Unger Eye Wellness

What Unger Eye Wellness does

Unger Eye Wellness (also branded as Unger Eye Care) is a private, independent optometry practice founded in 1991 by Drs. Thomas K. Unger and Alice E. Unger, a husband-and-wife team who met at the University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Optometry. The practice operates two physical retail optical clinics in Troy and Edwardsville, Illinois, staffed by approximately 15 employees, and serves individual patients of all ages — from pediatric first exams at 6 months through geriatric care — across southwestern Illinois.

The clinical offering spans core optometry (comprehensive and pediatric eye exams, emergency eye care, eye disease diagnosis and co-management of cataract, LASIK, and glaucoma surgeries) and a deep specialty stack including dry eye treatment using Lumenis OptiLight IPL and OptiPLUS radiofrequency, myopia management (Ortho-K, MyoVision), custom scleral contact lens fittings, vision therapy, and neuro-optometric rehabilitation for TBI and stroke patients. The practice operates advanced diagnostic hardware — OCT, Optomap retinal imaging, HERU visual field, IOL Biometer, Diopsys, AdaptDX, and B-Scan ophthalmic ultrasound — and dispenses designer frames (Kate Spade, Silhouette, Maui Jim, Oakley, Ray-Ban), contact lenses, Neurolenses for digital eye strain, computer/blue light eyewear, and prescription drops (Vuity, UPNEEQ, Latisse).

Revenue is generated across five streams: professional clinical services, optical product sales (frames, lenses, sunglasses), specialty contact lens fittings, dry eye treatment procedures, and an online store for eye health supplements and dry eye products. Pricing is quote-based for professional services and unit-priced for supplements, with tiered volume discounts and bundled multi-bottle pricing. Distribution is direct-to-consumer through the two clinics, an online eyewear shop (shop.ungereyecare.com), an online supplements store, and acceptance of major vision and medical insurance plans; the practice is a member of Vision Source St. Louis for referral and procurement benefits.

Name

Unger Eye Wellness

Legal name

Unger Eye Wellness

Website

https://ungereyewellness.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1991

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Unger Eye Wellness is a private, two-location independent optometry practice in Troy and Edwardsville, Illinois, founded in 1991 by Drs. Thomas and Alice Unger, serving individual patients of all ages with comprehensive exams, advanced specialty services (dry eye, myopia management, vision therapy, neuro-optometric rehabilitation), and designer eyewear.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Optometry and Eye Care Services

NAICS

Offices of Optometrists (62132), Optical Goods Retailers (45613)

SIC

Services-Offices & Clinics Of Doctors Of Medicine (8011), Ophthalmic Goods (3851)

akta.pro primary industry

Optometry Clinics (Primary Eye Care) (HLAKAKAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Comprehensive Eye Exams & Vision Care (HLAKAKAA), Optical Dispensing & Eyewear Retail (Glasses/Frames/Lenses) (HLAKAKAL), Contact Lenses & Care Systems (Soft/RGP/Scleral Lenses; Cleaning/Disinfection Solutions) (HLAHAJAE)

Keywords

• Optometry services
• Comprehensive eye exams
• Dry eye treatment
• Vision therapy
• Specialty contact lenses

Headquarters

HQ city

Troy

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Professional Eye Care Services: Revenue from comprehensive eye exams, pediatric eye exams, emergency eye care, eye disease diagnosis and management, vision therapy, neuro-optometric rehabilitation, and surgical co-management (cataract, LASIK, glaucoma)
2. Optical Products and Eyewear: Revenue from prescription eyeglasses, designer frames, sunglasses, contact lenses, specialty lenses (scleral, progressive), and lens treatments (anti-glare, scratch-resistant, UV-blocking, Transitions)
3. Specialty Contact Lens Services: Revenue from custom scleral lens fittings for keratoconus, dry eye, and hard-to-fit patients
4. Dry Eye Treatment Services: Revenue from dry eye treatments including IPL therapy and radiofrequency treatments
5. Supplements and Eye Health Products: Revenue from online sales of eye health supplements including PRN Omega3, HydroEye, EZ Tears, Restore, Zeaxanthin & Lutein, DVS, AREDS 2 vitamins, Oasis Plus eye drops, and PuriLens solutions

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Unger Eye Wellness is a physician-owned optometry practice providing comprehensive eye exams, pediatric eye care, emergency eye care, diagnosis and management of ocular diseases (glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts), and advanced specialty services including dry eye treatment, myopia management, scleral contact lens fittings, vision therapy, and neuro-optometric rehabilitation. The practice also dispenses prescription eyeglasses, designer frames, sunglasses, contact lenses, Neurolenses, computer/blue light eyewear, prescription eye drops, and eye health supplements across two clinic locations and an online store.

