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Eyecare Partners

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uuid000imx4

Namestring
Eyecare Partners
Legal namestring
EyeCare Partners, LLC
Company typeenum
Private
Founded yearint
2018
Descriptiontext

EyeCare Partners (ECP) is a privately held, PE-backed clinically integrated network of ophthalmology and optometry practices headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri (with a Support Center in Ballwin, MO). The company operates nearly 700 practice locations across 18 states and approximately 30 markets, employing more than 700 optometrists and 300+ ophthalmologists (over 1,000 doctors), supported by nearly 5,000 clinical staff and 1,200 corporate support team members. ECP serves more than 3 million patients annually, conducting 1.4 million+ eye exams per year through its optometry network and delivering the full spectrum of eye care from routine vision correction to complex retinal surgery, ambulatory surgery center (ASC) procedures, and participation in 200+ active clinical trials.

ECP's core platform consists of a proprietary E360+ practice management and electronic medical records (PM/EMR) system, the EyeCare Partners Innovation Center (EPIC) for quality analytics and clinical research, a doctor-led Medical Executive Board for governance, and a portfolio of retained acquired-practice brands across optometry (Clarkson Eyecare, Nationwide Vision, Eyecarecenter, The EyeDoctors) and ophthalmology (Cincinnati Eye Institute, Bennett & Bloom, John-Kenyon, Virginia Eye Consultants, Sabates Eye Centers, and others). The company also operates physician development programs including the Refractive Cataract Anterior Segment (RCAS) Fellowship, the Advanced Comprehensive Ophthalmology Fellowship (ACOF), and the EyeRise student loan repayment program for new optometrists.

The business model is a platform-plus-affiliate roll-up: ECP grows by acquiring or affiliating with leading independent eye care practices, offering them administrative support (revenue cycle management, payor contracting, credentialing, purchasing, HR, IT, marketing) and clinical/research infrastructure in exchange for equity/control. Revenue is generated through patient care services billed via insurance and direct patient payments across owned and affiliated practices, with recurring patient relationships across routine and surgical ophthalmology. The go-to-market is sales-led, targeting independent practices via direct outreach and a dedicated acquisitions@ inbox, complemented by doctor/employee referral programs that pay up to $20,000 per successful hire. Partners Group, a global private investment manager, is the controlling private equity owner.

Short descriptiontext

EyeCare Partners is a PE-backed clinically integrated network of nearly 700 ophthalmology and optometry practices across 18 states, employing over 1,000 doctors who serve more than 3 million patients annually through its E360+ EMR platform and EPIC clinical research hub.

Operating statusenum
Operating
Ownership categoryenum
Headcount rangeband
1,001–5,000
akta.pro rankint
HeadquartersSt Louis, United States
HQ citystring
St Louis
HQ countrystring
United States
HQ regionstring
North America
Markets served

Serves global market

Offices2 records

Each record includes

City, Country, Type, Description, Source

Keyword5 values
ophthalmology services, optometry services, eye care network, clinical eye research, ambulatory surgery centers
Industry3 codes
1Optometry Clinics (Primary Eye Care)
CodeHLAKAKABPrimaryYes
2Ophthalmology Surgery Centers
CodeHLAFAIAFPrimaryNo
3Ocular Imaging & Diagnostic Testing Centers
CodeHLAKAKANPrimaryNo
NAICS code2 codes
  • Offices of Optometrists62132
  • Offices of Physicians62111
SIC code2 codes
  • Services-Offices & Clinics Of Doctors Of Medicine8011
  • Services-Health Services8000
Product category
Eye Care Services
No data
GTM motion1 record

Each record includes

Type, Description, Source

Revenue model1 record
1Patient Care Services
TypeSubscription Recurring
Description

EyeCare Partners generates revenue through its network of ophthalmology and optometry practices by providing comprehensive eye care services including routine eye exams, medical eye care, surgical procedures, and optical products. Revenue cycle management is a key internal function supporting the network.

eyecare-partners.com
Marketing channels5 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Stage, Description, Source

Distribution channels1 record

Each record includes

Title, Type, Scope, Target buyer, Description, Source

Cost components5 values
Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
GTM typeB2C
B2C
Offering typeServices
Services
Brand1 of 4 records shown
1ECP CAREs
Description

