DALLAS—Larkspur Optometry, a leading optometric practice in Redding, Calif., has entered into a strategic partnership with an affiliate of Eyecare Services Partners Management LLC (ESP), a national provider of integrated eyecare services, according to an announcement. This is ESP’s third transaction completed in the last 120 days as the group continues to build on its leadership in comprehensive and integrated eyecare services. Terms of the transaction, which was effective Sept. 27, were not disclosed. ESP is backed by the private equity firm Harvest Partners. 

Larkspur Optometry serves patients from a large area that includes several Northern California counties and parts of Southern Oregon. As part of ESP’s Shasta Eye Medical Group, the practice will serve as “an ideal optometric complement to Shasta Eye’s large and growing medical and surgical presence in the region,” the announcement noted.

“It is great to formally join the ESP family,” Nancy Ekelund, OD, founder of Larkspur Optometry, said in the announcement. “We have enjoyed a very positive professional relationship with the team at Shasta Eye Medical Group over the years, and this will allow us to build on that together.”

In addition to comprehensive eye exams for eyeglasses and contacts, Larkspur Optometry provides glaucoma testing, cataract and macular disease assessment, LASIK screening, pre- and post-operative care for ophthalmic procedures, and diabetic eye disease evaluation, according to the announcement.

“We welcome Dr. Ekelund and her fine practice to ESP,” George Neal, chief executive officer of ESP, said. “We look forward to supporting their continued growth and success. Redding is an important community for us, and we are pleased to be adding to our investment there.”

Daniel D. Crowley, executive chairman of ESP, said “Larkspur Optometry is an excellent synergistic addition to our existing presence in this important Northern California commercial hub.”

In 2017, Harvest Partners, a New York-based private equity firm, and Varsity Healthcare Partners announced that they had completed a recapitalization of ESP, with Harvest acquiring Varsity’s majority ownership interest, as VMAIL previously reported. 

ESP is creating a leading integrated eyecare services company by consolidating market-leading ophthalmic and optometric practices and their affiliated ambulatory surgery centers. The firm oversees more than 200 providers and approximately 100 practice and surgery center locations in seven states and the District of Columbia, according to its announcement.