MyEyeDr is gearing up to expand its optometric reach across the United States with the upcoming acquisition of EyeCare Partner’s (ECP) optometry division.
The news broke earlier this week ahead of the 2026 American Academy of Optometry (AAO) annual meeting in Anaheim, California.
Big news! But first, a rundown on MyEyeDr.
Operating under Capital Vision Services and led by co-founder / CEO Sue Downes, MyEyeDr was launched in 2001 as a vision healthcare provider of comprehensive eyecare and eyewear solutions for optical patients.
The (not-so-corporate) basics: This is a doctor-led optometry and eyewear retail chain spanning nearly 1,000 locations (and 1,500+ optometrists) across 30 states—plus the District of Columbia.
So what, exactly, are included in these services?
At each of its locations, the provider includes a primary care optometry practice and optical shop to offering: eye exams, imaging, early detection and disease monitoring as well as specialty care (e.g., pediatric myopia management), cataract diagnosis, and ophthalmic referral.
- On the optical side: designer frames, progressive lenses, contact lenses, and wearable technology.
And for optometrists: MyEyeDr also operates as a buyer or transition partner for independent practice owners looking to sell (such as in the case of its April 2026 acquisition of Lumina Vision Partners).
Alrighty, now to EyeCare Partners.
Based in St. Louis, Missouri, ECP is known as a leading provider of clinically-integrated eyecare.
What it brings: a national network of over 300 ophthalmologists, 700 optometrists, and 700+ eyecare practitioner-affiliated practice locations across 30 markets in 18 states.
- Check out our previous coverage.
Next up: this deal.
ECPs’ optometry division is at the center of the acquisition—totaling over 300 offices.
A few notable regional brands are among these (see here for specific doctors):
So what are the benefits for each side?
Starting with MyEyeDr: one word pretty much sums it up: scale.
With 300+ offices included in that lineup of regional brands, the provider’s already leading position in optometry is set to strengthen even further—particularly in providing personalized eyecare.
- Case in point: Both MyEyeDr and ECP were recently listed among the top 10 U.S. optical retailers of 2026.
And building on its “healthcare first, retail second” focus, the organization also shared plans to fund its next stage of growth in clinical research—plus grow its “centers of excellence” for common eye diseases.
You mentioned personalization—doesn’t ECP also offer that?
Indeed it does. In fact, MyEyeDr referred to the acquisition as speaking “directly to both organizations' legacies of providing personalized eye care from trusted community doctors and knowledgeable teams who help patients see, look and be their best.”
ECP CEO Chris Throckmorton stated that they “went to great lengths” to find the ideal partner for its optometry business.
- Among the requirements: commitment to clinical excellence and high-quality patient care.
Duly noted. So do we know how much this deal is expected to be worth?
Nope, we don't. The organizations didn’t disclose any numbers.
How about an expected timeframe for its closing?
That we do know! Per MyEyeDr, the acquisition is expected to close sometime in Q4 2026 (so between Sept. 30 and Dec. 31), providing they secure required regulatory approvals.