Product overview

Unger Eye Wellness is an optometry practice offering a comprehensive suite of eye care services and products across two locations in Troy and Edwardsville, Illinois. The practice operates as a unified eye care platform providing core clinical services (comprehensive and pediatric eye exams, emergency eye care, eye disease management) alongside advanced specialty services (dry eye treatment with Lumenis IPL technology, myopia management, scleral contact lenses, vision therapy, and neuro-optometric rehabilitation). The product portfolio includes prescription eyeglasses featuring designer frames (Kate Spade, Silhouette, Guess, Kliik) and sunglasses (Maui Jim, Oakley, Ray-Ban), contact lenses, specialty lenses (Neurolenses for digital eye strain, computer glasses with blue light protection), prescription medications (Vuity, UPNEEQ, Latisse), and eye health supplements. The practice utilizes advanced diagnostic technology including OCT, Optomap retinal imaging, and HERU visual field testing.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Comprehensive Eye Exams Full-scope eye examinations including prescription determination, visual field testing using HERU technology, eye pressure checks, total eye health evaluation, iWellness exams with OCT and Optomap retinal imaging, neurolens testing, and basic dry eye assessment for patients seeking routine vision and ocular health assessment.
• Pediatric Eye Exams Comprehensive eye exams for children starting at 6 months of age, evaluating vision-related learning skills including eye focusing, depth perception, color perception, eye tracking, eye muscle teaming, peripheral awareness, and visual acuity.
• Emergency Eye Care for Pink Eye Treatment for conjunctivitis including viral, bacterial, allergic, and chemical conjunctivitis with diagnosis, treatment recommendations, and prevention guidance for patients requiring immediate attention for eye emergencies.
• Eye Disease Diagnosis and Management Diagnosis and management of ocular diseases including glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts using advanced diagnostic technology and treatment protocols.
• Cataract Surgery Co-Management Pre-operative evaluation and post-operative co-management for cataract surgery patients, including PanOptix IOL options and patient education on intraocular lens choices.
• Glaucoma Surgery Co-Management Co-management of glaucoma surgeries including laser procedures (ALT, SLT, LPI, cyclophotocoagulation) and conventional surgeries (trabeculectomy, drainage implants, electrocautery).
• Macular Degeneration Treatment Diagnosis and management of age-related macular degeneration (wet and dry forms), offering anti-VEGF injections, photodynamic therapy, and laser photocoagulation treatment options.
• Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment Comprehensive care for diabetic eye disease including diabetic retinopathy, offering medication, anti-VEGF injections, laser surgery, and vitrectomy treatment options.
• Dry Eye Treatment Individualized dry eye treatment programs using Lumenis OptiLight IPL therapy, OptiPLUS radiofrequency technology, BlephEx treatment for blepharitis, and comprehensive dry eye management protocols for patients with chronic dry eye syndrome.
• Myopia Management Evidence-based myopia control programs for pediatric patients including MyoVision eyeglasses, Ortho-K overnight reshaping lenses, and lifestyle guidance to prevent onset or reduce progression of nearsightedness.
• Scleral Contact Lens Fittings Custom-made rigid gas permeable scleral lenses for patients with irregular corneas, keratoconus, severe dry eye, giant papillary conjunctivitis, post-refractive surgery, and presbyopia, featuring custom fitting, moisturizing cushion, and excellent oxygen permeability.
• Vision Therapy Customized therapeutic exercise programs to improve visual skills including eye-tracking, focusing, and eye teaming abilities, treating lazy eye (amblyopia), eye turns (strabismus), reading difficulties, convergence insufficiency, and other visual problems.
• Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Customized treatment program for patients with visual deficits resulting from traumatic brain injury, concussion, stroke, or neurological conditions, using visual exercises, specialized lenses, and neuro-plasticity methods to restore full visual function.
• Designer Eyeglass Frames Large selection of designer frames including Kliik, Kate Spade, Silhouette, Guess, Adin Thomas, Carrera, Charles Stone, and Chemistrie brands.
• Sunglasses Designer sunglasses including Maui Jim, Oakley, Ray-Ban, Jimmy Choo, and William Morris, with prescription, performance/sport, and nonprescription options.
• Contact Lenses Wide selection of contact lenses including disposable soft, bifocal/multifocal, toric, colored lenses, and gas permeable, featuring brands such as CooperVision, Bausch & Lomb, Acuvue, and Ciba.
• Neurolenses Therapeutic lenses designed to reduce or eliminate eye misalignment at all distances, providing relief from Digital Vision Syndrome symptoms including headaches, eye strain, and neck/shoulder pain, using SightSync testing system.
• Computer Glasses and Blue Light Protection Eyewear Specialized eyewear for digital device users including single vision computer glasses, office/progressive lenses for computer vision, and blue light filtering lenses to prevent Computer Vision Syndrome.
• Eye Vitamins and Supplements Nutritional supplements including PRN Omega3, HydroEye, EZ Tears, Restore, Zeaxanthin and Lutein, DVS, AREDS 2 Plus vitamins, Oasis tears, and PuriLens solutions sold through the online store with shipping or office pickup.
• Low Vision Services Specialized services for patients with reduced eyesight that cannot be fully corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgery.
• LASIK and Refractive Surgery Co-Management Pre-operative evaluation and post-operative co-management for LASIK, cataract, and other refractive surgeries.

