying much more for many products than they had negotiated for themselves. Although many colleagues thought they had negotiated excellent pricing from their vendors, they soon realized that compared to Stein and Golden, they were not getting a fair shake. It became clear there was a need in the industry for someone to negotiate on behalf of the larger practices.
At the same time, Infinity Vision Alliance (IVA) was founded by Drs. Richard Frieder and Aaron Sako. Due to challenges of the practice ownership and the ever-changing economy, they focused on the need to organize a select group of private practice owners to strategize success in the marketplace. IVA was committed to helping eye care providers nationwide. Their goal was to help private practices compete and flourish by providing discounted products and services to our members.
Forming and Growing PERC
In January 2013, PERC formed a strategic alliance with IVA, which gave all PERC+IVA offices the purchasing power of a multi-million-dollar office. The remarkable growth has allowed PERC+IVA to add benefits like frame distribution and enhanced vendor partnerships.
In 2019, PERC+IVA was rebranded to PERC with a new logo and look to show our growth. The doctors, patients, and practices within IVA are an important part of the PERC community and now with our singular identity we better support our mission statement. We have built one community and not two.
In August 2020, Dr. Jason Lake assumed responsibility as General Manager of PERC. As General Manager of PERC, Jason leads the day to day member support activities to drive maximum value that meets the unique needs of the PERC membership.
Today, PERC has over 7,000 member locations in all 50 states and continues to grow rapidly
About Dr. Jason Lake
Dr. Lake served on the Missouri Optometric Association Board of Trustees for over a decade including running the PAC during his time on the board and eventually serving as President in 2017. He received the Missouri Optometric Association award for Optometrist of the Year in 2017 for his legislative work in protecting the rights of the independent practitioner. He has served on many boards and as an officer in local service organizations and city appointed offices in his community. Dr. Lake and his wife, Dr. Susan Lake, are principals in a four location private practice in the Kansas City area. They have grown their practice to 9 optometrists and 1 ophthalmologist to offer a full scope of services based in an entrepreneurial spirit..
About DR. Howard Stein
Dr. Howard E. Stein is a board certified optometrist who is DPA and TPA licensed to use diagnostic and therapeutic medications. Dr. Stein graduated from Southern California College of Optometry in 1959. He Is a member of the South Bay Optometric Society, the Califoria Optometric Society, the American Optometric Association, and the Contact Lens and Cornea Section of the American Optometric Association.
About DR. David B. Golden
Dr. David Golden graduated with honors from Southern California College of Optometry in 1987. Prior to receiving his Doctor of Optometry degree he attended the University of California at Berkeley. Dr. Golden completed his externship training at the Albuquerque Indian Hospital in Albuquerque, N.M. Immediately following Optometry School graduation, he was selected to become a full time Clinical Faculty at Southern California College.
About Dr. Aaron Sako
Dr. Aaron Sako graduated with honors from Nova Southeastern College of Optometry in 2000. Prior to receiving his Doctor of Optometry degree he attended the University of California at Irvine. Dr. Sako completed his externship training at the Bascom Balmer Eye Institute in Miami Florida. Immediately following Optometry School graduation, he joined a thriving multi-doctor private practice in Laguna Hills California, where he still practices today.
About Dr. Richard N. Frieder
Dr. Richard N. Frieder graduated with a B.S. degree from the University of Southern California after which graduating with honors from Los Angeles College of Optometry in 1971. He served in the Amphibious United States Navy prior to graduating. He is a member of the Orange County Optometric Society, California Optometric Society, and the American Optometric Association. He is a charter member of Rotary International and dedicates time on projects for children in India and orphanages in Mexico.