ATLANTA—EyeSouth Partners, an eyecare-focused management services organization backed by private equity firm Olympus Partners, announced that it has partnered with Atlantic Eye Institute, representing its ninth affiliation in Florida and 39th affiliation overall. The Atlantic Eye Institute is led by the physician team of Dr. Charles Duss and Dr. Karim Samara, and has served patients in the Jacksonville and St. Augustine areas for more than 20 years. With four locations, the practice delivers personalized and affordable eyecare solutions, in addition to emergency eyecare, while utilizing the latest technology and surgical techniques.

“We are excited to be affiliating with EyeSouth,” noted Dr. Duss. “The doctors and staff of Atlantic Eye Institute have been proud to provide excellent comprehensive vision services in the Jacksonville area for over 20 years. EyeSouth shares our passion to offer the most advanced technology and treatments while caring for our patients like they are family. Our partnership will allow us to continue providing exceptional care while growing our presence throughout Jacksonville.”

“This partnership with EyeSouth will expand on Atlantic Eye Institute’s mission to help our patients live their vision through exceptional, compassionate and honest eyecare for every stage of life throughout the greater Jacksonville area,” stated Dr. Samara. “We are thrilled to be a part of EyeSouth’s growth within the greater Jacksonville area.”

“We are excited to welcome another clinically excellent practice with surgeons in the prime of their careers to the EyeSouth family,” said Dr. Eugene Gabianelli, chief medical officer of EyeSouth Partners. “We are impressed with AEI's focus on expanding access to quality patient care in their market and look forward to supporting their continued patient-first growth in Jacksonville.”

EyeSouth’s affiliate network consists of 39 practices with over 300 doctors providing medical and surgical eyecare services at more than 180 locations including 20 surgery centers throughout Georgia, Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Tennessee, Ohio, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Alabama, Illinois, North Carolina and South Carolina.