Quantifiable outcome

• Cataract surgery success rate over 95% free of even mild complications
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Vision Source St. LouiscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUnger Eye Wellness is a member of Vision Source St. Louis, a network of eye care professionals dedicated to providing focused, innovative, and trusted care to communities. Vision Source is described as the largest network of independent optometrists in the country, with Dr. Alice joining in 2003. This partnership provides referral network, professional development, and brand association benefits.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Emerging players

• Stanton Optical: Stanton Optical is a value-oriented optical retailer offering eye exams, frames, and contact lenses across multiple U.S. states. Comparable as an emerging multi-location competitor for price-sensitive eyewear and routine exam patients.
• Warby Parker: Warby Parker is a DTC and retail optical brand offering prescription eyewear, contact lenses, and eye exams. Comparable as a disruptive channel that diverts lower-acuity eyewear and contact lens demand away from brick-and-mortar independent practices like Unger.

Broad incumbents

• MyEyeDr: MyEyeDr is a national PE-backed optical and optometry chain with full-scope eye exams, designer eyewear, and contact lenses. Comparable as a scaled multi-location optometry and optical retailer serving the same patient needs as Unger.
• Pearle Vision: Pearle Vision is a national franchised optical brand providing eye exams, frames, and lenses. Comparable as a scaled retail optical incumbent that competes for routine vision care patients against independents like Unger.
• AEG Vision: AEG Vision is one of the largest PE-backed optometry platforms in North America, aggregating independent practices. Comparable as a strategic acquirer and operating-partner profile for a small independent like Unger Eye Wellness.
• LensCrafters: LensCrafters is a national optical retail chain offering eye exams and prescription eyewear, often inside larger retail venues. Comparable as a broad incumbent competing for the same routine eye exam and eyewear customers in Unger's broader service area.
• EyeCare Partners: EyeCare Partners is a large PE-backed network of optometry and ophthalmology practices across the U.S. Comparable as a regional consolidator that competes for both patients and acquisition targets in the independent optometry segment.

Direct peers

• Vision Source: Vision Source is the largest network of independent optometrists in the U.S. and Unger's stated channel partner. It is directly comparable as the shared affiliation, referral, and procurement backbone for independent optometry practices like Unger.
• Clarkson Eyecare: Clarkson Eyecare is a multi-location independent optometry and ophthalmology group in the Midwest offering comprehensive eye exams, optical retail, and specialty services. Directly comparable as a regional multi-location independent/affiliated optometry practice with similar service breadth and patient demographics.
• Total Vision: Total Vision is a PE-backed optometry group that partners with independent optometrists while preserving clinical autonomy. Comparable as a peer roll-up model and potential acquirer/partner profile for a small independent like Unger.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks4 records

Key highlights5 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/unger-eye-care

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 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 Unger Eye Wellness