Optometry deals at a glance
- Typical buyers
- Private equity backed eye care groups, ophthalmology practices, retail optical chains and associate doctors
- What lifts the price
- A medical eye care component, strong optical capture, associate doctors, modern equipment
- What pulls it down
- One doctor producing most exams, aging patient base, vision plan heavy revenue with low margins
- Paperwork buyers ask for
- Exams per year by doctor, revenue by payer, optical sales and capture rate, equipment list, lease
- Watch for
- Patient records and privacy rules during the transition
Medical Eye Care Raises Value
Practices that treat dry eye, glaucoma, diabetic eye exams and other medical conditions usually earn more per patient than routine vision exams alone. Buyers notice.
Show the share of revenue from medical billing versus vision plans, and how it has changed over the past three years.
Optical Sales
Glasses and contact lens sales are a large part of profit. A buyer will look at how many exam patients buy eyewear from you and at your optical margin.
A well run optical with trained opticians is a strong selling point.
Doctors After the Sale
If you see most patients, buyers will expect you to stay for a transition period, often one to three years. Practices with associate doctors already building their own patient base sell more easily.
Some owners sell to an associate over time. Others sell to a larger group. A broker can help you compare both.
Equipment and Technology
Retinal imaging, OCT and other diagnostic equipment support medical eye care and help the practice's value. Buyers will check age, condition and any leases on that equipment.
A modern electronic health record and practice management system makes the transition easier. Old systems can mean data migration costs that a buyer prices in.
Who Buys Eye Care Practices
Private equity backed eye care groups have been active buyers. Ophthalmology practices sometimes buy optometry practices for referrals. Associate doctors buy over time.
Each buyer offers a different mix of cash at closing, continued work and future upside.
Ask each buyer how long they expect you to stay and what happens to your staff. Those answers matter as much as the price.
Records, Payers and the Lease
Patient records must move under federal privacy rules. Vision and medical plan contracts may need new credentialing for the buyer.
The lease matters too. A location with good visibility and years remaining helps the deal. As an employer you will also close or transfer your L&I and ESD accounts.
Read valuation basics for how practices are priced, then use the price check form or call (206) 555-0171.