Crisis Aid Relief for Employees program - a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation providing grants to team members experiencing financial hardship due to disaster events or personal hardships.

eyecare-partners.com
+3 more records
Core offering1 text field

EyeCare Partners operates a nationwide clinically integrated network of ophthalmology and optometry practices delivering comprehensive eye care services including routine eye exams, medical eye care, surgical procedures, and optical products. The network spans 18 states with nearly 700 practice locations and over 1,000 doctors, supported by a proprietary E360+ practice management/EMR system, a doctor-led Medical Executive Board, and the EyeCare Partners Innovation Center (EPIC) for clinical research and provider education.

Differentiator
Functional benefit
Problem solved
Quantifiable outcome1 of 4 values shown
  • 1.4 million+ eye exams conducted annually by ECP optometrists
+3 more records
Product overview1 text field

EyeCare Partners is a nationwide clinically integrated eye care network offering ophthalmology and optometry services through a platform-plus-affiliate model. The core offering is the EyeCare Partners Network of over 700 optometry and 300+ ophthalmology practices in 18 states, supported by the proprietary E360+ Practice Management/EMR system. The EyeCare Partners Innovation Center (EPIC) provides clinical research, quality analytics, and provider education. Additional offerings include clinical research services with over 200 active trials, the Refractive Cataract Anterior Segment (RCAS) Fellowship program, the Advanced Comprehensive Ophthalmology Fellowship (ACOF), the ECP CAREs crisis relief foundation, and the EyeRise student loan support program. The Medical Executive Board provides governance oversight. The portfolio includes numerous acquired optometry brands (Clarkson Eyecare, Nationwide Vision, Eyecare Associates, eyecarecenter, The EyeDoctors) and ophthalmology brands (Cincinnati Eye Institute, Retina Associates of Kentucky, Bennett & Bloom, John-Kenyon, Virginia Eye Consultants, and many others).

Scale indicator11 records

Each record includes

Type, Value, Description, Source

Recent move9 records

Each record includes

Date, Type, Title, Description, Source

Expansion highlight6 records

Each record includes

Type, Description

Peers8 records
TypeDirect peer
Description

PE-backed clinically integrated network of ophthalmology and optometry practices competing directly with ECP in overlapping Sun Belt and Midwest geographies. Same platform-plus-affiliate model, similar scale and acquisition flywheel, backed by sponsors that compete with Partners Group.

TypeDirect peer
Description

Private equity-backed optometry platform consolidating independent eye care practices across multiple US states. Directly comparable business model—practice partnership with centralized RCM, marketing, and operational support—and a primary consolidation competitor.

TypeDirect peer
Description

KKR-sponsored eye care management services organization providing non-clinical support to affiliated ophthalmology and optometry practices. Operates with the same clinically integrated platform model as ECP and competes for the same acquisition pipeline of independent practices.

TypeDirect peer
Description

PE-backed multi-specialty ophthalmology platform with practices across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Comparable in offering full-service ophthalmology (cataract, retina, glaucoma, oculoplastics) under a partnered-with-physicians model and overlapping with ECP in Mid-Atlantic geographies.

TypeDirect peer
Description

PE-backed vision care platform consolidating independent optometry practices across the US. Directly comparable partnership model providing back-office services to optometrists while preserving clinical autonomy; competes for tuck-in acquisition targets.

TypeBroad incumbent
Description

Publicly traded (NASDAQ: EYE) optical retailer operating America's Best, Eyeglass World, and other value-oriented vision care chains. Comparable in customer base (mass-market eye care consumers) and overlapping in optometry services, but retail-led rather than clinically integrated and physician-partnered.

TypeBroad incumbent
Description

Large optometry practice network backed by Goldman Sachs, operating hundreds of offices across the US. Comparable in optometric service delivery and patient base, but more retail-oriented than ECP's clinically integrated ophthalmology-and-optometry model.

TypeBroad incumbent
Description

Publicly traded (NYSE: WRBY) vertically integrated eyewear retailer combining online and retail optical stores with in-house optometry. Comparable as a scaled eye-care consumer brand, though more retail/eyewear-led versus ECP's physician-led clinical care platform.

