Advancing Eyecare

What Advancing Eyecare does

Advancing Eyecare is a North American and UK provider of ophthalmic instrumentation, diagnostic equipment, and related services to eye care practices, national chains, hospitals, and teaching institutions. Formed in January 2019 when private equity firm Atlantic Street Capital combined Lombart Instrument (founded 1979) and Marco Ophthalmic (founded 1967), the company has since been acquired by Cornell Capital in May 2022 and operates as an alliance of 10+ wholly-owned subsidiary brands including Marco Lombart, Santinelli International, Veatch Ophthalmic, Eyefficient, Enhanced Medical Services (pre-owned equipment), S4Optik, INNOVA Medical, Birmingham Optical, and Sios. The portfolio spans approximately 9,000 products across lane and refraction equipment, OCTs, autorefractors, optical biometers, slit lamps, retinal cameras, visual field analyzers, ophthalmic lasers, optical finishing/edging equipment, chairs and stands, and consumables.

The company generates revenue through four interlocking streams: (1) new and pre-owned ophthalmic equipment sales via direct field sales representatives organized by region and brand; (2) the largest in-house, manufacturer-trained service technician network in North America, providing repairs, preventative maintenance, phoropter reconditioning, and protection plans of up to 60 months; (3) equipment financing including operating leases, technology leases, $1.00 purchase leases, and term loans up to 84 months with 100% financing; and (4) precision parts manufacturing through its blue.S4 division (5- and 3-axis machining, tolerances of 0.0002 inch or better, capacity up to 20,000 parts per year). Distribution is augmented by exclusive U.S. rights for Haag-Streit diagnostic devices (Lenstar 900, Octopus 600/900), LIGHTMED lasers, Olleyes VisuALL VRP, and Virtual Field VR perimeters.

The business model is a vertically integrated ophthalmic equipment platform combining distribution, financing, in-house manufacturing, and aftermarket services, with go-to-market executed through a 120+ person field sales and service team, industry trade shows (AAO, Vision Expo), webinars, and subsidiary-brand digital channels. The customer base is highly fragmented: Marco Lombart alone serves over 79,000 customers. Geographic operations span the United States, Canada, and Mexico (INNOVA Medical) and, following the August 2025 Birmingham Optical acquisition, the United Kingdom and Ireland. The company is led by CEO Jim McGrann (former VSP Vision CEO, appointed September 2023) and President/Chief Strategy Officer David Spear, with COO Paul Rodio joining in August 2025 to lead the next phase of operational transformation under Cornell Capital ownership.

Name

Advancing Eyecare

Legal name

Lombart Brothers, Inc. DBA Advancing Eyecare

Website

https://advancingeyecare.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Advancing Eyecare is a private equity–backed alliance of 10+ ophthalmic equipment brands distributing, financing, servicing, and manufacturing diagnostic and refraction instruments for eye care practices, hospitals, and chains across North America and the UK.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Ophthalmic Instrument Distribution and Services

NAICS

Ophthalmic Goods Merchant Wholesalers (423460), Ophthalmic Goods Manufacturing (339115), Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance (8112)

SIC

Surgical & Medical Instruments & Apparatus (3841), Ophthalmic Goods (3851)

akta.pro primary industry

Optical Dispensing & Eyewear Devices (Frames, Lenses, Lens Edging/Finishing Equipment) (HLAHAJAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cataract Surgery Systems & IOLs (Phaco Systems, IOLs, Intraoperative Aberrometry, Viscoelastics) (HLAHAJAH), Comprehensive Eye Exams & Vision Care (HLAKAKAA)

Keywords

• Ophthalmic equipment distribution
• Medical device services
• Precision parts manufacturing
• Optical finishing equipment
• Eye care diagnostics

