MURRELLS INLET, S.C.—Eastern Eye Care, founded by Shawn Thomas, OD, has joined the growing US Eye network of eyecare practices. The addition of Eastern Eye Care continues US Eye’s expansion throughout coastal South Carolina and adds a presence in the growing Grand Strand area, centered around Myrtle Beach. The expansion follows US Eye’s entry into the Hilton Head area in 2021. Details of the transaction were not disclosed. “Myrtle Beach in particular has been an area of interest for us as we have seen an influx of residents traveling to our Carolina Eyecare Physicians offices for ophthalmic services,” said Dr. Kerry Solomon, chief medical officer of US Eye and Cataract Surgeon at Carolina Eyecare Physicians.

“Having a local US Eye office for pre-and post-operative care will be a welcome convenience for our patients who reside in the region. I have personally worked with Dr. Thomas for over a decade and have been thoroughly impressed by his expertise, practice model and his dedication to excellent patient care. He's a fantastic addition to the US Eye team.”
 
Speaking of the partnership, Dr. Thomas commented, “US Eye’s operational model is the gold standard for any medical optometry practice. The collaboration between surgeon and optometric physician is seamless, allowing patients to experience exceptional care throughout the patient journey.
 
"The integrated aspect of US Eye practices, in addition to the physician-led environment, makes US Eye a superior organization that I am proud to join. I look forward to providing my patients with the advanced technology, innovative treatments and the expanded resources that US Eye brings to the table.”
 
The addition of Eastern Eye Care brings the total number of US Eye practice locations to 64 across the Southeastern U.S. Eastern Eye Care will integrate its operations, procedures, and service offerings with Carolina Eyecare Physicians, expanding the practice network further throughout coastal South Carolina.
 
US Eye is a physician led, patient-centric network of practices founded on a commitment to providing exceptional patient service through premium technology and unrivaled provider expertise. Member practices offer an extensive range of ophthalmic and optometric services including comprehensive eye exams, laser cataract surgery, advanced intraocular lenses, all-laser LASIK, glaucoma, retina, cornea care, and more.
 
Based in Sarasota, Florida, US Eye employs over 110 providers and over 1,000 staff members across five states. The company currently operates 64 offices and five ambulatory surgery centers in the Southeast U.S. US Eye is owned by its partner practices and is backed by Pamlico Capital, a Charlotte, North Carolina-based firm investing in founder-owned businesses for over 30 years.