LOS ANGELES—VSP Optics Group announced that the VSPOne Los Angeles optical laboratory has transferred majority ownership to Javan Diaz, Noel Diaz and Keith Grossman, who will operate under the name Simplify Optics. Details of the transaction were not disclosed.

Although Simplify Optics is not part of the VSPOne lab network, it will operate as an independent lab included within the VSP contract lab network, providing eyecare professionals access to the full portfolio of Unity products as an authorized distributor, according to VSP, which retains a minority interest in the lab.

With the change in ownership at Simplify Optics, the VSPOne lab network now consists of 14 locations. The VSP contract lab network consists of over 200 labs, a VSP spokesperson told VMail.

Javan Diaz, who served as lab director for VSPOne Los Angeles since its opening in 2015, exercised his purchase option to acquire the majority stake in the lab, along with his partners, who had previously operated another Los Angeles area lab, Empire Optical.

“As we head into a new era for our laboratory, we’re focused on continuing to provide our customers with a simple yet outstanding experience,” said Diaz. “As a family business at our core, we’re excited to bring a truly differentiated offering to the market, anchored by local service and partnership with the eyecare professionals we serve.”

Joe Maris, senior vice president of laboratory operations for VSP Optics Group, remarked, “Over the past two years, our lab presence in the Southern California market was strengthened in large part thanks to the leadership and commitment of Javan and his team. We’re excited to continue leveraging their optical manufacturing expertise and philosophy of extremely personalized and local service, all in support of today’s independent eyecare provider.”

In order to ensure a seamless transition for customers, the lab will remain in the Eyefinity drop down menu online as “VSPOne L.A. (aka Simplify Optics),” with the name updated to Simplify Optics in January 2018. Simplify Optics customers will continue to earn rewards on qualifying orders through the VSPOne Lab Rewards program through Dec. 31, 2017. For more information, eyecare professionals can contact Simplify Optics at (844) 863-8857.