Headquarters

HQ city

Jacksonville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Ophthalmic Equipment Sales: Sale of new and pre-owned ophthalmic instruments and diagnostic equipment including lane equipment, high-tech diagnostic devices, refraction systems, OCTs, slit lamps, and optical finishing equipment through the company's alliance of brands.
2. Equipment Repair & Maintenance Services: The largest network of experienced service technicians in the country provides equipment repairs, preventative maintenance, phoropter reconditioning, and protection plans.
3. Equipment Financing: Provides financing options including operating leases, technology leases, $1.00 purchase leases, and term loans with terms up to 84 months, 100% financing, and no penalty payoff provisions.
4. Precision Manufacturing: Custom precision parts manufacturing for ophthalmic equipment through the blue.S4 division, capable of producing up to 20,000 parts per year with tight tolerances.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Advancing Eyecare distributes new and certified pre-owned ophthalmic instruments — including diagnostic devices (OCTs, optical biometers, perimeters, retinal cameras), refraction/lane equipment, optical finishing equipment (edgers, blockers, tracers), and ophthalmic lasers — through an alliance of subsidiary brands (Marco Lombart, Santinelli, Veatch, Eyefficient, EMS, S4Optik, INNOVA Medical, Birmingham Optical, Sios). It complements distribution with the country's largest network of manufacturer-trained service technicians for repairs, preventative maintenance, phoropter reconditioning, and protection plans, plus an in-house precision parts manufacturing division (blue.S4) and multi-year equipment financing programs (operating leases, technology leases, $1 purchase leases, term loans up to 84 months).

Product overview

Advancing Eyecare is an alliance of leading ophthalmic equipment companies offering a comprehensive, one-stop solution for eyecare practitioners. The portfolio includes sub-brands Marco Lombart (formed from combining Marco Ophthalmic and Lombart Healthcare), Santinelli International (optical finishing/edging equipment), Eyefficient (curated instruments), Enhanced Medical Services (pre-owned equipment), Veatch Ophthalmic Instruments, INNOVA Medical (Canada), S4Optik (Mexico), Birmingham Optical (UK/Ireland), and Sios (optical supplies). Products span diagnostic equipment (OCTs, autorefractors, corneal topographers, optical biometers, retinal cameras, slit lamps), refraction equipment (phoropters, refractor units, lane packages), surgical/therapeutic equipment (lasers, tonometers), optical finishing equipment (edgers, blockers, tracers), visual field analyzers, and comprehensive supplies. Services include equipment repairs, preventative maintenance, manufacturing (precision parts via blue.S4 division), and financing programs. Distribution partnerships include Haag-Streit diagnostic technology, LIGHTMED lasers, Olleyes VR visual field systems, and Virtual Field VR perimeter devices.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Marco Lombart: Industry-leading resource for eye care equipment, products and services combining more than 100 years of eye care experience from Marco and Lombart
• Marco
• Eyefficient
• Santinelli International
• Sios
• Enhanced Medical Services (EMS)
• Veatch Ophthalmic Instruments
• INNOVA Medical
• S4Optik
• Birmingham Optical

