PECAA, ABB Optical Group partnership expands to optical lab services, specialty vision products

PECAA offers several different member options, including PECAA Max, PECAA Launch, and PECAA Propel. Image credit: AdobeStock/Vasyl

ABB Optical Lab Services and ABB Contact Lens Specialty Vision Products are now part of an expansion of Professional Eye Care Associates of America (PECAA) and ABB Optical Group’s strategic vendor partnership.¹ Now, PECAA Max members will have access to ABB’s independent lab network and comprehensive portfolio of premium and proprietary lenses, according to a news release.

“ABB is uniquely positioned to serve private practices with the independence that ensures solutions are aligned with the best interest of eye care professionals," said President of ABB Optical Group James Gilchrist. "We are excited to deepen our relationship with PECAA, and we look forward to delivering greater value to PECAA Max members through a comprehensive suite of services that provide enhanced efficiency, expanded choices, and increased value from one trusted source."

The expanding of ABB’s existing soft contact lens and business solution offerings that are available to PECAA Max members supports both companies’ commitment to supporting the success of independent eye care providers, the release stated. These members now have access to lenses including Unity and ABB Ascend, among other brands. Additionally, ABB provides a complete specialty vision product portfolio and an expert consultant team for specialty contact lens fitters, including access to ABB’s DELTA Scleral lens.¹

"ABB Optical Group aligns with PECAA's dedication to empowering private practices with the tools they need to thrive. ABB's exclusive Unity Rewards Program enables PECAA Max members to offset their monthly membership costs and drive profitability. This expanded partnership will give members a competitive edge and is just one of the ways in which PECAA is doubling down and delivering high-value programs to our member doctors."

ABB Labs was also recently recognized as the highest-rated lab with more customers planning to stay with ABB Labs than any other lab network, according to the release. An independent survey reported a 92% overall customer satisfaction rating and over 98% of lab orders meeting quality expectations.¹ Additionally, 9 out of 10 customers who use ABB for eyeglass lenses reported that they would stay with the lab through the following 12 months.²

PECAA offers several different member options, including PECAA Max, PECAA Launch, and PECAA Propel. PECAA Max provides vendor savings and rebates (including over 200 vendor partners and IncentiveEYES and VSP Vision Exam rebates) expert business advisors, CE courses, staff training, and peer-to-peer networking, among other benefits. The membership has a monthly fee of $279 and no contract.³

“PECAA has been a tremendous help for me growing my practice from day 1,” said KennardHerring, OD, of Nostalgic Eye Care in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and PECAA member. “My most valued PECAA Max membership benefit is the business advisory team, which has been very impactful in building my patient base.”

PECAA Launch is a membership that supports doctors opening new practices, providing guidance from concept to grand opening. Business advisors in finances and strategy, operations, optical management, marketing, and billing and coding are available through the membership. For the first 12 months, membership is free, with reduced fees kicking in for the second year and a standard fee after 2 years.³

“I gained a lot of value from PECAA’s cold start program because they meet doctors where they are,” said Chun AuYeung, OD, of Eyes on Norbeck, in Rockville, Maryland, and PECCA member. “PECAA’s business advisors helped me maximize insurance reimbursements and so much more. Now that my practice is established, PECAA Max membership continues to support my growth through the IncentivEYES member rebate program, human resources support and other valuable benefits, allowing me to best support my patients.”

Finally, PECAA Propel is designed for optometry students and first year graduates and provides free membership and comprehensive business training.³

References:

1. PECAA and ABB Optical Group announce expansion of strategic vendor partnership to include lab services and specialty vision products. News release. August 18, 2025. Accessed August 19, 2025. https://abboptical.com/about-us/pressroom/8_18_2025

2. Looking for a lab? ABB Optical Group. Accessed August 19, 2025. https://info.abboptical.com/abb-labs-lab-awareness

3. Membership options. Professional Eye Care Associates of America. Accessed August 19, 2025. https://www.pecaa.com/membership.html