More Images
CHARLESTON, S.C.—Carolina Eyecare Physicians, a leading multi-disciplinary physician group practicing in Carolina’s Lowcountry, has joined the expanding US Eye network of premium eyecare practices, according to an announcement Thursday. Carolina Eyecare Physicians will retain its existing practice name while integrating its operations, procedures and service offerings within the US Eye model, the announcement noted. The terms of the partnership deal were not disclosed. US Eye is owned by its partner practices and is backed by Pamlico Capital, a firm investing in founder-owned businesses for over 30 years.

Pamlico initially invested in US Eye in July 2019, US Eye’s chief development officer Justin Santa Cruz told VMAIL.

Dr. John Boatwright, Dr. Paul Herring, Dr. Thomas Newland, Dr. Robert Reuther and Dr. Kerry Solomon (all ophthalmologists) lead the Carolina Eyecare Physicians practice, which employs 18 providers and approximately 150 staff members. It operates 11 locations across South Carolina, including one surgery center in Charleston, S.C., according to Thursday’s announcement.

With the addition of Carolina Eyecare Physicians, US Eye will operate 24 clinics and three surgery centers, positioning the company as one of the largest comprehensive eyecare delivery systems in the U.S. The overall US Eye network has more than 20 optometrists on staff, Santa Cruz said,

US Eye, based in Sarasota, Fla., has approximately 600 staff members, and operates in the Southeastern U.S.

Established by David Shoemaker, MD, founder of Center For Sight, a Florida-based ophthalmology platform, US Eye is a multi-specialty practice group that offers an extensive range of ophthalmic and medical services. The services include laser cataract surgery, advanced intraocular lenses, all-laser LASIK, glaucoma, retina and cornea care, cosmetic facial surgery, dermatology, audiology and skin care.

It is a physician-led, patient-centric network of practices founded on a commitment to providing exceptional patient service through premium technology and unrivaled provider expertise, the announcement noted.

“We are thrilled to welcome Carolina Eyecare Physicians to US Eye and expand our footprint to one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States," Dr. Shoemaker, chief executive officer of Center For Sight and US Eye, said in the announcement. "Carolina Eyecare Physicians is a prominent and extremely well-respected practice group in the South Carolina market. The team demonstrates a profound passion for a commitment to providing five-star patient care through the delivery of exceptional service; values that align with the mission of US Eye."

Over 30 years ago, Center For Sight pioneered the vertically integrated ophthalmology-optometry care model to deliver the best visual outcomes for patients, which is the operational foundation for US Eye's member practices, according to the announcement.

"We have experienced firsthand the success and efficiency of the vertically integrated eyecare delivery platform,” Dr. Solomo of Carolina Eyecare Physicians said. “Partnering with US Eye is a natural strategic step in supporting our goal of advancing and enriching patient care in the communities we serve.”

Ophthalmologists at Carolina Eyecare Physicians offer cataract and lens replacement surgery, refractive surgery, glaucoma, retina and cornea care, in addition to cosmetic eye surgery.