SMS Healthcare continues to expand its healthcare services portfolio with a new ophthalmology co-investment, further cementing the healthcare provider’s position as market leader in laser refractive eye surgery.
The co-investment in leading Australian laser refractive eye surgery clinic network, LASERSIGHT Australia (LASERSIGHT), with three clinics in QLD and two clinics operating under the name of LASERSIGHT in VIC and TAS. Now brings the company’s eye surgery portfolio to 14 leading clinics.
The latest in a series of co-investments – SMS Healthcare acquired Medownick Laser Clinic, Victoria, Eye and Laser Centre, Gold Coast, and KindSIGHT Eye Specialists, Brisbane and Redcliffe in late 2021 – follows private equity group Alceon’s backing of SMS Healthcare’s expansion strategy in September last year.
According to SMS Healthcare Managing Director, Carl Adams, the new acquisition aligns the growing demand for elective eye surgery procedures with the company’s commitment to collaborative care and working with the industry to achieve the best possible patient outcomes.
“The LASERSIGHT co-investment is another major step toward providing valuable programs that meet the healthcare needs of all Australians. We’re thrilled to have LASERSIGHT join our SMS family. This strategic co-investment supports SMS Healthcare’s primary goal of giving patients across the eastern Australian seaboard access to top specialists, cutting-edge technology, and best-in-class treatment options in accessible locations near to home, assuring the best patient results.” Mr Adams said.
“With an ageing population and a backlog of elective eye surgery procedure demand following the pandemic, LASERSIGHT’s track record and legacy will ensure a streamlining of the patient journey while also supporting our diversified healthcare consolidation strategy,” said Mr Adams.
Demand for eye surgery, currently a $1 billion industry, is forecast to increase over the next five years, with the highest growth expected in cataract surgery, laser correction and other types of corrective eye surgery.
With SMS Healthcare’s focus on integrating technology advances with a high level of patient satisfaction, the brand is positioned to help increase patient awareness of eye conditions and provide suitable options to them.
Across its wider portfolio, SMS Healthcare holds co-investments alongside the medical professional founders of 21 assets, including day and short-stay hospitals, allied health, and specialist medical practices spanning ophthalmology and laser eye surgery infrastructure across Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria.
