Through the first three quarters of 2023, healthcare private equity transactions in eyecare exhibited a slowdown attributed to a rise in interest rates, an economic slowdown and other macroeconomic pressures. Throughout this time, several eye care platforms have focused on servicing their debt by creating efficiencies and focusing on organic growth opportunities.
Eye care is still experiencing strong M&A activity however, with over 30 transactions completed so far in 2023. The eye care private equity backed platforms are focused on partnering with quality practices that are leading with clinical excellence.
In recent years, several eyecare platforms have achieved substantial success in implementing their growth strategies, fostering widespread profitability, and facilitating equity growth for partner physicians. This has resulted in several private equity backed eyecare platforms experiencing a second sale recapitalization including EyeCare Partners, EyeSouth, and Vision Innovation Partners. At the same time, several platforms sold to a large pe-backed eye care platform inclusive of CEI Vision Partners, BlueSky Vision and Ocular Partners. We expect several other PE-backed platforms to experience a “second bite” in the near term, as well.
Private Equity Platforms Achieving Second Sale Since 2017
The eyecare market stands robust and maintains its status as a pivotal focus for private equity firms investing in healthcare. Despite notable consolidation across the country, owners should continue viewing private equity as an attractive option and we foresee favorable eye care M&A activity over the next 12-24 months.
Each pe-backed platform has its own strategy, with some experiencing more success than others. Therefore, in the process of evaluating and selecting a potential partner or buyer, the imperative lies in ensuring not only an agreement on economic value but also a cultural fit and track record, given the substantial divergence in these aspects among different platforms.
Interested in how private equity can be helpful in your practice?
Carolina Cataract and Eyecare Physicians & Surgeons
EyeSouth Partners
Olympus Corp.
SC
June 2023
Southwest Eye care & Eye consultants of North Dakota
Unifeye Vision Partners
Waud Capital Partners
US
May 2023
Advanced Eye Care of Panama City
Ascend Vision Partners
Chicago Pacific Founders Fund
FL
May 2023
Buffalo Niagara Retina Associates
Spectrum Vision Partners
Blue Sea Capital
NY
May 2023
Ophthalmology Associates of Western New York
Spectrum Vision Partners
Blue Sea Capital
NY
May 2023
Retina Consultants of Western New York
Spectrum Vision Partners
Blue Sea Capital
NY
May 2023
Eyeplastx
NVISION Eye Centers
Ontario Teachers
TX
May 2023
South Texas Ambulatory Surgery Center
NVISION Eye Centers
Ontario Teachers
TX
May 2023
The Eye Institute of Corpus Christi, TX
NVISION Eye Centers
Ontario Teachers
TX
May 2023
Crossroads Eye Care Associates
Spectrum Vision Partners
Blue Sea Capital
PA
May 2023
Florida Eye Care
Ascend Vision Partners
Chicago Pacific Founders Fund
FL
May 2023
David Kading and Specialty Eye
Treehouse Eyes
WA
April 2023
Kings Eye Center
Unifeye Vision Partners
Waud Capital Partners
CA
April 2023
Bellaire Family Eye Care
Treehouse Eyes
TX
March 2023
Retina Consultations
Retina Consultants of America
Webster Equity Partners
NY
March 2023
Winter Park Opthamology
Ascend Vision Partners
Chicago Pacific Founders Fund
CO
March 2023
Elgut Eye Care
Ascend Vision Partners
Chicago Pacific Founders Fund
FL
March 2023
The Ophthalmic Center
SightMD
Sight Growth Partners
NY
January 2023
Premier Eye Care
Health Network One
HIG Capital
January 2023
Haas Vision Center
Panorama Eyecare
Archimedes Health Investors
CO
January 2023
Zimm Cataract and Laser center & Premier Surgical Center
Sunvera Group
Ridgemont Equity Partners
PA
January 2023
Seal Beach Optometry
Alamitos Eyecare
CA
About Our Firm
Physician Growth Partners (PGP) is a transaction advisory firm working exclusively with independent physician groups in transactions with private equity.
Differentiated Healthcare Transaction Advisors:
Senior partner involvement at every stage of the process
Extensive physician practice transaction experience
Unmatched relationships with all key private equity and strategic buyers interested in Eye Care
Educational approach focusing on both partnership and cultural fit, while simultaneously achieving a market clearing valuation