Despite the effects of COVID-19 on physician groups, investors are still acquiring ophthalmology groups, especially in the third quarter, according to DSO. Just last week, EyeSouth Partners acquired Retina Associates of Middle Georgia (RAMG) for an undisclosed sum. Based in Macon, Georgia, RAMG provides treatment for the retina, macula, and vitreous diseases at two clinics in the middle Georgia area. The practice has three physicians.
The affiliation represents EyeSouth’s eighth in the state of Georgia and eighteenth affiliation overall. EyeSouth is backed by Shore Capital Partners and is an eye care services organization in the southeast. Its affiliate network consists of 114 doctors providing medical and ophthalmology care services at approximately 70 locations, including 11 surgery centers, in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.
EyeSouth actually reported two transactions in June. The company added Texas-based Coastal Eye Associates (four physicians) to its network, EyeSouth’s first foothold in the state. Coastal Eye Associates provides routine eye exams, advanced therapeutic treatment and surgical solutions supported by a retail presence at each clinical location.
In Florida, EyeSouth partnered with Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center (two physicians). The deal gave EyeSouth a fourth affiliate in the state.
Earlier in August, EyeCare Partners announced a bunch of transactions from the second quarter — five to be exact — last week. The new acquisitions give EyeCare a foothold in 15 states throughout the Midwest, Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Southwest regions, and adds 11 physicians to its network. Transaction prices were not disclosed. EyeCare Partners is a portfolio company of Partners Group after the private equity firm paid $2.2 billion to become a majority investor in December 2019.
