JACKSONVILLE, Fla., August 6, 2025 – Advancing Eyecare (“AEC”), a leading provider of ophthalmic instruments in North America, today announced the acquisition of Birmingham Optical Group (“Birmingham Optical” or the “Company”), a leading provider of optical equipment and services in the U.K. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Over more than 60 years, Birmingham Optical has built a reputation for reliability, dependability and innovation as a leading supplier to the optical industry in the U.K., delivering high-quality equipment, services and expertise to a wide range of optician, hospital, eye care clinic and optical laboratory customers. Today, the Company serves as the exclusive distributor of NIDEK products in the U.K. and Ireland, and maintains longstanding partnerships with industry-leading brands such as Natus, Keeler, Volk, Oertli, Hanita and others, offering a diversified, market-leading portfolio to customers at all price points.
This transaction significantly expands AEC’s global footprint and immediately establishes a strong presence in the U.K., while enabling Birmingham Optical and its broad customer base to benefit from AEC’s deeply rooted infrastructure, proprietary product lines and global manufacturer relationships. Following the transaction, Birmingham Optical will continue to be led by Arran Fewkes and the current management team, and will operate as a division of AEC, reporting to AEC CEO Jim McGrann.
“As we continue to thoughtfully grow the AEC platform, Birmingham Optical’s scalable solutions, track record of exceptional service and deeply embedded supplier and customer relationships across the U.K. market will be a strong complement to our leading North American capabilities,” said Mr. McGrann. “We are thrilled to be working with Arran and the entire team as we join forces to establish one of the largest networks of reliable service in the ophthalmic equipment industry in North America and Europe.”
“This is an exciting next chapter in Birmingham Optical’s storied history,” said Mr. Fewkes. “Our partnership with AEC will enhance our reach, product offerings and the best-in-class service our customers and partners expect. I look forward to collaborating closely with Jim and the world-class AEC team to build on the momentum across the business and grow our reputation as the partner of choice for the optical industry on both sides of the Atlantic.”
This strategic acquisition follows AEC’s recent partnership with Eyefficient, an Ohio-based supplier of ophthalmic instruments dedicated to supporting eye care professionals, third party distributors and independent sales representatives. With the completion of this transaction, AEC strengthens its position as a leader in the eyecare instrumentation ecosystem with a broad product portfolio and geographic reach.
CapM Advisors acted as financial advisor to Advancing Eyecare.
About Advancing Eyecare
Advancing Eyecare™ is the leading provider in the eyecare instrumentation marketplace established to offer the best products and service solutions in the ophthalmic equipment industry. Currently comprised of Marco Lombart, INNOVA Medical, S4Optik, Santinelli International, Birmingham Optical Group, and other leading brands, the combined scope of the organization has the broadest product portfolio, the most knowledgeable people, and the most reliable service in the industry. For more information, visit www.advancingeyecare.com.
About Birmingham Optical Group
Birmingham Optical is a leading provider of optical equipment and services in the U.K. With over 60 years of experience, Birmingham Optical is positioned as a key supplier in the industry providing equipment, services and expertise, and offering a market leading portfolio at all price points along with unrivalled levels of service. For more information, visit https://www.birminghamoptical.co.uk/.
Media Contacts:
For AEC:
Kristen Tischler – Vice President, Global Marketing
ktischler@advancingeyecare.com
757-530-6108
For Birmingham Optical:
Charlotte Anderson – Head of Marketing
charlie.anderson@birminghamoptical.co.uk
0808 123 2020
