A CEO for the new organization was also named.
Private-equity firm LLR Partners has formed Eye Health America, a practice management services organization that has in turn acquired The Eye Associates, Clemson Eye and Piedmont Surgery Center.
Rod Roeser, an industry executive with more than 20 years of experience, will serve as CEO of Eye Health America, according to a press release. Roeser was most recently CEO of Thomas Eye Group in Atlanta. He previously served as CEO of Horizon Eye Care in Charlotte, NC, and as president and chief administrative officer of Cincinnati Eye Institute.
The Eye Associates is a practice in West Florida with six locations, including its main location in Bradenton, FL, and an ambulatory surgery center. Clemson Eye has been a provider of eye health in upstate South Carolina for the past 40 years, providing comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, LASIK, optical and aesthetics services at its four locations. Piedmont Surgery Center is an AAAHC-accredited ambulatory surgery center providing ophthalmology, pain and ENT services in Greenville, SC.
“I am excited to launch Eye Health America in partnership with LLR and leading-edge organizations like The Eye Associates, Clemson Eye and Piedmont Surgery Center,” said Roeser. “As a combined force, we have the unique opportunity to not only expand each practice’s geographic footprint, increase their patient volumes and drive utilization, but also enable physicians to thrive in a value-based environment.”
As part of Eye Health America, The Eye Associates, Clemson Eye and Piedmont Surgery Center gain access to additional management resources, administrative best practices, health system relationships and advanced technology. Eye Health America will also support the expansion of its members’ service offerings in areas such as contact lens, optical and LASIK.
“We decided to partner with Eye Health America for their expert knowledge and support, and we look forward to expanding our range of services and convenient locations,” said John Swencki, president of The Eye Associates. “Our existing management team, staff and doctors will continue to serve our patients with the same quality of comprehensive eye care that they have come to expect.”
“We have a strong brand and loyal patient base in the Greenville area, but as we look to expand our reach and services, teaming up with Rod and LLR was the right next step in our growth strategy,” said Mary Lou Parisi, CEO at Clemson Eye. “Their expertise in healthcare services and collaborative approach to working with physicians signaled that this would be a value-added partnership for our organization from the beginning.”
The Eye Associates, Clemson Eye and Piedmont Surgery Center will continue to operate under their current brands.
“We are excited to invest in Eye Health America and partner with leading eye care practices known for the highest standards of clinical care and patient satisfaction,” said Sasank Aleti, principal at LLR Partners. “As the market continues to consolidate, EHA aims to be the partner of choice to like-minded practices throughout the region seeking to accelerate growth and bring best in class care to patients.”