Press Release

iOR Partners Launches First-of-its-Kind Surgeon/Optometrist Office-Based Surgery Collaboration Model

Kansas City, MO, November 12, 2025 – iOR Partners, the leading developer of ophthalmic office-based surgery (OBS) suites, today announced the launch of a groundbreaking collaboration model that brings together ophthalmologists (MDs) and optometrists (ODs) in a first-of-its-kind partnership. This new approach creates a streamlined continuum of care that benefits patients while allowing MDs to maintain autonomy and creating a path to financial stability in the face of declining reimbursements.

The current healthcare landscape presents significant challenges for ophthalmologists. With 37 million people entering Medicare by 2030 and proposed reimbursement cuts, the traditional third-party payer model is becoming unsustainable. To ensure physicians can continue to practice profitably, a strategic pivot to a primarily cash-based system is essential. This approach allows practices to create financial stability, enabling them to continue serving all patients, including those on Medicare and Medicaid, but on their own terms.

The rise of large retail-oriented corporations entering the surgical space further underscores the urgency for independent practices to act. By fostering MD/OD collaboration within an OBS model, we can get ahead of these market forces, secure the patient base, and overcome the imminent challenges facing ophthalmology.

"With reimbursements declining and corporate giants entering the surgical arena, it's clear we must pivot from a third party-dependent system to a primarily cash-based one,” said Tony Burns, Chief Strategy Officer of iOR Partners. “This doesn't mean we stop caring for our Medicare and Medicaid patients; it means we create the financial opportunity to do so at our own discretion. The MD/OD OBS collaboration is the most optimal solution to get in front of the massive changes heading our way and to build a future where surgeons remain in control."

A New Model of Collaboration

Legacy Eyecare and Kugler Vision in Omaha, NE are the first to embark in this MD/OD OBS model which breaks down traditional barriers between referring ODs and surgeons, offering:

- For ODs: new revenue streams, patient retention, and more cohesive care delivery.
- For Surgeons: increased surgical volume, a steady referral pipeline, and full medical control and accountability of procedures.
- For Patients: a seamless, patient-centered experience without the compartmentalization of typical referral pathways.

“Patients love the cohesiveness of this model—there is not the compartmentalization that has long been the standard in referrals,” said Jeff Brewer, OD, of Legacy Eyecare. “It’s a win for patients, doctors, and practices alike.”

Lance Kugler, MD, of Kugler Vision, added: “This partnership allows us to serve patients more efficiently, while expanding surgical opportunities. It redefines what collaboration in eye care can look like.”

Driving Growth Through Innovation

With more than 160 iOR Suites® integrated across the U.S. and Europe, iOR is pioneering models that bring surgical capabilities directly into practices. This evolution comes at a pivotal time:

• Demand for eye care continues to rise while the number of providers and their reimbursements are declining.
• Optometrists conduct 85% of annual eye exams, giving them unmatched access to potential surgical candidates.
• Patient demographics increasingly align with refractive and cataract procedures.
• Large optometric networks are already shifting toward recommending surgical care, signaling a broader industry trend.

The addition of AiOR, an AI-powered tool that identifies surgical candidates in seconds and re-engages inactive patients, further enhances growth potential. Early results from Legacy Eyecare and Kugler Vision demonstrate new revenue opportunities in as little as 60 days, increased patient retention, and steady financial gains that scale over time.

About iOR Partners

iOR Partners, LLC is paving the way for the future of ophthalmic surgery with innovative office-based surgical suites. iOR surgical suites provide surgeons the ability to offer more personalized care in a safe and comfortable surgical environment. The company’s comprehensive solution includes assistance with space build-out, acquiring surgical equipment, staff training, insurance acquisition, accreditation, and compliance services. iOR Partners is the only company dedicated exclusively to ophthalmic office-based surgery and partners with practices nationwide.

COMPANY CONTACT:
Brooke Basaldua
Email: bbasaldua@iorpartners.com

MEDIA CONTACT:
Deb Holliday
Holliday Communications, Inc.
Mobile: 412.877.4519
Email: deb@hollidaycommunications.net