RALEIGH, N.C.—US Eye has expanded its presence in North Carolina with the addition of Kelly Eye Center, a specialty ophthalmology practice with a focus on cataract and lens replacement surgery using premium intraocular lens (IOL) technology. The practice is composed of five locations within the greater Raleigh, N.C., area. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Michael Kelly, MD, a leader in the field of ophthalmology, founded the Kelly Eye Center practice. He has performed over 50,000 eye surgery procedures, and he was the first surgeon to perform LASIK surgery in the Raleigh area, according to the announcement. Kelly was chosen to be one of the nation’s first ophthalmologists to perform the Visian ICL eye surgery. Dr. Kelly plans to remain an active leader within the practice, helping to build its provider base and network in the “Triangle” region of North Carolina, the announcement noted.
 
US Eye, a physician-led network of patient-centric practices, now has 62 practice locations within the organization, and employs 109 providers and more than 1,000 staff members across the Southeast. The organization, based in Sarasota, Fla., is backed by Pamlico Capital, a Charlotte, N.C.-based firm investing in founder-owned businesses for over 30 years.
 
Speaking of the opportunity to partner with US Eye, Dr. Kelly said, “I was attracted to the vertically integrated operational model used at US Eye member practices because it truly puts the patient first and prioritizes the synchronization of care between providers. Delivering high quality patient-centric care has always been our objective at Kelly Eye Center, supplemented by the use of state-of-the-art technology and innovative treatment options. US Eye shares those values and has the foresight and expertise to continue building upon those principles to create an incredible patient experience.”
 
Kelly Eye Center’s partnership with US Eye closely follows that of Albemarle Eye Center, an affiliate North Carolina-based ophthalmology practice led by Dr. Jitendra Swarup, who serves as a member of US Eye’s physician advisory board, the announcement noted.
 
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Michael Kelly and his team to the US Eye network,” Dr. Swarup said. “Dr. Kelly and I have been industry colleagues for years, and as a fellow practice founder, I respect the organization he has built and his desire to continue enhancing patient care through partnering with US Eye.”