Major Australian corrective eye surgery provider SMS Healthcare has expanded its eye surgery services across Sydney and now into the Illawarra, with its latest acquisitions in Kogarah, Miranda and Wollongong owned by Southern Ophthalmology.
The purchase of Southern Ophthalmology follows the company’s acquisition of Queensland-based LASERSIGHT Australia earlier in 2022 and the two-practice Sydney Eye Clinic in October.
“SMS Healthcare’s focus is on bringing the best treatments available and early technology directly to patients. We aim to make eye surgery more accessible to patients within their local areas, while supporting our partner facilities with true value programs,” SMS Healthcare managing director Mr Carl Adams said.
“With an ageing population and a backlog of elective eye surgery procedure demand following the pandemic, Southern Ophthalmology’s track record and legacy together with our value-add will ensure a streamlining of the patient journey, while also supporting our diversified healthcare consolidation strategy.”
Demand for eye surgery, currently a $1 billion industry, is forecast to increase over the next five years, with highest growth expected in cataract surgery, laser correction and other types of corrective eye surgery.
Southern Ophthalmology founding partner, Dr Alan Flax, says finding the right partner to help move forward and maintain the clinic’s reputation as a leader in optimal patient care, was key to their decision to join SMS Healthcare.
“SMS Healthcare is a healthcare service leader, working closely with industry to onboard new and emerging technologies that achieve best possible patient outcomes,” he said.
“Through this new synergy we can expand the suitability of eye surgery to a larger group of people, while focusing on widening treatment applications. Together we can support faster patient access to the latest technologies through established collaborations and a broader professional support network.”
SMS Healthcare’s local investment is part of a larger support strategy to alleviate poor patient access to overwhelmed local area health services.
“As we focus on integrating capability with a high level of patient satisfaction, together with our partners we’re in prime position to help increase patient access and provide suitable options to them,” Adams added.
Southern Ophthalmology will continue to operate under its existing trade name with the support of the shared services team at SMS Healthcare.
SMS Healthcare’s eye surgery portfolio now comprises 19 combined eye assessment and laser eye day surgery clinics across Australia.
Across its wider portfolio, SMS Healthcare holds co-investments alongside the medical professional founders of 21 day and short stay hospitals, allied health as well as specialist medical practices spanning ophthalmology and laser eye surgery infrastructure across Queensland, NSW and Victoria.
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