Southern California Eye Institute

What Southern California Eye Institute does

SCEI is a private, for-profit multi-specialty ophthalmology institute founded in 2018 and headquartered within CHA Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center (CHA HPMC) in Los Angeles, California. It operates three clinical sites across Southern California — Los Angeles, Pasadena, and Bakersfield — and a Vision Van mobile clinic that extends screenings into underserved Los Angeles County communities. The institute was founded by Dr. Rohit Varma, MD, MPH, a globally recognized glaucoma expert with continuous NIH funding for more than 20 years and authorship of 331+ peer-reviewed articles. SCEI delivers comprehensive eye care across eight subspecialties (glaucoma, cataract & refractive, cornea, neuro-ophthalmology & strabismus, ocular oncology, oculo-facial plastics, pediatric ophthalmology, retinal diseases), serving individual patients primarily through direct appointments and physician referrals, with the Vision Van providing a community outreach channel.

SCEI's technology stack centers on advanced ophthalmic diagnostics and surgical platforms, including Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), OCT angiography, Visual Field Testing, Ultrasound Biomicroscopy, Corneal Pachymetry, and Stereoscopic Optic Disc Photography. Surgical capabilities span Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) devices (iStent, Omni, Hydrus, Xen), micropulse laser, Kahook Dual Blade goniotomy, ClearPath Glaucoma Surgery (first performed in Los Angeles by Dr. Varma in 2019), and standard/premium IOL cataract surgery. AI capabilities are research-oriented: a deep learning system for diabetic retinopathy detection across multiethnic populations, plus big-data analytics supporting four NIH-funded population studies (African American Eye Disease Study, Chinese American Eye Study, LA Latino Eye Study, Multi-Ethnic Pediatric Eye Diseases Study). The institute also operates two education assets — the ICA-accredited Ophthalmic Technician Education Program (OTEP) and an AUPO-approved one-year Glaucoma Fellowship.

Revenue derives from clinical eye care services, surgical procedures, and premium lens implant sales, with pricing not publicly disclosed; CareCredit financing is offered for elective procedures such as LASIK and premium IOLs not commonly covered by insurance. The institute uses a multi-channel marketing approach combining website/blog content, a quarterly "Perception" newsletter, Facebook organic social, earned media coverage (Washington Post, KFF Health News, LA Times, Healio, Ophthalmology Times), community events, and Vision Van outreach. SCEI is not venture-backed, has no disclosed institutional investors or funding rounds, and does not appear to be pursuing an aggressive capital-driven growth strategy. The ownership and governance relationship with CHA HPMC — where Dr. Varma also serves as Executive Medical Director, External Affairs, and was appointed Chief Medical Officer — provides a structural affiliation rather than a parent-subsidiary arrangement.

Name

Southern California Eye Institute

Legal name

Southern California Eye Institute

Website

https://sceyes.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

SCEI is a private multi-specialty ophthalmology institute operating three Southern California clinics and a mobile Vision Van, providing comprehensive eye care — particularly glaucoma — across eight subspecialties. Founded by NIH-funded glaucoma surgeon Dr. Rohit Varma, it combines clinical care with population health research.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Ophthalmology Services

NAICS

Offices of Physicians (62111), Offices of Optometrists (62132), Offices of Optometrists (621320)

SIC

Services-Offices & Clinics Of Doctors Of Medicine (8011), Services-Specialty Outpatient Facilities, Nec (8093)

akta.pro primary industry

Ophthalmology Clinics (Medical & Surgical Eye Care) (HLAKAKAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Optometry Clinics (Primary Eye Care) (HLAKAKAB), Cornea, External Disease & Refractive Surgery (LASIK/PRK) (HLAKAKAF), Retina & Vitreous Specialists (HLAKAKAE), Comprehensive Eye Exams & Vision Care (HLAKAKAA), Ophthalmology Surgery Centers (HLAFAIAF), Ocular Imaging & Diagnostic Testing Centers (HLAKAKAN)