Market position
Strengths4 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Weaknesses5 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Competitive moat6 records

Each record includes

Type, Details

Key risks6 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Key highlights7 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Customer concentration

Classification, Details

Named customers1 record

Each record includes

Name, Industry, Type, Use case, Source, UUID

Segment1 record

Each record includes

Title, Type, Primary, Description, Pain point addressed, Use case, Source

Ideal customer profile2 records

Each record includes

Profile, Firmographic size, Sales motion, Sales cycle length, Buying structure, Purchase trigger, Buyer persona, Geography, Industry vertical, Primary use case, Description, Pain points, Evidence proof points, Target buyer

Technology focused
No
API detail
Has APIbool
No

Docs URL, Description

AI maturity
App detail

Has app

Feature1 record

Each record includes

Title, Differentiator, Description, Source

Core technology
Revenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Number of profiles
Profiles10 records

Each record includes

Name, Designation, Designation category, Overview, Profile commentary, Source

Subsidiaries21 records

Each record includes

Name, Acquired on, Relationship type, Type, Business focus

No data
Funding overview

Funding stage, Last funding date, Total funding USD

Funding rounds

Each record includes

Round, Amount USD, Date, Pre money valuation, Total investors, Investors, News

Investors

Each record includes

Name, Type, Date of entry, Rounds participated, Website

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

M&A5 records

Each record includes

Name, Acquisition type, Announced date, Completed date, Status, Website, News

Investment

Each record includes

Name, Round, Announced date, Lead investor, Website, News

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

Eyecare Partners

Eye Care Serviceseyecare-partners.com

EyeCare Partners is a PE-backed clinically integrated network of nearly 700 ophthalmology and optometry practices across 18 states, employing over 1,000 doctors who serve more than 3 million patients annually through its E360+ EMR platform and EPIC clinical research hub.

What Eyecare Partners does

EyeCare Partners (ECP) is a privately held, PE-backed clinically integrated network of ophthalmology and optometry practices headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri (with a Support Center in Ballwin, MO). The company operates nearly 700 practice locations across 18 states and approximately 30 markets, employing more than 700 optometrists and 300+ ophthalmologists (over 1,000 doctors), supported by nearly 5,000 clinical staff and 1,200 corporate support team members. ECP serves more than 3 million patients annually, conducting 1.4 million+ eye exams per year through its optometry network and delivering the full spectrum of eye care from routine vision correction to complex retinal surgery, ambulatory surgery center (ASC) procedures, and participation in 200+ active clinical trials.

ECP's core platform consists of a proprietary E360+ practice management and electronic medical records (PM/EMR) system, the EyeCare Partners Innovation Center (EPIC) for quality analytics and clinical research, a doctor-led Medical Executive Board for governance, and a portfolio of retained acquired-practice brands across optometry (Clarkson Eyecare, Nationwide Vision, Eyecarecenter, The EyeDoctors) and ophthalmology (Cincinnati Eye Institute, Bennett & Bloom, John-Kenyon, Virginia Eye Consultants, Sabates Eye Centers, and others). The company also operates physician development programs including the Refractive Cataract Anterior Segment (RCAS) Fellowship, the Advanced Comprehensive Ophthalmology Fellowship (ACOF), and the EyeRise student loan repayment program for new optometrists.

The business model is a platform-plus-affiliate roll-up: ECP grows by acquiring or affiliating with leading independent eye care practices, offering them administrative support (revenue cycle management, payor contracting, credentialing, purchasing, HR, IT, marketing) and clinical/research infrastructure in exchange for equity/control. Revenue is generated through patient care services billed via insurance and direct patient payments across owned and affiliated practices, with recurring patient relationships across routine and surgical ophthalmology. The go-to-market is sales-led, targeting independent practices via direct outreach and a dedicated acquisitions@ inbox, complemented by doctor/employee referral programs that pay up to $20,000 per successful hire. Partners Group, a global private investment manager, is the controlling private equity owner.