Products and services

• Marco Lombart (combined Marco Healthcare and Lombart Healthcare) Unified U.S. sales division combining Marco Healthcare and Lombart Healthcare, offering the most advanced ophthalmic lane equipment, high-tech diagnostic devices, and the broadest product portfolio from one direct source for eye care practices in the United States.
• Santinelli International (Optical Finishing Equipment) Distribution of optical finishing equipment — lens edgers, blockers, tracers — and the Sios Optical supplies division for optical laboratories and retail practices in the U.S.
• Enhanced Medical Services (EMS) - Certified Pre-Owned Ophthalmic Equipment Distribution of certified pre-owned ophthalmic equipment, providing eye care practices affordable alternatives to new instruments.
• Veatch Ophthalmic Instruments Distribution of ophthalmic equipment, supplies, and services to vision care providers throughout the United States.
• Eyefficient A curated line of well-made and well-priced ophthalmic instruments designed for today's modern eye care practices.
• Equipment Services (Repairs, Preventative Maintenance, Phoropter Reconditioning, Protection Plans) Comprehensive equipment services including repairs, preventative maintenance, phoropter reconditioning, and protection plans ranging from 12 to 60 months, backed by one of the largest networks of reliable service technicians in the country.
• Precision Parts Manufacturing (blue.S4 Division) In-house precision parts design and manufacturing for ophthalmic equipment, with 5- and 3-axis machining, tolerances of 0.0002 inch or better, and capacity of up to 20,000 parts per year.
• Equipment Financing Multi-year financing programs for ophthalmic equipment including operating leases, technology leases, $1.00 purchase leases, and term loans, with terms up to 84 months, 100% financing with $0 down, 0 payments in advance, and no penalty payoff after first 24 payments.
• Haag-Streit Diagnostic Devices (Lenstar 900 and Octopus 600/900) Exclusive U.S. distribution of Haag-Streit Lenstar 900 optical biometer and Octopus 600/900 perimeters through Marco Lombart.
• LIGHTMED Ophthalmic Lasers Exclusive U.S. distribution of LIGHTMED YAG photodisruptors, SLT (selective laser trabeculoplasty), photocoagulators, and ultrasound diagnostic devices through Lombart Instrument and EMS.
• INNOVA Medical (Canada / Mexico Distribution) Distribution of a comprehensive selection of new and pre-owned ophthalmic equipment and services to the Canadian and Mexican ophthalmic communities.
• Birmingham Optical Group (UK / Ireland Distribution) Distribution of optical equipment, services, and expertise across the United Kingdom and Ireland.
• Sios Optical Supplies Distribution of optical supplies, tools, and accessories through Santinelli International's optical supply division.
• S4Optik (Mexico Distribution) Distribution of high-quality ophthalmic equipment to the Mexican ophthalmic market, delivering value-priced instruments.
• VIRTU Technical Support Service Innovative remote/virtual technical support solution that transforms how eye care professionals receive technical support for AEC-distributed ophthalmic equipment.
• Virtual Field VR Visual Field Perimeter Exclusive U.S. distribution of the Virtual Field VR Visual Field perimeter, a mobile, Wi-Fi-enabled device for advanced visual field testing and analysis for glaucoma detection.
• VisuALL S VRP (Virtual Reality Visual Field Analyzer) U.S. distribution of Olleyes' multi-testing virtual reality visual field analyzer (VisuALL S VRP), which uses AI, virtual reality, eye tracking, and proprietary algorithms for glaucoma detection.

