EyeCare Partners releases Quality and Outcomes Report, highlights optometric successes

For the optometry business unit, a total of almost 1.5 million patient examinations were recorded. Image credit: AdobeStock/ARAMYAN

EyeCare Partners (ECP) has released its first ever Quality and Outcomes Report, a comprehensive publication that outlines the organization’s highlights from 2024 in terms of clinical successes, innovation, research, and patient outcomes, according to a news release.¹ The report evaluates both the organization’s ophthalmology and optometry business units, in addition to education, eye care provider profiles, and patient stories, among others.²

“The release of our inaugural Quality and Outcomes Report marks a defining moment for EyeCare Partners. It’s more than a collection of metrics. It’s a reflection of our unwavering commitment to clinical excellence, innovation and transparency, made possible by our team members,” said ECP Chief Clinical Officer Antonio Capone Jr., MD, in the release. “By integrating insights, we are not only improving outcomes today but also laying the foundation for the future of eye health.”

For the optometry business unit, a total of almost 1.5 million patient examinations were recorded, defined as either new patient examinations, routine eye examinations, or appointments to update glasses and contact lens prescriptions. Almost 235,000 medical examination appointments were made to examine and treat specific patient symptoms. ECP’s return rates for patients were also higher than the national average, with an average of 13 months recorded compared to 18 months.²

Notably, teleoptometric comprehensive examinations performed decreased between 2023 and 2024, from 43,559 to 37,328 respectively.²

Across its national network of more than 1000 eye care providers, more than 2.4 million patient encounters were recorded and over 260,000 surgeries were performed in 2024. For cataract surgery, 94% of patients achieved 20/40 vision or better across all regions. Complications experienced after cataract and retina procedures were recorded at rates lower than national averages.¹

Strengths for the optometry business unit were cited in comanagement and referrals, with 52.6% of in-network referrals that were specialty matches within 30 miles increase from 45.7% to 52.6% between 2023 and 2024. Specialty matches within 45 and 60 miles, in addition to in-network referrals at any distance to any specialty, also increased between 2023 and 2024.²

As for research efforts, ECP participated in over 500 clinical trials last year, “including leading studies in sustained drug delivery for age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma, and regenerative therapies for corneal edema,” the release stated.¹ Other areas of focus include dry eye, diabetic macular edema, gene therapy, and geographic atrophy, among others. These clinical trials were held within ECP’s 23 research sites. Of these trials, there are currently 175 still active with a total of around 1000 participants.²

Additionally, ECP notes that its Innovation Center advanced the organization’s data infrastructure and consolidated over 6 million patient records. ECP also launched a Clinical Data Warehouse in order to support research and quality improvement.¹

“This report speaks to the power of physician-led care, data-driven innovation and our unwavering commitment to improving lives through visionary care,” said Chris Throckmorton, ECP CEO, in the release. “We are proud to share these results and excited about the future we are building together.”

Through the ECP Foundation, more than $175,000 in crisis relief was provided to employees and over 7000 eye glass frames were donated to underserved children. Another initiative by ECP was its launch of the Refractive Cataract Anterior Segment Fellowship.¹

Additionally, ECP spotlighted its residents and new hires straight out of optometry school in their report. Optometry residencies were offered to optometric students in 5 of ECP’s practices in 2024, with 11 residents employed at said practices. Over the course of the year, 44 new optometrists coming from optometry schools and residency programs were hired within the network’s practices.²

One optometrist, Diane Jessen, OD, of MEB Clarkson Eyecare in Wentzville Missouri, is the chair of OPT Mentorship and illustrated a dedication to mentoring new doctors in the report.²

“My role as a mentor is to meet the new doctor where they are and create a safe environment for open discussion, from treatment plans to professional development,” Jessen said in the report. “I want to help them grow, not only as clinicians but as individuals, so they can excel and make a lasting impact within our practice.”

References:

1. EyeCare Partners releases inaugural Quality and Outcomes Report. News release. EyeCare Partners. June 11, 2025. Accessed June 11, 2025. https://www.eyecare-partners.com/press-release/eyecare-partners-releases-inaugural-quality-and-outcomes-report/

2. Quality and Outcomes Report. EyeCare Partners. 2025. Accessed June 11, 2025. https://www.eyecare-partners.com/about/quality-and-outcomes-report/