Eyecare Partners firmographics

Firmographics
Name
Eyecare Partners
Legal name
EyeCare Partners, LLC
Website
https://eyecare-partners.com
Company type
Private
Founded year
2018
Operating status
Operating
Headcount range
1,001–5,000 employees
Short description
EyeCare Partners is a PE-backed clinically integrated network of nearly 700 ophthalmology and optometry practices across 18 states, employing over 1,000 doctors who serve more than 3 million patients annually through its E360+ EMR platform and EPIC clinical research hub.
Ownership category
akta.pro rank

Eyecare Partners industry classification

Industry
Product category
Eye Care Services
NAICS
Offices of Optometrists (62132), Offices of Physicians (62111)
SIC
Services-Offices & Clinics Of Doctors Of Medicine (8011), Services-Health Services (8000)
akta.pro primary industry
Optometry Clinics (Primary Eye Care) (HLAKAKAB)
akta.pro secondary industries
Ophthalmology Surgery Centers (HLAFAIAF), Ocular Imaging & Diagnostic Testing Centers (HLAKAKAN)

Keywords

  • Ophthalmology services
  • Optometry services
  • Eye care network
  • Clinical eye research
  • Ambulatory surgery centers

Where Eyecare Partners is headquartered

Location

Headquarters

HQ city
St Louis
HQ country
United States
HQ region
North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

Eyecare Partners business model

Business model
GTM type
B2C
Offering type
Services
Cost components
Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

  1. Patient Care Services: EyeCare Partners generates revenue through its network of ophthalmology and optometry practices by providing comprehensive eye care services including routine eye exams, medical eye care, surgical procedures, and optical products. Revenue cycle management is a key internal function supporting the network.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Eyecare Partners product offering

Product offering

Core offering

EyeCare Partners operates a nationwide clinically integrated network of ophthalmology and optometry practices delivering comprehensive eye care services including routine eye exams, medical eye care, surgical procedures, and optical products. The network spans 18 states with nearly 700 practice locations and over 1,000 doctors, supported by a proprietary E360+ practice management/EMR system, a doctor-led Medical Executive Board, and the EyeCare Partners Innovation Center (EPIC) for clinical research and provider education.

Product overview

EyeCare Partners is a nationwide clinically integrated eye care network offering ophthalmology and optometry services through a platform-plus-affiliate model. The core offering is the EyeCare Partners Network of over 700 optometry and 300+ ophthalmology practices in 18 states, supported by the proprietary E360+ Practice Management/EMR system. The EyeCare Partners Innovation Center (EPIC) provides clinical research, quality analytics, and provider education. Additional offerings include clinical research services with over 200 active trials, the Refractive Cataract Anterior Segment (RCAS) Fellowship program, the Advanced Comprehensive Ophthalmology Fellowship (ACOF), the ECP CAREs crisis relief foundation, and the EyeRise student loan support program. The Medical Executive Board provides governance oversight. The portfolio includes numerous acquired optometry brands (Clarkson Eyecare, Nationwide Vision, Eyecare Associates, eyecarecenter, The EyeDoctors) and ophthalmology brands (Cincinnati Eye Institute, Retina Associates of Kentucky, Bennett & Bloom, John-Kenyon, Virginia Eye Consultants, and many others).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

  • ECP CAREs: Crisis Aid Relief for Employees program - a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation providing grants to team members experiencing financial hardship due to disaster events or personal hardships.
  • ECP Foundation
  • EyeCare Partners Innovation Center (EPIC)
  • Medical Executive Board

Quantifiable outcome

  • 1.4 million+ eye exams conducted annually by ECP optometrists
  • +3 more outcomes

Companies that use Eyecare Partners

Customer profile

Named customers1 record

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Eyecare Partners technology and API

Technology

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API
No
API docs
API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Eyecare Partners partnerships and signals

Strategic signal

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Eyecare Partners competitors and assessment

