Vision Innovation Partners (VIP) offers expert practice management and support, allowing eye care providers to dedicate their attention to patient care. During a recent interview, Soraiya Thura, MD, a refractive cataract surgery fellow at Select Eye Care, shared how being part of a practice that is managed by VIP shaped her medical and professional training and prepared her for her role as an attending physician. 

How would you describe VIP?

From the perspective of a fellow, VIP aims to unite knowledgeable ophthalmologists to foster mutual learning and innovation. VIP creates a community rather than just a collection of practices, and it provides a platform for both new and experienced ophthalmologists to exchange ideas and enhance their practices, ultimately contributing to the advancement of the field.

What management services are provided by VIP?

VIP offers comprehensive services to support ophthalmology practices, allowing providers to focus on patient care without being burdened by administrative tasks. These services include medical records management, compliance, human resources, and marketing. Particularly notable is their assistance in marketing new doctors and services, helping practices to stand out in competitive markets, and ensuring the community is aware of available services. This support enables providers to shine and effectively communicate their offerings to their community, which enhances the practice's visibility and success.

How does outsourcing management tasks impact a surgeon’s daily workflow and the overall efficiency of the practice?

Outsourcing management tasks like surgical billing, coordinating surgeries, and scheduling patients streamlines processes, enabling surgeons to prioritize patient care over administrative duties. This enhances workflow efficiency across surgeries, postoperative care, and billing.

What are some of the benefits afforded to patient care in a VIP practice?

VIP encourages a forward-thinking and progressive provider mindset. This means that surgeons have access to the best equipment and software to streamline processes and focus on patient care. Rather than settling for the status quo, I'm motivated to continuously seek ways to enhance my patient care by leveraging new technologies and treatment options. This shift in perspective encourages me to explore innovative techniques and engage in discussions with industry experts to identify the best practices for our practice and community. As a result, I've become more proactive and forward-thinking in my own approach to patient care. Rather than imposing top-down directives, VIP values the opinions of its team members and actively seeks feedback to continuously improve practices and processes. This inclusive approach fosters innovation and allows the organization to leverage the expertise of its members to advance its vision and goals.

What are the benefits of training within a VIP practice?

My fellowship experience has been invaluable. My mentor, Scott LaBorwit, MD, embodies the mindset and spirit of VIP. I am not only learning in the clinical and surgical settings but also in understanding the entrepreneurial side of ophthalmology. For example, I gained insight into implementing new technologies and techniques as well as managing the clinic and fostering relationships with industry partners. This exposure to the management and entrepreneurial aspects of ophthalmology, including discussions with staff and strengthening referral networks, has been enriching and goes beyond traditional fellowship experiences.

Please tell us about the decision-making process that led you to accept a role as an attending surgeon at a VIP practice.

The autonomy given to practices under VIP—maintaining their unique cultures while fostering collaboration within a vast network—stood out to me. Participating in committees and webinars facilitated shared learning experiences, which helps create a tight-knit VIP community despite the size. Additionally, VIP's mentorship program offers valuable guidance from seasoned ophthalmologists, further enhancing the sense of belonging and professional development. Overall, VIP's emphasis on collaboration, education, and mentorship played a significant role in my decision to stay at Select Eye Care.