HILTON HEAD, S.C.—US Eye, which is backed by the investment firm Pamlico Capital, said this week that it has added Sungate Cataract, LASIK and Vision Center, one of the South Carolina Lowcountry’s leading multi-specialty ophthalmology groups, as a new partner practice. The addition of Sungate Cataract, LASIK and Vision Center (with three locations in South Carolina and one in northern Georgia) brings the total number of US Eye practice locations to 50 across the Southeastern U.S. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Sungate will integrate its operations, procedures and service offerings with US Eye’s Carolina Eyecare Physicians, expanding the practice network statewide in South Carolina, according to the announcement.
 
US Eye 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. Member practices offer an extensive range of ophthalmic and medical services, including laser cataract surgery, advanced intraocular lenses, all-laser LASIK, glaucoma, retina and cornea care, among others.
 
“I am confident we made the right choice by partnering with US Eye,” said Dr. Kenneth Farr, medical director of Sungate Cataract, LASIK and Vision Center. “As a physician-led organization, the US Eye team understands the opportunities and challenges we experience in the private practice environment. We are excited to get started and look forward to accomplishing our goal of bringing the highest caliber of eyecare to our patients.”
 
“We are thrilled to welcome Sungate Cataract, LASIK and Vision Center to US Eye and expand our footprint in South Carolina,” added David Shoemaker, MD, a founder and CEO of US Eye. “Dr. Farr, Dr. Hunter and the entire team have a long-standing passion for delivering exceptional visual outcomes with compassion and dedication. Like Sungate, we put the patient first in all we do. We are excited to partner together to enhance patient care in South Carolina and across the nation.”
 
Through the US Eye partnership, Sungate will be affiliated with Carolina Eyecare Physicians, which is based out of Charleston, S.C.
 
“We believe in, and have seen firsthand, the advantage of an interconnected network of premium eyecare practices,” said Kerry Solomon, MD, a US Eye physicians advisory board member and medical director of Carolina Eyecare Physicians. “Our patients benefit most from the US Eye model, offering direct access to state-of-the-art technology, advanced treatments and the additional resources available through a larger practice group.”