MISSION VIEJO, Calif.—Total Vision, a leading and expanding California-based network of vision care providers, has added Old Town Optix Optometry of La Quinta, Calif., to its network, according to an announcement on Tuesday. The practice is operated by James Almaraz, OD, along with his associate, Steffanie Wilamart, OD, and business partner, Scott Daniels. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The Old Town Optix Optometry office has been located in La Quinta for 20 years and has earned a reputation for providing the highest quality of patient care, the announcement noted.

Total Vision, which is backed by New York City-based Bregal Partners, operates approximately 59 office locations throughout California. The group’s practices are primarily located in the Bay Area, Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Diego County, Riverside County and San Bernardino County.
 
Total Vision is the largest network of vision providers in California and employs more than 600 team members, including more than 130 doctors, the announcement noted.
 
Total Vision chief executive officer Neil Collier and chief growth officer Dr. Steve Klein said they are excited to add the Old Town Optix Optometry practice to the group, and also to expand into the Coachella Valley. They welcomed Dr. Almaraz, Dr. Wilamart and the entire staff at Old Town Optix Optometry to the Total Vision team.
 
“We welcome the team and are excited for them to be our first partner in the Coachella Valley,” Collier said.
 
In 1978, Dr. Almaraz opened a practice in Big Bear, Calif. In 2015, looking to get away from the snow, Dr. Almaraz purchased Old Town Optix. “Along with his talented team, and the kind referrals from his patients, he has grown a very successful practice within the La Quinta community,” Total Vision said. “He prides himself on helping patients solve their vision problems to better both work and play, as well as helping them maintain clear vision for years to come.”
 
Dr. Almaraz is a Southern California College of Optometry graduate and attends several continuing education seminars to stay current on the latest advances in eye health, vision care, and contact lenses.
 
Dr. Wilamart has her roots in Southern California. She attended Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry and received her Doctor of Optometry in May 2015. Prior to that, she received her Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2011 from La Sierra University in Riverside, Calif.
 
Dr. Wilamart is passionate about giving back to the community and has been involved in various community projects. She had the opportunity to volunteer with Volunteer Optometric Services and helped to give over 2,000 eye exams to the people of San Carlos, Mexico. She has also been a project leader in the non-profit organization Project Pueblo where she led service trips to the Navajo Nation Native American Reservation in Arizona.
 
“The team and I are excited about this next chapter,” Dr. Almaraz said. “We look forward to continuing our long tradition of offering ‘high touch’ optometry with the support of Total Vision behind us.”