VIENNA, Va.—MyEyeDr today closed on the acquisition of The Hour Glass and South East Eye Specialists with seven locations in Tallahassee, Fla. and in Southern Georgia. The deal represents MyEyeDr’s initial expansion into the Florida market. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded by James A. Stephens, OD, 30 years ago, The Hour Glass currently operates five locations based in Tallahassee and surrounding areas and two locations based in Thomasville, Georgia and Albany, Georgia. Dr. Stephens, who grew up in the area, attended Florida State University, is a past Florida Optometric Association Optometrist of the Year and past president of the Florida Optometric Association. He will be joining MyEyeDr to continue with clinical care and other duties.

In addition, the 12 ODs of The Hour Glass/South East Eye Specialists, will be a strong addition to MyEyeDr’s portfolio of doctor driven practices, the company told VMail. MyEyeDr has been pursuing a major expansion push, acquiring both large groups and individual practices. In December 2014, the group acquired Eye Care Associates in North Carolina, as previously reported.

The only practice in the group that MyEyeDr is not purchasing is John D. Bell Ophthalmology. Dr. Stephens and Dr. Bell will continue to own and operate that office separately,” said David Sheffer, executive vice president, MyEyeDr.

“This acquisition marks an important first step into the state of Florida for MyEyeDr,” said Sue Downes, MyEyeDr’s president and CEO. “With an additional acquisition set to close next week and a full pipeline of practices to be acquired in the future, MyEyeDr has big plans for this market with intent to operate upwards of 50 to 100 locations in the next few years. We are initially focused on Northern and Central Florida including the areas surrounding Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Gainesville, Orlando and Tampa. “

Added Sheffer, “Our interest lies in both single OD practices with one office as well as groups with multiple practices.”

Following the acquisition of The Hour Glass, MyEyeDr now operates 155 practices in seven states (DC, Fla., Ga., Md., N.C., S.C., Va.). As has occurred with other acquisitions of MyEyeDr, the company will cobrand with existing names during a transition period of six to 12 months.