Company assessment

Direct peers

  • US Eye: PE-backed clinically integrated network of ophthalmology and optometry practices competing directly with ECP in overlapping Sun Belt and Midwest geographies. Same platform-plus-affiliate model, similar scale and acquisition flywheel, backed by sponsors that compete with Partners Group.
  • AEG Vision: Private equity-backed optometry platform consolidating independent eye care practices across multiple US states. Directly comparable business model—practice partnership with centralized RCM, marketing, and operational support—and a primary consolidation competitor.
  • Vision Integrated Partners: KKR-sponsored eye care management services organization providing non-clinical support to affiliated ophthalmology and optometry practices. Operates with the same clinically integrated platform model as ECP and competes for the same acquisition pipeline of independent practices.
  • OCLI Vision: PE-backed multi-specialty ophthalmology platform with practices across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Comparable in offering full-service ophthalmology (cataract, retina, glaucoma, oculoplastics) under a partnered-with-physicians model and overlapping with ECP in Mid-Atlantic geographies.
  • Keplr Vision: PE-backed vision care platform consolidating independent optometry practices across the US. Directly comparable partnership model providing back-office services to optometrists while preserving clinical autonomy; competes for tuck-in acquisition targets.

Broad incumbents

  • National Vision Holdings: Publicly traded (NASDAQ: EYE) optical retailer operating America's Best, Eyeglass World, and other value-oriented vision care chains. Comparable in customer base (mass-market eye care consumers) and overlapping in optometry services, but retail-led rather than clinically integrated and physician-partnered.
  • MyEyeDr. Large optometry practice network backed by Goldman Sachs, operating hundreds of offices across the US. Comparable in optometric service delivery and patient base, but more retail-oriented than ECP's clinically integrated ophthalmology-and-optometry model.
  • Warby Parker: Publicly traded (NYSE: WRBY) vertically integrated eyewear retailer combining online and retail optical stores with in-house optometry. Comparable as a scaled eye-care consumer brand, though more retail/eyewear-led versus ECP's physician-led clinical care platform.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Eyecare Partners financial estimates

Financial estimate

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Eyecare Partners leadership team

Management profile

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Eyecare Partners subsidiaries and ownership

Company hierarchy

Subsidiaries21 records

Eyecare Partners funding detail

Funding detail

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

Eyecare Partners M&A and investment

M&A and investment

M&A5 records

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Eyecare Partners

What does Eyecare Partners do?

EyeCare Partners operates a nationwide clinically integrated network of ophthalmology and optometry practices delivering comprehensive eye care services including routine eye exams, medical eye care, surgical procedures, and optical products. The network spans 18 states with nearly 700 practice locations and over 1,000 doctors, supported by a proprietary E360+ practice management/EMR system, a doctor-led Medical Executive Board, and the EyeCare Partners Innovation Center (EPIC) for clinical research and provider education.

Is Eyecare Partners a public or private company?

Eyecare Partners is a private company. It is classified as private equity controlled and is currently operating.

When was Eyecare Partners founded?

Eyecare Partners was founded in 2018. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.

Where is Eyecare Partners based?

Eyecare Partners is headquartered in St Louis, United States, in the North America region.

How does Eyecare Partners make money?

One revenue line is on record: patient Care Services.

Who are Eyecare Partners's main competitors?

Direct peers on record are US Eye, AEG Vision, Vision Integrated Partners, OCLI Vision and Keplr Vision. Broad incumbents are National Vision Holdings, MyEyeDr. and Warby Parker.

Does Eyecare Partners have an API?

No public API is recorded for Eyecare Partners.

What industry is Eyecare Partners in?

Eyecare Partners's product category is Eye Care Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAKAKAB, Optometry Clinics (Primary Eye Care), with a secondary code of HLAFAIAF, Ophthalmology Surgery Centers. Its NAICS code is 62132 and its SIC code is 8011.

