EyeCare Partners’ acquisition marathon shows no signs of slowing down. Ever since FFL Partners formed the group with the acquisition of Clarkson Eyecare in April 2015, EyeCare Partners (ECP) has expanded rapidly, consolidating smaller firms to grow a national network. Last week, the group purchased Nationwide Vision from Refac Optical Group, a portfolio company of Acon Investments.
Nationwide is a full-service vision care provider operating 89 optometry offices throughout Arizona and Florida. This acquisition brings EyeCare Partners’ network range to up to 450 locations nationwide. No financial terms were disclosed.
Earlier in September, ECP acquired Associated Retinal Consultants, one of the largest retina subspecialty practices in the United States. The company provides treatment for age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, ocular disease and other serious conditions. It serves more than 1,000 optometrists and ophthalmologists throughout Michigan and surrounding states. The deal expanded ECP’s presence in Michigan.
In February, ECP purchased Primary Eyecare Associates & Laser Eye Center in Alabama. The practice provides management of ocular diseases, orthokeratology, LASIK & refractive surgery, as well as early detection of potential eye problems in children at two locations in the state. That was ECP’s second acquisition in Alabama for 2019, following another deal announced in January. ECP acquired three smaller optometry practices, Potter Eye Care in Decatur, Alabama, Elan Eye in Atlanta and Sharper Vision Eye Care in Duluth, Georgia. All three practices provide optometric services and eyewear services to patients.
And these are just the acquisitions in 2019. ECP was busy throughout 2018 as well, reporting 10 acquisitions. One of the most notable came in December 2018 when ECP formed a partnership with 20/20 EyeCare. At the time of the announcement, 20/20 had seven locations in greater Louisville and southern Indiana, with a team of 12 physicians providing eye exams and a range of advanced treatments for ocular disease, specializing in dry eye, glaucoma, diabetic, and pre/post-operative care. No financial terms were disclosed.
