FAQ

What is a Group Purchasing Organization Program (Buying Group)?

A GPO (Group Purchasing Organization) is designed to help aggregate member pricing and lower operating costs. Strategic vendor contract sourcing and collective bargaining, reduces the total supply and service acquisition costs through a combination of lower prices, reduced carrying costs, and payment term discounts.

Are the Alliance Group Purchasing Programs successful in reducing cost?

For over 15 years, The Alliance has been successful in reducing supplies cost for thousands of eyecare and physician practices.   By leveraging our group buying power our programs continue to provide more competitive and aggressive pricing for Alliance members.

How do I order supplies and how I am billed for supplies? 

All products are ordered through your select vendors and distributors. Your relationships with your vendor representatives remain in place. All products will then be shipped directly to your practice with packing slips and all invoices will be sent to The Alliance for processing. The Alliance will compile one consolidated statement for all your purchases with all your vendors. With a few vendors you may receive a direct bill vendor but your Alliance contract pricing will be applied to these purchases.  

Are there costs to participate in the program or purchase requirements?

The Alliance DOES NOT charge a fee to participate in our program. We encourage you to utilize your Alliance account on a monthly basis but realize your product needs may fluctuate, therefore, we ask that you maintain at least $3,000 in annual purchases. 

How can I really determine if the Alliance is going to save me money? 

We have negotiated the best pricing possible with our supplies and support services. We also invite you to compare our discounts and pricing to your current vendors or buying groups to ensure we are providing the lowest pricing possible.   Your savings will be maximized by utilizing as many Alliance contracts with our vendors, distributors and affiliates as possible.

Can the Alliance help with discounts with equipment? 

The Alliance has contracts and resources to help with equipment purchases for capital medical and dispensary equipment, computers, printers, fax machines and copiers. If we do not have a resource or contract, we will be happy to pursue your needs and negotiate on your behalf.  

What is the process for applying for an account?

We realize that your time is valuable and limited due to your clinical responsibilities.   We have streamlined our paperwork to help expedite a quick process on setting up your account.  We handle the transfer of all your vendor accounts without interruption to your ordering processes. We also help establish any new vendor relationship for your account and get you contacted to The Alliance pricing and contracts.