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DALLAS—Howard Jacobson, MD (Jacobson), a respected ophthalmic practice in Washington, D.C., has entered into a strategic partnership with an affiliate of Eyecare Services Partners Management (ESP), according to an announcement last week. ESP, which is backed by the private equity firm Harvest Partners, is a leading national provider of integrated eyecare services across its 100-plus locations. The Jacobson partnership was effective Oct. 10, according to the announcement by ESP. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

This is ESP’s fourth transaction completed in the last 120 days as it continues to build on its leadership in comprehensive and integrated eyecare services, the announcement noted.

Jacobson is a non-surgical ophthalmic practice serving patients from its prime downtown Washington, D.C., location. It will become a strategic satellite office for ESP’s nearby Eye Doctors of Washington (EDOW), one of the leading multi-subspecialty ophthalmology practices in the greater Washington, D.C., area, offering highly specialized eyecare for cataracts, glaucoma, cornea, pediatrics and eye trauma, according to the announcement. EDOW also offers refractive surgery for PRK, LASIK, and other vision correction procedures.

“I am very pleased to be part of the ESP family,” Dr. Jacobson said in the announcement. “We have worked closely with the physicians at Eye Doctors of Washington for many years, and this will enable us to integrate care seamlessly for our patients with a full spectrum of diagnostic, routine treatment, and surgical ophthalmic services.”

George Neal, chief executive officer of ESP, said the management firm looks forward to “supporting the continued growth and success of this highly regarded practice in the nation’s capital.”

“This is a great addition to our comprehensive eyecare platform,” added Daniel D. Crowley, executive chairman of ESP. “Jacobson is an excellent fit with our existing presence in the region.”

ESP is creating a leading integrated eyecare services company by consolidating market-leading ophthalmic and optometric practices and their affiliated ambulatory surgery centers. The firm oversees more than 200 providers and approximately 100 practice and surgery center locations in seven states and the District of Columbia.