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Live signals
American City Business JournalsEyeCare Partners to sell optometry business, including Clarkson Eyecare, to MyEyeDr.EyeCare Partners will sell its optometry business, including Clarkson Eyecare, to MyEyeDr. The sale includes more than 300 offices, and EyeCare Partners plans to use the proceeds to reduce debt and improve its financial position.Business Wire BlogEyeCare Partners Announces Sale of Optometry BusinessEyeCare Partners agreed to sell its optometry business to MyEyeDr., closing in Q4 2026. Proceeds will reduce debt and strengthen liquidity, with a term loan exchange supported by 81% of lenders.Business Wire BlogMyEyeDr. To Acquire EyeCare Partners Optometry DivisionMyEyeDr. agreed to acquire EyeCare Partners' optometry division, which includes over 300 offices and brands such as Clarkson Eyecare and Nationwide Vision. The deal is expected to close in Q4 2026 after regulatory approvals. The acquisition aims to expand access to eye care and strengthen MyEyeDr. 's leadership.FinancialContent Business PageMyEyeDr. To Acquire EyeCare Partners Optometry DivisionMyEyeDr. agreed to acquire EyeCare Partners' optometry division, which includes over 300 offices across brands like Clarkson Eyecare and Nationwide Vision. The deal is expected to close in Q4 2026 after regulatory approvals, expanding MyEyeDr. 's patient access and leadership in optometry.citybizMyEyeDr. to Acquire EyeCare Partners’ 300-Office Optometry DivisionMyEyeDr. agreed to acquire EyeCare Partners' optometry division, adding over 300 offices across regional brands. The deal, expected to close in Q4 2026, expands MyEyeDr. 's network to 29 states and aims to increase access to neighborhood-based care.Business Wire BlogEyeCare Partners 2025 Quality and Outcomes Report Demonstrates Visionary Care Provided Across U.S.EyeCare Partners released its 2025 Quality and Outcomes Report, showcasing clinical performance across its national network of eye care providers. The company reported more than 2.5 million clinical encounters and 170,000+ surgeries in 2025, with outcomes such as 95%+ of cataract patients achieving 20/40 vision or better, exceeding national benchmarks. The report reflects the company's focus on doctor-led, clinically integrated care across 300+ ophthalmologists, 660+ optometrists, and 30+ ambulatory surgery centers in 18 states.HipaajournalData Breaches Announced by MedRevenu & EyeCare PartnersMedRevenu Inland Physicians Hospitalist Services, a California-based revenue cycle management vendor, has confirmed a cybersecurity incident occurring around December 12, 2024, in which files containing personal and protected health information may have been accessed or acquired. The BianLian threat group claimed responsibility and added the company to its dark web data leak site on December 14, 2024. EyeCare Partners, LLC, a Missouri-based eye care provider, separately announced an email security incident first identified on January 28, 2025, affecting multiple managed email accounts between December 3, 2024, and January 28, 2025, with 17,110 individuals impacted according to HHS reporting.ClaimdepotEyeCare Partners Data Breach Exposes SSNs, Government IDs, and MoreEyeCare Partners reported a data breach that exposed personal and health information including Social Security numbers, government IDs, and medical details after unauthorized access to multiple email accounts between December 2024 and January 2025. The breach, which affected patients in the company's network, was detected on January 28, 2025, and a comprehensive investigation was completed by November 11, 2025. In response, EyeCare Partners secured the compromised accounts, enhanced security measures, and is offering free credit monitoring services for 24 months to those affected.Business Wire BlogEyeCare Partners Looks Ahead Towards Latest Ophthalmology Breakthroughs at the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) 2024 in ChicagoEyeCare Partners announced that its physicians will present key clinical data and innovations at the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) 2024 meeting in Chicago. The presentation lineup includes research on home OCT usage, AI-driven diagnosis, and Phase 3 study results for dry eye treatments. This participation highlights the organization's commitment to clinical research across various subspecialties to improve patient outcomes.KFF Health NewsPrivate Equity Sees the Billions in Eye Care as Firms Target High-Profit ProceduresPrivate equity firms are rapidly acquiring eye care practices across the United States, with major deals including Partners Group's $2.2 billion purchase of EyeCare Partners in 2019 and Webster Equity Partners' $350 million investment in Retina Consultants of America in 2020, now controlling about 8% of the nation's ophthalmologists. Research published in JAMA found that private equity-acquired practices charge insurance an extra 20% (averaging $71 more) after acquisition, while patients report being pressured into expensive add-ons such as laser cataract surgery and astigmatism fixes without being informed of cheaper, equally effective alternatives. Health economists warn that private equity's focus on maximizing profitability risks compromising patient care and could leave investors holding overleveraged practices if consolidation continues at current rates.