CLEARWATER, Fla.—Carl Zeiss Vision has added Tri-City Optical to its network of U.S. laboratories. The company acquired the independently-owned Clearwater, Fla. wholesale lab in partnership with VSP Vision Care, with Carl Zeiss Vision as the majority shareholder. The purchase price was not disclosed.

“We are very excited to have Tri-City as part of Carl Zeiss Vision’s laboratory network,” said Fred Howard, Carl Zeiss Vision’s president, the Americas. “This will enhance our ability to support Florida eyecare professionals with outstanding laboratory services and advanced products like GT2 Progressive Lenses by Zeiss, Carat Advantage and Teflon Clear Coat Lenses. Tri-City has the capabilities, experience and reputation that will help us to grow in this key market.”

Commenting on the significance of the move for VSP, Don Oakley, VSP vice president of ophthalmic supply chain and services, said, “This development will benefit doctors and their patients in the Southeast by offering enhanced choices for high quality products and services. Working together with valued suppliers like Carl Zeiss Vision is part of our ongoing focus on strengthening the eyecare delivery system for private practice.”

The Tri-City acquisition marks the second time Zeiss and VSP have partnered in an optical lab purchase. Last year, the two companies each acquired a stake in Perfect Optics in Vista, Calif. VSP chairman Rob Lynch stated at that time that VSP would pursue other lab acquisitions in partnership with vendors and on its own.

Founded in 1993, Tri-City serves independent eyecare professionals in Central Florida and beyond. Carl Zeiss Vision confirmed that Richard Hoerbelt and his management team will remain in place, and no business process changes are contemplated.

“We chose Tri-City in part because of the excellent service the lab provides to its customers,” said Claude Labeeuw, Carl Zeiss Vision’s vice president, business development. “Our goal is to maintain that service while providing Tri-City customers with outstanding new product options.”