Sarasota, Fla.-based US Eye recently added practices in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida to its network, the company said Sept. 21.

The next few years will be pivotal for the survival of independent eye practices and surgery centers, as many are joining larger organizations and private equity groups.

The FDA has approved a ranibizumab biosimilar, its first ophthalmologic biosimilar, according to a Sept. 20 report from the Center for Biosimilars.

King of Prussia, Penn.-based Kremer Eye Center is one of the first practices in the area to offer light-adjustable implants, the center said Sept. 17.

Kevin Skelsey, MD, completed his first implant of RxSight's light-adjustable lens at the Summit Eye Center in Lee's Summit, Mo., the lens developer said Sept. 16.

Sarasota, Fla.-based US Eye recently added two practices based in South Carolina and Virginia to its network, bringing the organization's footprint to more than 50 affiliated practices.

From acquisitions to accreditations, here are nine updates happening at ophthalmology practices:

Greenville, S.C.-based Eye Health America recently acquired Nielsen Eye Center, which has locations in Clearwater and Largo, Fla., the company said Aug. 27.

Wabash, Ind.-based Midwest Eye Consultants has entered a partnership with New York City-based private equity firm Sentinel Capital Partners to fund the eye group's continued growth, the firm said Sept. 13.

Robert Friedman, MD, was recently awarded a certificate of recognition for performing more than 100 Xen Gel Stent procedures, according to a Sept. 3 LinkedIn post from Eye Health America.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology and eye care nonprofit Research to Prevent Blindness awarded grants to four researchers Sept. 1 in support of population-based studies on ophthalmology and blindness research.

Amherst, N.Y.-based Fichte, Endl & Elmer Eyecare performed its 10,000th successful procedure, Niagara Frontier Publications reported. 

Oceanside, N.Y.-based OCLI Vision has added Philadelphia-based Keystone Eye Associates to its network.

Ophthalmologists expect to see a large growth in new technology and surgical offerings, recruitment challenges and continued consolidation of practices over the next five years.

Eye Health America acquired a Fort Myers, Fla.-based physician practice with an ASC, the company said Aug. 26. 

Sight Growth Providers expanded into Connecticut through a partnership with Manchester-based Fichman Eye Center and the Laser & Vision Surgery Center, the company announced Aug. 26. 

Ophthalmology has seen one of the highest drops in outpatient volume from June 2019 to 2021, according to a survey from management consulting firm McKinsey & Co. 

From practice openings to new procedures, here are seven ophthalmology updates to know:

Dallas-based eye care network Unifeye Vision Partners recently partnered with two practices in California, expanding the network's footprint in the state.

United Healthcare has removed two contested Avastin biosimilars from two of its policies.