US Eye Network Expands in South Carolina Through Partnership With Carolina Eyecare Physicians

CHARLESTON, S.C.—Carolina Eyecare Physicians, a leading multi-disciplinary physician group practicing in Carolina’s Lowcountry, has joined the expanding US Eye network of premium eyecare practices, according to an announcement Thursday. Carolina Eyecare Physicians will retain its existing practice name while integrating its operations, procedures and service offerings within the US Eye model, the announcement noted. The terms of the partnership deal were not disclosed.

MetLife to Acquire Versant Health for $1.7 Billion

NEW YORK— MetLife Inc. (NYSE: MET) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Versant Health from an investor group led by Centerbridge Partners and including FFL Partners for approximately $1.675 billion in an all-cash transaction, according to an announcement Thursday morning. Versant Health owns the well-established marketplace brands Davis Vision and Superior Vision. Following the acquisition, MetLife will gain access to Versant Health’s roughly 35 million members, and MetLife’s existing customers will gain access to Versant Health’s extensive provider network, which is one of the largest in the industry.

Omni Group Partners With Eye Care Northwest

ISELIN, N.J. and SPARTA, N.J.— Omni Ophthalmic Management Consultants  (Omni), a portfolio company of NMS Capital (NMS), has announced a strategic partnership with Eye Care Northwest, P.A., a market-leading provider of medical-surgical eyecare services in northwest New Jersey. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Headquartered in Sparta, Eye Care Northwest has remained at the forefront of the eyecare field for more than 20 years and currently employs one board-certified ophthalmologist and one optometrist.

Jobson Honors Three New ODs on its Online Eyecare Heroes Gallery

NEW YORK—As the COVID-19 virus continues to affect our everyday activities, Jobson continues its salute to the industry's health care workers, especially ECPs, for continuing to provide essential eyecare during the pandemic. This week, we honor three more Eyecare Heroes in our online gallery located at the Eyecare Heroes site. Dr. Gary Chu, New England College of Optometry, Boston, Mass., Dr. Michael McGovern, SUNY College of Optometry, New York, N.Y., and Dr. Eva Yan, Metro Optics, Bronx, N.Y. ECPs in the Gallery were selected from among the nominations submitted by readers of Vision Monday and 20/20.

Facebook and EssilorLuxottica to Collaborate on Smart Glasses, Starting With a Ray-Ban Launch in 2021

MENLO PARK, California, and CHARENTON-LE-PONT, France—Facebook, Inc. and EssilorLuxottica  just announced a multiyear collaboration to develop the next generation of smart glasses. The announcement was made by Mark Zuckerberg during Facebook Connect, an annual conference held virtually from California. The partnership will combine “Facebook apps and technologies, Luxottica’s category leadership and iconic brands, and Essilor’s advanced lens technology to help people stay better connected to their friends and family,” according to a joint announcement from Facebook and EssilorLuxottica that was issued on Sept. 16.