Keywords

• Ophthalmology services
• Glaucoma treatment
• Cataract surgery
• Retinal disease care
• Pediatric ophthalmology

Headquarters

HQ city

Los Angeles

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Clinical Eye Care Services: Revenue generated from comprehensive ophthalmology and optometry services including eye examinations, diagnostic testing, medical and surgical treatments for various eye conditions including glaucoma, cataracts, cornea diseases, retinal diseases, and pediatric ophthalmology.
2. Surgical Procedures: Revenue from surgical interventions including cataract surgery (with standard and premium lens implants), refractive surgery (LASIK), glaucoma surgery (MIGS, trabeculectomy, tube shunts), corneal transplants, and oculo-facial plastic surgery.
3. Vision Correction Products: Revenue from premium lens implants that correct vision for near, intermediate, and distance vision and can also correct astigmatism, reducing need for eyeglasses post-surgery.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Southern California Eye Institute is a comprehensive eye care medical institute offering ophthalmology and optometry services across eight subspecialties: cataract and refractive surgery, cornea and external diseases, glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology and strabismus, ocular oncology, oculo-facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, pediatric ophthalmology, and retinal diseases. SCEI delivers clinical services through three clinic locations in Southern California (Los Angeles, Pasadena, Bakersfield) and a Vision Van mobile clinic serving underserved communities, complemented by NIH-funded population health research and accredited ophthalmic technician and glaucoma fellowship training programs.

Product overview

Southern California Eye Institute (SCEI) is a comprehensive eye care medical institute offering eight core medical specialty services: Cataract & Refractive Surgery, Cornea & External Diseases, Glaucoma, Neuro-ophthalmology & Strabismus, Ocular Oncology, Oculo-facial Plastics & Reconstructive Surgery, Pediatric Ophthalmology, and Retinal Diseases. The institute provides these services across three locations (Los Angeles, Pasadena, Bakersfield) and operates a unique Vision Van mobile clinic. SCEI also operates two education/training programs: the Ophthalmic Technician Education Program (OTEP), a 12-month accredited training program, and a one-year Glaucoma Fellowship for post-resident trainees. The institute integrates AI/technology through population health research, genetic studies, big data analytics, and imaging advances including OCT and OCT angiography.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Vision Van: A mobile clinic providing vision screenings and early detection of eye diseases for people of all ages throughout Los Angeles, serving those unable to seek vision care due to financial hardships, transportation, or lack of insurance.
• OTEP (Ophthalmic Technician Education Program)
• Glaucoma Fellowship Program

Products and services

• Cataract & Refractive Surgery Comprehensive cataract surgery with standard and premium intraocular lens implants (correcting near, intermediate, and distance vision, including astigmatism correction) and refractive surgery procedures such as LASIK for nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia.
• Cornea & External Diseases Treatment of cornea conditions including conjunctivitis, dry eye, keratoconus, keratitis, and pterygium using medications, contact lenses, and surgical interventions.
• Glaucoma Advanced glaucoma diagnosis, treatment planning, and surgical care including MIGS (iStent, Omni, Hydrus, Xen, micropulse laser, Kahook Dual Blade goniotomy), trabeculectomy, and drainage devices, supported by state-of-the-art diagnostics (visual field testing, OCT, OCT angiography, corneal pachymetry).
• Neuro-ophthalmology & Strabismus Diagnosis and treatment of optic nerve disorders, diplopia, strabismus, anisocoria, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, and ocular myasthenia gravis.
• Ocular Oncology Treatment of eyelid tumors and choroidal melanoma including surgical removal, external beam radiation therapy, and iodine plaque therapy.
• Oculo-facial Plastics & Reconstructive Surgery Surgical and non-surgical facial procedures including blepharospasm treatment (Botox), blepharoptosis repair, chalazion treatment, ectropion/entropion surgery, facial rejuvenation, and thyroid eye disease management.
• Pediatric Ophthalmology Eye care for children including amblyopia (lazy eye) treatment, pediatric strabismus management, and vision therapy.
• Retinal Diseases Treatment of retinal conditions including diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, macular holes, and retinal detachment using laser surgery, vitrectomy, and intravitreal injections.
• SCEI Vision Van Mobile Clinic Mobile eye clinic providing vision screenings and early detection of eye diseases for people of all ages throughout Los Angeles County, serving those unable to seek vision care due to financial hardships, transportation barriers, or lack of insurance.
• Ophthalmic Technician Education Program (OTEP) 12-month educational and workforce training program accredited by the International Council of Accreditation (ICA) preparing allied health professionals as certified ophthalmic technicians; combines online didactic education with 750 supervised clinical hours.
• Glaucoma Fellowship Program One-year clinical and surgical fellowship approved by the AUPO Fellowship Compliance Committee, offering comprehensive subspecialty training in glaucoma management, diagnosis, and surgery including MIGS, trabeculectomy, and drainage devices.

