CALGARY, Alberta—FYidoctors, a leading optometrist-controlled eyecare company, said it has merged with Sault Optometry and Sault Optometry Blind River as it continues to add to its growing presence in Ontario. As the number of clinics in Northern Ontario continues to increase, this also marks the first FYidoctors’ locations in both Sault Ste. Marie and Blind River, Ontario, according to an announcement late last week. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Serving the community of Sault Ste. Marie, Blind River and their surrounding areas for over 18 years, both clinics are known for providing thorough, comprehensive eyecare to patients, and consistently adhering to the latest vision care procedures and trends available.

Sault Optometry is the largest practice in the region and specializes in dry eye treatments, as well. Other services offered include comprehensive eye exams, a full-service dispensary, pediatric exams and contact lens exams.

“To say 2020 has been a challenging year for Canadian businesses would be an understatement,” FYidoctors chairman and chief executive officer Alan Ulsifer said in the announcement. “Despite all that has been endured, we are fortunate to have the ability to continue moving forward with our national expansion alongside outstanding partners like Sault Optometry.”

Added Dr. Krista Bruni of Sault Optometry, “For over a decade, our clinics have been committed to the eye health of our community and ensuring they are receiving the highest standard of comprehensive vision care—in turn, helping them see their best. As a part of this commitment, we recognized the importance of working with a reputable, doctor-led organization like FYidoctors, and couldn’t be more excited to now offer our patients the highest quality products and services available through this new partnership.”

The teams at Sault Optometry and Sault Optometry Blind River are comprised of skilled optometrists, including Dr. John Bettello; Dr. Krista Bruni; Dr. Joanna Chartrand; Dr. Bruno Coccimiglio; Dr. Hilary DeLuca; Dr. Brian Matthews; Dr. Ryan Pietrzakowski and Dr. Natalie Zagordo—in addition to the administrative staff and support.

FYidoctors, which is privately held, includes more than 550 optometrists, 250 locations and 2,700 employees overall. The private equity firm L Catterton made a strategic minority investment in the company earlier this year, as VMAIL reported.