TEMPE, Ariz.—American Vision Partners, a private-equity backed practice management organization, and Southwestern Eye Center, an affiliate of American Vision Partners, said late last week they have established a “strategic partnership” with Mesa, Ariz.-based McDougal Eye Center. “The affiliation of the two businesses will improve the quality of care for patients in the Mesa area by bringing more comprehensive vision care services to the community,” American Vision said in its announcement. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

American Vision Partners, which is under the umbrella of H.I.G. Capital, was founded in April 2017 with the affiliation of Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center and Southwestern Eye Center, as VMAIL reported. H.I.G. Capital is a global private equity investment firm with more than $25 billion of equity capital under management. American Vision serves communities throughout Arizona and New Mexico with more than 110 nationally recognized doctors and more than 45 locations, including 24 ambulatory surgical centers, according to the group’s website.

Under the Southwestern Eye Center brand, Dr. Guy T. McDougal and the team at McDougal Eye Center “will continue to provide patients with the attentive care for which they are known,’ the announcement noted. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to join the team at American Vision Partners and Southwestern Eye Center,” Dr. McDougal said in the announcement. “Their commitment to putting patients first is consistent with the way we have built our practice and we are excited about all of the benefits this partnership will bring to patients throughout the Mesa community.”

Kyle A. Bohannon, president and chief executive officer of American Vision Partners, said the group is committed to providing “best-in-class vision care throughout Arizona, and by partnering with McDougal Eye Center, we will bring our unique brand of eyecare to even more patients throughout the Mesa area.” He added, “Dr. McDougal’s loyal patients will now have access to leading-edge technology, new services and nationally recognized surgeons.”

McDougal Eye Care specializes in eye exams, contact lens fittings, the diagnosis and treatment of medical eye conditions and preoperative and postoperative care for procedures, including cataract and LASIK surgery.

The affiliation with McDougal Eye Center represents the third partnership announced by American Vision Partners in 2018. American Vision Partners partnered with Miles Eye Center in June, as VMAIL reported, and M&M Eye Institute in September.