ST. LOUIS—EyeCare Partners, LLC (ECP) furthered its expansion into the Alabama ophthalmology market with the acquisition of Dr. William Holcomb’s Cullman, Alabama-based Holcomb Laser Center, one of the leading ophthalmology practices in the north central Alabama area, according to an announcement from EyeCare Partners. Dr. Holcomb has operated his full-service general and surgical ophthalmology practice in Cullman since 1994. Along with Gary Few, OD, and Melanie Sivley, OD, the Holcomb Laser Center team is committed to helping improve its patients’ eyesight and lifestyle, using the best technology available and with the right combination of customization and affordability, the announcement said.

Dr. Holcomb serves the entire footprint of north central Alabama and south central Tennessee. The Holcomb Laser Center location in Cullman, in particular, houses a dedicated state-of-the-art laser vision correction facility at which Dr. Holcomb specializes in cataract surgery with multifocal and astigmatic (toric) lens implants along with other surgical procedures.

“Our goal for over 24 years has been to provide uncompromising quality eyecare to the people of north central Alabama,” said Dr. Holcomb. “Partnering with ECP will give us access to the resources needed to continue to provide that level of care in today's challenging health care environment. We are very excited about this opportunity.”

“The partnership with Dr. Holcomb allows us to continue our expansion in Alabama, where ECP already has a robust presence through its Eye Care Associates optometry practices as well as the ophthalmology practice of Dr. Price Kloess in Birmingham,” said Dr. James Wachter, chief professional officer of ECP. “By combining the exceptional eyecare capabilities of Dr. Holcomb with the expertise and resources of ECP, we believe many patients in north central Alabama and South Central Tennessee will greatly benefit.”

ECP chief executive officer Kelly McCrann added, “In partnering with Dr. Holcomb, ECP continues to grow its stable of world-class eyecare providers. With the addition of Holcomb Laser Center to the ECP family, ECP is now one of the leading eyecare providers in Alabama.”