Case Study
South Florida Eye Consultants
How a Boutique Ophthalmology Practice Cut Billing Time by 75 Percent with Optivate
South Florida Eye Consultants
This long-established boutique ophthalmology practice in Miami operates in a high complexity billing and specialty care environment where administrative efficiency directly affects physician quality of life. As billing demands increased, unreliable systems and manual workflows began to strain daily operations.
The Challenge
South Florida Eye Consultants needed an EHR solution that could accommodate a broad range of user experience levels, especially physicians who were less tech-savvy—without sacrificing speed or accuracy. At the same time, they needed stronger billing performance, greater system reliability, and a support team that could resolve issues quickly and consistently. Their existing software failed to meet these demands.
Why They Chose Optivate
The team needed a system that was intuitive, dependable, and easy to adopt, especially for physicians with limited comfort using new technology. They were looking for an integrated platform that would reduce friction, support daily workflows, and provide reliable long-term support. After speaking with peers and evaluating and demoing all of the major EHRs, the team found Optivate unmatched in efficiency and customer support. They chose Optivate for:
- Seamless integration between EHR and practice management workflows
- Minimal learning curve for less tech-savvy physicians
- Seamless migration from their previous system
- Hands-on training and guided onboarding
- Highly responsive, reliable customer support
- Meaningful time savings in billing and operations
- Ongoing follow-up and long-term vendor partnership
Why They Needed Change
The practice faced inefficiencies with its previous system, including limited support, unreliable performance, and a steep learning curve for some providers. These issues created workflow bottlenecks, impacted physician workflows, and resulted in inconsistent documentation and delayed billing, all of which were compounded by a lack of proactive support.
Optivate Solutions in Use
South Florida Eye Consultants uses Optivateʼs EHR, practice management, billing and collections workflows, integrated claims clearinghouse capabilities, scheduling, and the patient portal to streamline revenue cycle operations and reduce administrative burden.
Implementation
Optivate delivered a seamless implementation experience with effective training and highly responsive support. Data was migrated without disruption, and structured onboarding workflows enabled rapid adoption across the team, including users with limited technical familiarity.
Proactive check-ins and fast support across billing and EHR workflows ensured smooth, uninterrupted operations.
Client Profile
- Practice Name:
- South Florida Eye Consultants
- Practice Type:
- Boutique ophthalmology cornea and retina specialty practice
- Practice Size:
- Two physician boutique specialty practice
- Previous System:
- All-in-one Ophthalmology-specific EHR / PM
Learn From Their Success
Download PDFThe Results
Operational Efficiency
The solution enables faster billing turnaround and improved cash flow by reducing administrative time by up to 75%, delivering real-time daily accuracy in records and billing, and ensuring zero productivity loss during the transition.
System Reliability & Support
The platform provides immediate, cross-functional support with proactive follow-up, ensuring system stability and leaving no issues unresolved.
Physician & Staff Experience
The solution reduces physician stress and operational friction while enabling faster adoption across all experience levels.
The Outcome
Optivate eliminated billing bottlenecks and created a reliable, predictable operating environment for this boutique specialty practice.
Billing processes now move faster, staff work fewer administrative hours, and unresolved support issues are no longer part of daily life.
The practice now operates with less stress, greater confidence, and a stable operational foundation that supports long term sustainability.
"Billing alone cut my time by nearly three quarters. Everything works the way it should—itʼs efficient, reliable, and removes a huge amount of administrative effort."
Case Study
Orlando Eye Specialists
How a Solo Glaucoma Specialist Scaled to Over 55 Patients per Day with Optivate
Orlando Eye Specialists
Dr. Perez operates a fast-growing solo specialty practice in an increasingly challenging reimbursement environment where efficiency, automation, and cash flow stability directly determine long-term profitability. As patient volume increased, manual workflows and limited automation began to restrict growth potential.
The Challenge
As a solo practitioner building his practice, Dr. Perez needed a fully integrated EHR and practice management system that could scale with a growing patient base and staff. Manual data entry, administrative inefficiencies, and billing complexity created operational challenges, while managing a patient population with complex cases and extensive medication histories that required accurate, efficient documentation. Reducing administrative burden was essential to supporting patient volume growth and staff satisfaction without compromising quality of care.
Why They Chose Optivate
As a solo ophthalmologist building and scaling his practice from the ground up, Dr. Perez needed a solution that was efficient and dependable, with responsive support and the ability to scale alongside his patient volume. They chose Optivate for:
- Intuitive, physician-first workflows
- Strong peer recommendations
- Flexible cloud or on-prem deployment options
- Highly responsive, hands-on support
- Automation that reduces manual data entry
- Integrated billing and practice management
- Ability to scale with the practice
Why They Needed Change
Launching a new practice required tools that could maximize efficiency and eliminate unnecessary administrative overhead. Dr. Perez needed a solution that minimized manual data entry, supported remote and offline use, and provided responsive, trusted support. Automating processes —such as demographics capture and patient payments were essential to scaling the practice without compromising care quality or staff productivity.
