VIENNA, Va.–Rx Optical, with 54 locations across Michigan and Indiana, announced today that it is partnering with the MyEyeDr. family of practices. The deal will bring the total MyEyeDr. office count to 731 over 26 states and the District of Columbia. Details of the transaction were not disclosed. The partnership further solidifies the presence of MyEyeDr. in the Midwest. Since partnering with Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking in 2019, MyEyeDr. has added 185 offices to its list of optometric practices focused on the vision healthcare needs of a diverse patient base across the country, the company said.

Rx Optical was founded in 1947 in Kalamazoo, Mich. and is owned by Edward J. Fletcher and Stephan Jepson. Rx Optical president Stephan Jepson said, “Rx Optical has been committed to our mission to create exceptional experiences for our patients and promote inspiring, sustainable careers for our employees. This partnership with MyEyeDr. is perfectly aligned to our mission and provides both our patients and staff with stability, innovation and a clear path to the future of eyecare.”

He added, “This partnership will help us to carry on the legacy of Ed and so many of our professionals with an intense focus on the patient experience.”

Sue Downes, CEO of MyEyeDr., told VMAIL, “MyEyeDr. is excited to partner with the doctors and incredible staff at Rx Optical along with the leadership team of Steve and George Jepson and Dr. Gerald Hanna. Their focus on team training and education to find the right solution for every patient every time is inspiring, and we are humbled to be partnering with such a strong brand.”

She added, “The cultures of both organizations are highly aligned and deeply focused on the patient experience.”

Downes noted, “As we grow our family, we fulfill our purpose to partner with those prestige practices like Rx Optical, where doctors and associates alike can continue to practice patient-centric eyecare in the manner that has served them so well over many years in their local communities.”

Asked if the branding of the practices will change, Downes said, “The Rx Optical name has been recognizable in Michigan for decades so we are in no hurry to change it.”

Stephan Jepson will remain as president of Rx Optical and will be a part of the MyEyeDr. senior leadership team.

“We are confident that this new relationship will help us to continue to provide our patients with the best vision healthcare services in the industry, and our staff with continued career enhancement,” Jepson added.