New practices, lens partner for George & Matilda

The national optical group announced in October that Eyelines had become its latest mber. Established in 1993, Eyelines is said to be Tasmania’s largest independent optometry group. All 13 of its locations will join George & Matilda’s network as part of the acquisition.Commenting on the move, Eyelines chief executive officer Mr Will Downie said, “The team at Eyelines were impressed by George & Matilda’s commitment to deliver high-quality eye-care solutions, tailored to fit the patient’s individual needs. Our focus has always been on how we can deliver the best for our patients and we believe the partnership with George & Matilda will allow us to do just that.”George & Matilda CEO Mr Chris Beer said Eyelines’ commitment to servicing its local communities with an phasis on eye-care expertise married perfectly with George & Matilda’s approach. “We are excited to work with th to create a world-class experience for their 30,000 patients across Tasmania,” he said.{{quote-A:R-W:450-I:2-Q: Eye-care expertise will be central to our brand proposition and having a partner such as Zeiss, with a proven track record of innovation and excellence, is a key pillar in our strategy, -WHO:Mr Chris Beer, CEO of George & Matilda}}The news came shortly after it was revealed in late Septber that George & Matilda had acquired another chain of practices, theeyecarecompany. theeyecarecompany opened in 2005 and has four practices, including a flagship location on George Street, Sydney. Mr Beer said theeyecarecompany’s decision to join George & Matilda was testament to the attraction the optical group held for well-regarded and proven independent optometrists.“theeyecarecompany is a strong independent optometrist with a proven record for service and quality with a loyal patient base,” Mr Beer stated. “The group’s founders, Margaret Lam and Griffin Ngo, understand the benefits of George & Matilda’s proposition to their staff and patients and we’re delighted to welcome th into the network.”Echoing Mr Downie’s sentiments, Dr Lam said George & Matilda represented the “best care possible” for patients and aligned with the way theeyecarecompany practiced optometry.“Being part of a bigger optometry group that is patient- and optometry-focused in this manner is the ideal formula to allow our company to continue to grow from strength to strength,” Dr Lam added.Prior to the acquisitions, George & Matilda also secured major global lens manufacturer Zeiss as its exclusive supplier of eyeglass lenses.Mr Beer noted that an important factor in the decision to work with Zeiss was the manufacturer’s ability to provide comprehensive lens education and training across the George & Matilda network.“Eye-care expertise will be central to our brand proposition and having a partner such as Zeiss, with a proven track record of innovation and excellence, is a key pillar in our strategy,” he explained.George & Matilda launched in May this year with a stated mission of combining the marketing, systs, technologies, and resources of a larger business with the personalised service and local trust of independent optometry through partnerships with reputable practices. Hanks Optometrists’ 11 practices and Peter Hewett Optometry, both located in NSW, were among the optical group’s first acquisitions.