Optivate Solutions in Use
Orlando Eye Specialists uses Optivateʼs EHR and Patient Engagement for digital patient intake capabilities, along with core practice management and integrated patient payment workflows to streamline operations, improve patient flow, and accelerate collections.
Implementation
Optivate delivered a tailored implementation process that resulted in a straightforward onboarding experience, with training, set-up, and configuration completed seamlessly.
The fully integrated EHR and practice management platform launched from day one with automated digital intake, patient communication, and text-to-pay billing. The workflow-aligned rollout preserved scheduling, throughput, and daily operations without reducing patient volume.
Client Profile
- Practice Name:
- Orlando Eye Specialists
- Practice Type:
- Ophthalmology and glaucoma specialty practice
- Practice Size:
- Solo physician practice with nine staff members
- Previous System:
- Multispecialty EHR
Learn From Their Success
Download PDFThe Results
Operational Efficiency
Greater patient throughput is achieved through a streamlined intake process that minimizes manual data entry and significantly reduces the overall administrative workload.
System Performance & Reliability
The platform delivers fully integrated EHR and practice management workflows with faster, more reliable imaging performance and a proven record of zero downtime or unresolved support issues.
Physician & Staff Experience
The system minimizes administrative distractions for providers and staff, enables faster onboarding through an intuitive interface, and provides clear financial visibility before patient visits.
The Outcome
Optivate introduced automation, standardized workflows, and faster revenue cycle performance into a fast-growing solo physician practice.
Daily operations now run more efficiently, staff workload is reduced, and billing and collections move faster without adding headcount.
The practice now operates with greater control, stronger cash flow stability, and a scalable digital foundation that supports continued growth under reimbursement pressure.
"Optivate helps me manage my office from the moment the patient walks in to when we check out the patient in a very seamless way."
Case Study
A Better Vue Eye Physicians
How a High Volume Ophthalmology Practice Gained Back Over 7 Hours a Week with Optivate
A Better Vue Eye Physicians
A Better Vue Eye Physicians is a mature, high volume ophthalmology practice where physician time and documentation speed directly impact daily throughput and profitability. As patient demand increased, inefficient charting workflows began to limit productivity and create unnecessary after-hours work.
The Challenge
A Better Vue Eye Physicians had outgrown its original optometry-specific EHR. The prior system relied heavily on typed notes and manual entry, which slowed documentation and reduced clinic efficiency. Charting often extended well beyond patient visits, creating after-hours work and frustration for providers and staff. With a high-volume schedule of roughly 55 patients per day and a large clinical team, the practice needed a platform that was intuitive, customizable, and truly built for ophthalmology workflows.
Why They Chose Optivate
After years of using an inefficient type-heavy optometry-specific EHR that slowed documentation and disrupted workflow, the practice sought a system that felt intuitive, supported real clinical workflows, and improved efficiency for both physicians and staff. They chose Optivate for:
- Intuitive, point-of-care charting
- Faster workflows that save meaningful time
- Easy staff adoption with minimal training
- Flexible, on-the-fly customization
- Seamless alignment between charting and billing
- Hands-on onboarding and responsive support
Why They Needed Change
Leadership needed an EMR designed specifically for ophthalmology—one that would improve efficiency rather than slow it down. Key priorities included faster, more intuitive charting, customizable templates, strong technical support, and a system that allowed physicians to complete documentation during business hours. The goal was to eliminate after-hours charting, improve staff satisfaction, and create a smoother experience for both patients and providers.
Optivate Solutions in Use
A Better Vue Eye Physicians uses Optivateʼs EHR for charting, customization, and integrated clinical and billing workflows to accelerate documentation, improve billing efficiency, and reduce administrative burden.
Implementation
The transition to Optivate was hands-on and collaborative, with staff given early access to explore workflows and customizations in real clinical scenarios. As a result, formal training focused on fine-tuning rather than basic adoption.
Optivateʼs technical team provided close guidance through go-live, enabling a smooth transition that maintained full scheduling, throughput, and uninterrupted patient volume.
Client Profile
- Practice Name:
- A Better Vue Eye Physicians
- Practice Type:
- Comprehensive ophthalmology practice specializing in cataract, LASIK, and glaucoma care
- Practice Size:
- Two physicians, 35 staff members
- Previous System:
- Optometry-specific EHR
Learn From Their Success
Download PDFThe Results
Operational Efficiency
Physicians save 60–90 minutes daily, increasing capacity to see additional patients. Point-of-care charting at the point of care and no after-hours charting or overtime
Staff Experience
Easy to use, intuitive daily workflow; Higher staff satisfaction and retention and lower administrative costs
Patient Experience
Faster, more efficient visits to allow physicians to focus more on the patients, fewer delays during visits and improved overall patient experience
The Outcome
Optivate replaced inefficient documentation with fast, intuitive workflows that fit naturally into the way the practice operates.
Physicians now complete charts at the point of care, billing runs more smoothly, and after-hours documentation has been significantly reduced. Staff experience less administrative pressure and greater day to day consistency.
The practice now runs with greater efficiency, higher confidence, and a stable digital foundation that supports continued growth.
