Jim Greenwood.
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KINGWOOD, Texas—Vision Source, the largest independent optometric alliance in North America, has entered into a relationship with UnityPoint Health, an integrated health system which provides care to 4.5 million patients annually.

With both organizations focusing on improving population health outcomes through a collaborative care approach for the patient, the relationship between Vision Source and UnityPoint Health will deliver improved access to vision and eye health services throughout nine regions in Iowa, Illinois, South Dakota and Wisconsin, according to a statement released Aug. 31, 2015, by Vision Source. Vision Source optometrists are trained to screen for early detection of systemic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, then refer and collaborate with local primary care physicians to provide patient care and improved outcomes.

“Vision Source and UnityPoint Health are a natural fit as both organizations are committed to ensuring high levels of patient care, satisfaction and outcomes,” said Jim Greenwood, president and CEO of Vision Source. “Our relationship with UnityPoint Health will enhance their already superior ability to provide integrated care in the most appropriate setting by expanding their reach through the Vision Source optometry network.”

Aric Sharp, vice president, accountable care, UnityPoint Health, said, “We look forward to building our relationship with the 121 Vision Source practices that span our nine coverage areas in Iowa, Illinois, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Working with Vision Source will give us the ability to better coordinate quality vision care to these areas on a broad scale.”

As the nation’s 13th largest nonprofit health system and the fourth largest nondenominational health system in America, UnityPoint Health is considered to be one of the nation’s most integrated health systems, according to the Vision Source statement. UnityPoint Health, UnityPoint Clinic and UnityPoint at Home provide a full range of coordinated care to patients and families in nine regions throughout the Midwest.