National Optical Care (NOC) is set to join the EyeQ Optometrists network as an unbranded Franchise Associate group.
The announcement is the second significant structural change in optometry this week, following news that The Optical Company, comprising 41 practices, has been acquired by ASX listed allied health group Healthia.
Utilising the existing administrative resources and experience of EyeQ will free up the NOC team to grow the business
Initially NOC will comprise 15 well-established optometric practices, primarily located on the eastern seaboard, that will benefit from the managed services provided by the EyeQ franchise network support office, yet still remain independently branded.
CEO of NOC, Jason Gowie said leveraging EyeQ’s systems will provide the support needed to grow his group’s presence. “Our goal of developing a national community of high performing optometry practices is best satisfied by aligning with the proven methods of EyeQ. We are excited to join their network of 26 sites and embrace the synergies of such an alliance. Utilising the existing administrative resources and experience of EyeQ will free up the NOC team to grow the business, both organically and through acquisition over time.”
EyeQ Optometrists, which was established in 2007, will comprise 41 locations in all Australian states and the ACT, with the inclusion of the NOC cohort of practices. With the tagline “Experts in Eyecare” the network is promoting its clinical focus, with practices servicing metropolitan, regional and country areas.
EyeQ Optometrists Executive Chairman, Ray Fortescue commented, “The EyeQ network has grown steadily over a number of years, delivering outstanding clinical eye care to the Australian public, of which we are immensely proud. We also recognise the need for critical mass to survive and thrive into the future. To that end we see the inclusion of NOC practices as a major boost to our goal of sustainable growth.”
He added, “I am proud that over recent years a number of younger optometrists have successfully commenced EyeQ Franchise Associate practices around the country creating their own independent futures, with the demanding ‘back-end’ business requirements of practice life supported by the systems EyeQ has created. We see this as a critical option for entrepreneurial optometrists who wish to have control over their future.”
The combined EyeQ and NOC network will be able to offer all the options: corporate career, Franchise Associate, managed services, succession planning and acquisition opportunities.
Mr Fortescue concluded, “Although 2020 for many, has been a year to forget, the potential for an exciting 2021 and beyond is keenly anticipated with this new alliance.”