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability3 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Haag-Streit USAcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 28 April 2026Marco Lombart entered an exclusive U.S. distribution agreement with Haag-Streit USA for three diagnostic technologies: the Lenstar 900 optical biometer, Octopus 600 and Octopus 900 perimeter devices. This expands Marco Lombart's existing Haag-Streit product portfolio.
• Birmingham Optical GroupcoreOthers · 6 August 2025Advancing Eyecare acquired Birmingham Optical Group in August 2025, expanding operations into the UK and Ireland market. Birmingham Optical is a leading provider of optical equipment, services and expertise across the UK and Ireland.
• EyefficientcoreOthers · 30 July 2024Advancing Eyecare announced the acquisition of Eyefficient in July/August 2024, expanding reach and strengthening ophthalmic equipment offerings for eyecare providers nationwide. Eyefficient provides a curated line of ophthalmic instruments that are well-made and well-priced for modern practices.
• Veatch Ophthalmic InstrumentscoreOthers · 11 November 2022Advancing Eyecare acquired Veatch Ophthalmic Instruments in November 2022, expanding its national footprint in ophthalmic instrumentation. Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, Veatch has a 30+ year history of distributing ophthalmic technology to vision care providers throughout the United States.
• Santinelli InternationalcoreOthers · 5 January 2022Advancing Eyecare acquired Santinelli International in January 2022, enhancing its product portfolio with Santinelli's optical finishing equipment (edgers, blockers, tracers) and Sios Optical supplies division. Founded in 1973, Santinelli is the leading provider of lens edging equipment in the US.
• Virtual FieldcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 December 2021Lombart Instrument entered an agreement to be the exclusive U.S. distributor of the Virtual Field VR Visual Field device, which offers advanced visual field testing and analysis software in a lightweight, mobile, easy-to-use interface for glaucoma detection.
• USC Keck School of Medicine Roski Eye InstituteminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 September 2021USC's renowned Roski Eye Institute enlisted Advancing Eyecare to provide preventive maintenance and care support for their world-class facility. USC is ranked in the top 12 ophthalmology departments nationally by U.S. News & World Report every year since 1993.
• OlleyescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 24 June 2021Marco Ophthalmic entered a U.S. distribution agreement with Olleyes, Inc. to distribute the VisuALL S VRP (Virtual Reality Platform), a VR visual field analyzer for detecting glaucoma and evaluating other eye diseases. The partnership aims to reach an additional 200 million people.
• LIGHTMEDcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 7 August 2019Advancing Eyecare companies hold exclusive distribution rights to LIGHTMED lasers in the US market. Lombart Instrument and Enhanced Medical Services (EMS) serve as the exclusive dealers nationwide for LIGHTMED ophthalmic lasers and ultrasound equipment. LIGHTMED manufactures YAG photodisruptors, SLT, photocoagulators, and diagnostic devices.
• David MarcocoreOthers · 10 January 2019David Marco, founder of Marco Ophthalmic, continues as a meaningful investor in the business and joined Advancing Eyecare as Co-Chairman, providing operating and strategic guidance across all Lombart assets in the medical eye care marketplace in North America.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Carl Zeiss Meditec: Large incumbent in ophthalmic devices and surgical microscopy. Overlaps with AEC's distribution of premium diagnostic technology (e.g., OCT, perimetry, biometry) through direct manufacturer sales and competing distribution channels.
• Bausch + Lomb: Global eyecare company with surgical, ophthalmic pharmaceutical, and vision care portfolios. Overlaps with AEC through surgical/laser instrumentation and competes for the same hospital and ophthalmology customer base.
• EssilorLuxottica: Global eyewear and eyecare giant covering lenses, frames, optical finishing equipment (via Satisloh), and retail. Adjacent/competing exposure to AEC's Santinelli optical finishing equipment business and broader eyecare practitioner channel.

Others

• Keplr Vision: Vision care platform aggregating independent eyecare practices, equipment, and services — directly connected to AEC's CEO Jim McGrann (Keplr board member) and Lead Director Tim Mayhew (Keplr CEO). Functionally adjacent as both a potential customer and a strategic counterparty in eyecare services consolidation.

Direct peers

• Haag-Streit: Premium Swiss ophthalmic diagnostic manufacturer whose Lenstar 900 and Octopus perimeters AEC distributes exclusively in the US. Also a competitor in slit lamps and perimetry where Haag-Streit sells direct in other markets.
• Reichert Technologies: US-based manufacturer of ophthalmic instruments including tonometers, refractors, and lensometers with a long history in optometric equipment. Direct product overlap with AEC's refraction and diagnostic portfolio.
• Topcon Healthcare: Global ophthalmic and optometric equipment manufacturer and distributor with overlapping product lines including OCTs, refraction systems, and retinal cameras. Direct competitor to AEC's portfolio of advanced diagnostic and lane equipment.
• Nidek: Japanese ophthalmic equipment manufacturer with broad product portfolio spanning refraction, diagnostics, and surgical lasers. Competes head-to-head with Marco Lombart in lane equipment and with AEC's laser distribution business.

Emerging players

• Heidelberg Engineering: Specialized manufacturer of diagnostic imaging systems (OCT, confocal microscopy) for ophthalmology. Competes with the diagnostic imaging portion of AEC's portfolio, particularly in hospital and teaching institution accounts.

Regional players

• Keeler: UK-based manufacturer of ophthalmic instruments (slit lamps, indirect ophthalmoscopes, tonometers). Particularly relevant peer following AEC's Birmingham Optical acquisition expanding AEC's UK/Ireland footprint.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/MarcoLombartAEC
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/advancingeyecare

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles17 records

Subsidiaries9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors3 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A3 records

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Advancing Eyecare