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DALLAS—AEG Vision (AEG), an owner and operator of leading North American optometry practices, announced that it has temporarily closed all locations for a period of two weeks as of 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 21. AEG has about 150 locations across the U.S., an executive told VMAIL, and is making the decision to temporarily close its offices in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. “We hold the health and safety of our patients, doctors and staff above all other considerations,” chief executive officer Eric Anderson said in the announcement.

“After careful consideration of the rapidly changing situation and recent guidance from the CDC and AOA, we are making the proactive decision to temporarily close our practices and operations. We will re-evaluate this decision following this two-week pause and as circumstances change.”

AEG chief medical officer Dr. Ben Chudner noted that as of Monday, March 23, and on a selective and voluntary basis, AEG doctors are available to consult with patients as needed.

“They will not be scheduling appointments, but may see patients in an emergency or urgent situation,” Chudner said. “All routine eye exams will be rescheduled to a later date. Additionally, existing patients will be able to pick up their previously ordered medically necessary eyeglasses and contact lenses during this period—or we will mail them to the patient."

Anderson said AEG doctors and practice associates will continue to be paid during this two-week period. “And we will further use this time to enhance our risk mitigation and safety protocols as we look forward to re-opening as soon as we can,” he added.

More information about AEG Vision and updates to the status of its practices will be posted on the company’s website, www.aegvision.com, as it becomes available.

AEG Vision, a portfolio company of Riata Capital Group previously known as Acuity Eyecare Group, was founded in March 2017 and currently has more than 150 locations operating under different regional brands across 11 states.