BOONE, N.C.—EyeCarePartners, LLC has announced the acquisition of Family Eye Care Center (FECC), the North Carolina-based optometry practice of Jeffrey R. Sutton, OD. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. For nearly 30 years, FECC has treated all aspects of ocular disease, providing comprehensive eye exams, vision therapy and co-management of laser and cataract surgery for adults and children. The practice also offers a complete collection of quality eyewear and contact lenses. As a result of the acquisition, EyeCare Partners said that FECC will rebrand to eyecarecenter, joining a growing network of 36 locations throughout North and South Carolina, part of the practice portfolio of ECP.

Kelly McCrann, CEO of EyeCare Partners, commented, “Dr. Sutton has built a fantastic practice and we look forward to working with him and the rest of the FECC team to continue to provide the highest quality of patient care in Watauga County. Dr. Jim Wachter, chief professional officer of ECP, added, “Dr. Sutton’s patient-first mentality and full scope medical practice are exactly the type of doctors we look to add to our growing network of physicians.”

Dr. Sutton noted, “I opened my doors in 1989 and have loved every minute of my patient interactions since. But after countless hours spent on IT, insurance, HIPAA and human resources management, I was ready to get back to the enjoyable part of being an optometrist and focusing on my patients. After significant research and seeking out other practitioners who had transitioned their practices to various groups, we chose to join EyeCare Partners. The first thing they did was get to know my practice; I look forward to getting back to my passion of taking excellent care of my patients and leaving administrative responsibilities to the strong team at ECP.

Based in St. Louis, Mo., EyeCare Partners now offers comprehensive medical services throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio and North Carolina. EyeCare Partners is backed by FFL Partners and now operates just over 240 locations.