GREENVILLE, S.C.—Continuing its expansion across the Southeast, Eye Health America (EHA) said late last week that it has added three established South Carolina optometric practices to its practice management organization: David Hamill, OD, and First Vision Group (FVG), Mark Vinson, OD, and Vision Care (VC), and David Johnson, OD, and Marlboro Eye Care Associates (MECA). The terms of the transactions were not disclosed. Eye Health America was formed in 2018 by LLR Partners, a lower mid-market private equity firm. Over the past 18 months, EHA has experienced significant expansion that has taken the group to 26 locations, five ambulatory surgical centers and more than 800 employees.

The partnerships with First Vision Group, Vision Care and Marlboro Eye Care support Eye Health America’s goal to build an integrated network of top eyecare practices and ambulatory surgical centers across the Southeast. All three of the South Carolina practices joining EHA have been providing quality eyecare in Florence, Marion and Bennettsville, S.C., respectively, for more than 30 years.

“These wonderful doctors and teams will strengthen our ability to deliver excellence in all-things-eyes and meet patient demand in the Pee Dee region,” EHA co-chief executive officer Mary Lou Parisi said in the announcement. “We look forward to ensuring they have all they need to focus on what they do best; caring for patients.”

With its recent expansion, EHA has increased its network to include 60 providers spanning optical, medical, and surgical. The organization plans to continue investing in technology and services that create value, including patient engagement technology and revenue cycle management.

“I am very excited to join an outstanding eyecare team keeping with the values of exceptional patient care,” added Dr. Johnson of Marlboro Eye Care Associates. “That has always been my motivation. I look forward to having easy access to provide our patients with tertiary eyecare with Carolinas Centers for Sight in Florence.”

“Consolidating our practice, First Vision Group, with these premiere eyecare practices in South Carolina was the best way to expand and provide more services to our loyal patients,” added Dr. Hamill of First Vision Group. “Together, we will sustain the same trust and principles doing our very best for our patients.”

“After 38 years of practice, I'm looking forward to this new chapter of my life,” said Dr. Vinson of Vision Care.

In addition to co-CEO Parisi, EHA is led by an experienced team of eyecare veterans that includes co-CEO John Swencki, chief medical officer Cathleen McCabe, MD, and chief development officer Philip Isham.

By combining the best doctors, facilities and leading-edge technology, EHA practices have an opportunity to expand their geographic footprint, develop new service lines and treat more patients through advanced care.