iOR Partners Unveils Integrated OMD/OD Framework for Office-Based Surgery

OMDs and ODs join forces in OBS suites to give U.S. eye care a whole new lens.

In a landscape where reimbursements fall faster than a post-dilation IOP, the timing for this collaboration feels…appropriate.

In a new announcement from iOR Partners (Missouri, USA)—a developer of ophthalmic office-based surgery (OBS) suites—the company introduced a collaboration model designed to bring ophthalmologists (OMDs) and optometrists (ODs) together under one OBS framework. The goal is to strengthen care coordination, expand surgical access and reinforce financial stability for eye care practitioners.

This initiative responds to long-standing pressures from both professions, including declining reimbursements,¹ a projected massive increase of Medicare-eligible patients,² and rapid expansion of large corporate healthcare providers in the surgical arena. By integrating OMD and OD roles within a single, efficient care setting, iOR aims to shift how clinical care and business operations can sustainably coexist in modern ophthalmology.

Tony Burns, iOR chief strategy officer said in a news release, “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.”

He continued, “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 [O]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.”

What the new model offers

The iOR collaboration introduces a shared system where OMDs and ODs work cohesively. Office-based surgery suites bring surgical capabilities into private practices, allowing procedures to take place in safe, accredited environments outside traditional hospitals and ambulatory centers. According to iOR:

For ophthalmologists, the model restores control over surgical decisions, stabilizes referral pathways, and improves practice efficiency.
For optometrists, it opens a new revenue stream while strengthening patient retention through continued collaboration rather than fragmented referrals.
For patients, it offers a smoother, more personalized experience from diagnosis to surgery to follow up within a unified care network.

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

Dr. Lance Kugler 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.”

Broader implications

Beyond having a financial stability for eye care professionals, iOR claims the model offers a glimpse into the future of outpatient eye care, enabling clinics to deliver the same level of safety and quality found in hospitals but with lower overhead and greater flexibility. As patient expectations shift toward convenience and continuity, OBS settings could meet those needs while preserving the personalized touch of independent practice.

Editor’s Note: This content is intended exclusively for healthcare professionals. It is not intended for the general public. Products or therapies discussed may not be registered or approved in all jurisdictions, including Singapore.

References

Medicare reimbursement rates explained: Why they keep declining, and what the future holds. Medical Economics. February 17, 2025. Available at: https://www.medicaleconomics.com/view/medicare-reimbursement-rates-explained-why-they-keep-declining-and-what-the-future-holds. Accessed on November 18, 2025.
The Budget and Economic Outlook: 2020 to 2030. Congressional Budget Office. January 28, 2020. Available at: https://www.cbo.gov/publication/56073. Accessed on November 18, 2025.