ASHBURN, Va.—Associates in Eyecare (AIE), an optometry group in the D.C./Northern Virginia area, has entered into a strategic partnership with Dr. Finley’s Family Eyecare in Herndon, Va. The location will be the 11th in the AIE group. Dr. Thomas Finley, works with two associate doctors, Dr. Colin Grant and Dr. Elham, Quiraishi in the practice which has been serving patients in its community since 1989. Dr. Finley commented, “When thinking about transitioning my optometry practice, I wanted to partner with a group that would allow us to continue providing quality eyecare services and products to our patients, provide back-office and administrative support to free up staff time and my time, and help us continue improving patient care and office efficiencies with innovative ideas. The partnership had to be mutually beneficial and good for our patients, staff, independent optometry, and my family.

“Associates in Eyecare was the best and logical choice. I know and respect AIE’s partners and doctors. We have many synergies, philosophical similarities, and goals. We all want our offices to be our communities’ ‘go to’ eyecare experts and keep thriving in an ever-changing health care environment. I also believe this partnership will provide a better opportunity for my associate doctors to become partners if interested. I view this as a terrific partnership and look forward to being an integral part of a great optometry organization.”

AIE president, Dr. Tiffany Lione, added, "It's very exciting to come full circle and work with Dr. Finley again. I started my optometry career in his office learning the business, and now 14 years later, we are joining forces in a new and innovative way.”

Dr. Robert Allen, CEO of AIE, noted, “I am thrilled to announce that Dr. Thomas Finley of Dr. Finley's Family Eyecare has partnered with AIE. As one of our most respected colleagues, Dr. Finley brings many years of dedication to excellent clinical care, professional optometry and community service to our group. He, along with Dr. Colin Grant and Dr. Elham Quraishi, will further enhance AIE’s commitment to the highest levels of patient care and service provided by industry-leading optometric physicians."

Vision Monday profiled Associates in Eyecare last month in its cover story on New Financial Options for Independents, describing its history and its organic expansion and acquisition model, where local ODs maintain a stake in their practice once they become part of the group.

AIE said that the branding of Dr. Finley’s Family Eyecare will not change immediately, but will strategically incorporate the AIE branding over time.