fbpx

IRIS Acquires Two Clinics Including First Location in Maritimes

Laval, QC — IRIS, The Visual Group, announced its acquisition of “Blanchard & Soicher” in Fredericton, New Brunswick as well as acquiring a controlling interest of “la Clinique optométrique Ste-Thérèse”.

The Blanchard & Soicher clinic was founded in 1984 by Drs. Marisa Blanchard and Mel Soicher, and offers the full gamut of optometric services and is known for its family-style approach. This acquisition is a first step into the penetration of the Maritime market and adds another notch in the furtherance of its pan-Canadian expansion project.

Regarding the significant equity in the Ste Therese clinic, established in 1963, IRIS is continuing to pursue its pan-Canadian expansion strategy. Drs. Marie-Claude Thibault, Valérie Bélisle and Isabelle Lacroix will remain partners.

“We are very pleased to have acquired this optometry clinic that has been such an integral part of the Ste Thérèse community for over fifty-four years. Drs. Marie-Claude Thibault, Valérie Bélisle and Isabelle Lacroix are the third generation of optometrists to practice in this clinic founded by Drs. Jacqueline Moreau and Henri Allard and in which Dr. Louise Gagnon has been practicing since 1976” claimed Dr. Chaiken, president and CEO of IRIS.

 

Click below for the full press releases:

IRIS, Blanchard & Soicher

IRIS, Clinique optométrique Ste-Thérèse

 

Featured Posts

ZEISS Innovation 2026 - Webinar Invitation

Explore the Latest ZEISS Lens Innovations

ZEISS will host ZEISS Innovation 2026, a one-hour online event introducing new lens solutions designed to help ECPs strengthen their premium portfolio and grow prescription wear sales.

Learn More
The Vision Council logo

The Vision Council Releases New Research on Sunglasses Non-Wearers

A new report from The Vision Council examines why 37% of U.S. adults do not wear sunglasses, pointing to comfort, fit, style and habit-related barriers as key factors.

Read more
Michelle Skinner optical sales agent

Switching Gears

From Change Islands to practice ownership and independent sales, follow Michelle Skinner’s journey through the Atlantic Canada optical industry. A story of honesty, grit, and resilience.

Read more
EssilorLuxottica Meta logos 2025

EssilorLuxottica and Meta Launch New Meta Glasses Collection

EssilorLuxottica and Meta have introduced Meta Glasses, a new AI-enabled eyewear collection aimed at expanding access to smart glasses with Rx-able styles and multiple lens options.

Read more
Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE)

Latest CORE Publication Focuses on AI & Myopia Management

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to rapidly transform myopia...

Read more
ZEISS Innovation 2026 - Webinar Invitation

Explore the Latest ZEISS Lens Innovations

ZEISS will host ZEISS Innovation 2026, a one-hour online event introducing new lens solutions designed to help ECPs strengthen their premium portfolio and grow prescription wear sales.

Learn More
The Vision Council logo

The Vision Council Releases New Research on Sunglasses Non-Wearers

A new report from The Vision Council examines why 37% of U.S. adults do not wear sunglasses, pointing to comfort, fit, style and habit-related barriers as key factors.

Read More
Michelle Skinner optical sales agent

Switching Gears

From Change Islands to practice ownership and independent sales, follow Michelle Skinner’s journey through the Atlantic Canada optical industry. A story of honesty, grit, and resilience.

Read More
EssilorLuxottica Meta logos 2025

EssilorLuxottica and Meta Launch New Meta Glasses Collection

EssilorLuxottica and Meta have introduced Meta Glasses, a new AI-enabled eyewear collection aimed at expanding access to smart glasses with Rx-able styles and multiple lens options.

Read More
Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE)

Latest CORE Publication Focuses on AI & Myopia Management

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to rapidly transform myopia...

Read More
ZEISS Innovation 2026 - Webinar Invitation

Explore the Latest ZEISS Lens Innovations

ZEISS will host ZEISS Innovation 2026, a one-hour online event introducing new lens solutions designed to help ECPs strengthen their premium portfolio and grow prescription wear sales.

Learn More
The Vision Council logo

The Vision Council Releases New Research on Sunglasses Non-Wearers

A new report from The Vision Council examines why 37% of U.S. adults do not wear sunglasses, pointing to comfort, fit, style and habit-related barriers as key factors.

Read more
Michelle Skinner optical sales agent

Switching Gears

From Change Islands to practice ownership and independent sales, follow Michelle Skinner’s journey through the Atlantic Canada optical industry. A story of honesty, grit, and resilience.

Read more
EssilorLuxottica Meta logos 2025

EssilorLuxottica and Meta Launch New Meta Glasses Collection

EssilorLuxottica and Meta have introduced Meta Glasses, a new AI-enabled eyewear collection aimed at expanding access to smart glasses with Rx-able styles and multiple lens options.

Read more
Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE)

Latest CORE Publication Focuses on AI & Myopia Management

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to rapidly transform myopia...

Read more
ZEISS Innovation 2026 - Webinar Invitation

Explore the Latest ZEISS Lens Innovations

ZEISS will host ZEISS Innovation 2026, a one-hour online event introducing new lens solutions designed to help ECPs strengthen their premium portfolio and grow prescription wear sales.

Learn More
The Vision Council logo

The Vision Council Releases New Research on Sunglasses Non-Wearers

A new report from The Vision Council examines why 37% of U.S. adults do not wear sunglasses, pointing to comfort, fit, style and habit-related barriers as key factors.

Read more
Michelle Skinner optical sales agent

Switching Gears

From Change Islands to practice ownership and independent sales, follow Michelle Skinner’s journey through the Atlantic Canada optical industry. A story of honesty, grit, and resilience.

Read more
EssilorLuxottica Meta logos 2025

EssilorLuxottica and Meta Launch New Meta Glasses Collection

EssilorLuxottica and Meta have introduced Meta Glasses, a new AI-enabled eyewear collection aimed at expanding access to smart glasses with Rx-able styles and multiple lens options.

Read more
Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE)

Latest CORE Publication Focuses on AI & Myopia Management

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to rapidly transform myopia...

Read more