ST. LOUIS—EyeCare Partners LLC (ECP) said Tuesday it has expanded into its 11th state by partnering with Bennett Optometry, a leading two-location optometric practice in Ann Arbor, Mich., led by Dr. Steven Bennett. Bennett Optometry was founded in 1949 when the father of Dr. Steven Bennett, Dr. Herman Bennett, opened his first office in downtown Ann Arbor. In 2008, the practice transitioned from father to son. Dr. Steven Bennett has since led the practice through a period of consistent growth, including its recent expansion into a large second location in North Ann Arbor. The five-doctor practice is a full-scope medical optometric practice treating and managing a variety of ocular diseases and visual impairments.

In January, following the acquisition of three independent optometry practices in Alabama and Georgia, ECP said the addition of these locations brought its sites of service to 289, as VMAIL reported. ECP is backed by the private equity firm FFL Partners.

“Bennett Optometry’s mission to enhance and preserve the gift of sight illustrates its patient-first mentality, and aligns well with ECP’s philosophy to provide world-class care to all,” ECP chief professional officer Dr. Jim Wachter said in Tuesday’s announcement.

Dr. Bennett said he is “delighted to partner with the ECP team and serve as the first practice of many to join the ECP Michigan platform.” He added, “I had a number of unsolicited offers over the years from various investment groups and other physicians, but none met my criteria. I wanted a partner that would understand and maintain our philosophy of care for our patients and staff as well as continue my legacy of Bennett Optometry. In addition to meeting my criteria, ECP’s significant doctor support infrastructure and focus on clinical treatment made them an ideal fit for Bennett Optometry.”

ECP chief executive officer Kelly McCrann said he believes Bennett Optometry is “an ideal practice to partner with, especially in a new market.” He added, “Dr. Bennett and his team have a fantastic reputation in the community and the deserved respect of competitors and vendors alike due to the high quality of care they have provided over many decades. EyeCare Partners will build on this momentum in 2019 in Michigan and elsewhere by continuing to partner with top-tier physician groups across new and existing markets.”

Based here in St. Louis, EyeCare Partners currently offers comprehensive medical eye care services throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, North Carolina, Indiana, and Michigan. Its doctors serve the vision care needs of more than 1 million patients.