Quantifiable outcome

• Dr. Varma's epidemiological studies have significantly impacted health care policy and have allowed for a deeper understanding of how disease affects different populations.
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability5 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• CHA Hollywood Presbyterian Medical CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSCEI is located within CHA Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, a nationally recognized acute care facility providing compassionate support for Hollywood and surrounding communities since 1924. Dr. Rohit Varma serves as Executive Medical Director, External Affairs of CHA HPMC. The hospital opened the first dedicated hospital-based ophthalmic operating room in Los Angeles county in 2020.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Wilmer Eye Institute (Johns Hopkins): Johns Hopkins-affiliated eye institute offering comprehensive ophthalmology subspecialties, NIH-funded vision research, and fellowship training. Comparable as a research-credible, multi-subspecialty academic eye institute.
• Pacific Eye Institute: California-based multi-location ophthalmology group providing cataract, glaucoma, and retina care. Comparable as a California-centric multi-specialty ophthalmology practice competing in overlapping SoCal/Central Valley markets (notably Bakersfield).
• Byers Eye Institute at Stanford: Stanford-affiliated academic eye institute offering comprehensive ophthalmology subspecialties, vision research, and fellowship training. Comparable as a California-based academic ophthalmology center with strong research credentials.
• Wills Eye Hospital: Independent specialty eye hospital in Philadelphia offering comprehensive ophthalmology subspecialties, residency/fellowship training, and clinical research. Comparable as a leading independent specialty eye institution with academic affiliations.
• NVISION Eye Centers: PE-backed network of ophthalmology practices across the western U.S. focused on cataract, LASIK, and refractive surgery. Comparable as a California-anchored multi-specialty ophthalmology operator with premium IOL and refractive service lines.
• Jules Stein Eye Institute (UCLA): UCLA-affiliated academic eye institute in Los Angeles offering the same eight-plus ophthalmology subspecialties plus research programs. Comparable as the leading academic ophthalmology competitor in SCEI's primary market.
• Bascom Palmer Eye Institute: Repeatedly ranked #1 U.S. ophthalmology hospital with comprehensive subspecialty care, research, and fellowship programs. Comparable as a top-tier academic eye institute with research-driven clinical model similar to SCEI.
• USC Roski Eye Institute: USC's ophthalmology institute, where SCEI's founder Dr. Varma previously served as dean. Directly comparable specialty eye care, research, and training programs in the same LA market.
• Doheny Eye Institute: A premier ophthalmology research and clinical institute in Pasadena, CA — geographically overlapping SCEI's Pasadena clinic — with similar subspecialty depth and academic research orientation. Directly comparable as a SoCal specialty eye institute.

Broad incumbents

• EyeCare Partners: Large PE-backed national ophthalmology and optometry platform with hundreds of providers across the U.S. Comparable as the dominant scaled ophthalmology operator, representing the platform model SCEI could be benchmarked against for scaling.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/SCEYESORG
• Xx.com/sceyes

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Southern California Eye Institute