SARASOTA, Fla.—US Eye, a physician led, patient-centric network of integrated eyecare practices, has announced a new partnership arrangement with Southwest Florida Eye Care, a leading multi-specialty ophthalmology group in Fort Myers, Fla. Southwest Florida Eye Care has been serving patients in southwest Florida for nearly two decades, providing advanced ophthalmic and optometric services, including comprehensive eye exams, contact lens fittings, dry eye treatment, LASIK surgery, laser cataract surgery, glaucoma management and cornea care, according to the announcement on Wednesday.

The terms of the transaction and new partnership were not disclosed. US Eye is owned by its partner practices and backed by Pamlico Capital, a Charlotte, N.C.-based firm investing in founder-owned businesses for over 30 years.

Southwest Florida Eye Care operates three offices: in Fort Myers, Naples and Cape Coral, Fla. The practice employs two ophthalmologists, Rick Palmon, MD, and Albert Smolyar, MD, and three optometrists, Leonard Avril, OD, Brian Marhue, OD, and Penny Orr, OD.

“I was thoroughly impressed by the US Eye model and patient care philosophy,” said Dr. Palmon, founder of Southwest Florida Eye Care. “The opportunity to join such a progressive organization was incredibly appealing as we strive to continue offering novel eyecare services and innovative technology for the benefit of our patients. We are dedicated to serving our local southwest Florida market and our partnership with US Eye is reflection of that long-standing commitment.”

The addition of Southwest Florida Eye Care brings the total number of US Eye practice locations to 53 across the Southeast. Southwest Florida Eye Care will begin to integrate its operations, procedures and service offerings with Center For Sight, the local Florida flagship brand of US Eye, the announcement noted.

“We are delighted to welcome Southwest Florida Eye Care to the US Eye network and expand our presence in Fort Myers, Naples and Cape Coral,” said David Shoemaker, MD, founder and chief executive officer of US Eye. “We partner with practices who share our vision: to become the nation’s most admired brand in eyecare by putting the patient first in all we do.

Since 2003, Dr. Palmon and the team have clearly demonstrated their dedication to providing exceptional service to their patients, a characteristic we embody in every decision we make as an organization. We are excited to continue working with Dr. Palmon and the team to bring unsurpassed patient care to the communities of Southwest Florida,” Dr. Shoemaker said.

US Eye, based here in Sarasota, Fla., employs 100 providers and over 1,000 staff members across five states. The company currently operates 53 offices and five ambulatory surgery centers.