"I finish my charts every time before I leave the room with a patient. That saves me literally an hour to an hour and a half every day."
Case Study
West Coast Eye Institute
How a Five Physician Ophthalmology practice went paperless in 30 days with Optivate without reducing patient volume.
West Coast Eye Institute
West Coast Eye Institute is a high volume, multi-location ophthalmology practice where speed, accuracy, and consistency directly impact patient experience and revenue performance. As the practice continued to grow, paper-based workflows became a daily bottleneck, making it harder to maintain operational efficiency across two busy locations.
The Challenge
The practice had outgrown paper charts.
With five physicians documenting care in different ways across two locations, records were inconsistent and difficult to manage. Charts were hard to locate, billing workflows were manual, and retrieving patient information was time consuming and unreliable.
There were no computers in exam rooms, no standardized documentation, and no centralized digital infrastructure.
Why They Chose Optivate
The team spent seven years evaluating ophthalmology-specific EHR platforms before selecting Optivate.They chose Optivate for:
- Strong coding and billing functionality
- Built-in ophthalmic imaging
- Fast intuitive workflows
- Minimal disruption to physician productivity
- Specialty-specific support
- White-glove IT and onboarding services
Why They Needed Change
Leadership needed a way to modernize operations while maintaining patient volume.
Key needs included standardized documentation, faster billing workflows, better chart access across locations, and a system that would not interfere with physician productivity or patient interaction.
Optivate Solutions in Use
West Coast Eye Institute uses Optivateʼs EHR for integrated imaging, charting, coding, and billing workflows, along with standardized clinical documentation that supports scribe-driven care and consistent charting across all physicians.
Implementation
West Coast Eye Institute transitioned from paper to Optivate in under a month, led by a phased and carefully managed rollout that maintained full patient volume. Optivate delivered comprehensive training and facilitated a complete IT setup, enabling a smooth go-live.
Implementation followed a thoughtfully crafted and workflow-aligned roadmap that preserved normal scheduling, throughput, and day-to-day clinical operations, ensuring patient volume was maintained throughout.
Client Profile
- Practice Name:
- West Coast Eye Institute
- Practice Type:
- Multispecialty ophthalmology including cornea, cataract, and comprehensive care
- Practice Size:
- Five physicians, two locations, approximately 50 staff members
- Previous System:
- Paper charts
Learn From Their Success
Download PDFThe Results
Operational Efficiency
Streamlined workflows with faster documentation and billing, instant chart access across locations, reduced paperwork and after-hours charting, and improved billing accuracy.
Standardization and Compliance
Consistent charting across all physicians and improved audit readiness
Physician Experience
Charts are completed before patients leave and reduced administrative burden
The Outcome
Optivate transformed West Coast Eye Institute into a fully digital, standardized practice in just thirty days without sacrificing patient volume.
Daily workflows are now faster, more consistent, and significantly easier for both physicians and staff. Charts are completed before the patient leaves the room, billing moves faster, and teams no longer lose time searching for records.
The practice now operates with confidence, control, and a technology foundation built to support long term growth and scalability.
"We went from paper charts to fully electronic in one month and never reduced patient volume. Optivate allowed us to stay focused on patients rather than computers."
MIPS Highlights 2025 – Q4 Wrapping Up the Year
As the year winds down and we head into the holiday season, it’s the perfect time to make sure your practice is well-positioned for a strong finish to the 2025 MIPS performance year. Your Verana IRIS dashboard will continue refreshing monthly, giving you updated insights to help guide your planning and strategy for next year. Before we turn the page to 2026, here’s a recap of the key dates and updates you’ll want to keep in mind:
2025 MIPS Deadlines
December 31, 2025
- End of the 2025 MIPS performance period
- Deadline to submit an Extreme & Uncontrollable Circumstances Hardship Application or PI Exemption
- Final day to complete the 2025 Security Risk Analysis (SRA) and SAFER Guide
- Verana Submission Portal – Please refer to the recent email from Verana for details.
- Upload completed CMS 1500 Claim Form (HCFA)
- Verify Clinicians
- Update TIN details
January 31, 2026
- DRCF Form: If you are participating in the 2025 Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) via the AAO IRIS Registry, the DRCF (Data Release Consent Form) must be signed by January 31, 2026. Important: A $500 fee will be applied to any DRCF signed after January 31, 2026.
*Verana deadlines may be subject to change.
End-of-Year Reminder: Improvement Activities
As we move through the final month of 2025, this is your last opportunity to ensure your practice meets the Improvement Activity (IA) requirement for the 2025 MIPS reporting year. Since CMS requires a minimum 90-day IA performance period, the latest possible start date was October 3, 2025.
If your practice did not begin an IA by that deadline, you still have options:
Option 1: Identify an Activity You Already Performed
Review your practice operations from earlier in the year to determine whether you have already completed an activity that qualifies as an Improvement Activity. Many common workflows—such as care coordination, patient communication processes, or population management efforts—may meet IA specifications if properly documented.
If you can identify a qualifying activity and have supporting evidence, you can still attest for 2025.
Option 2: Use the CMS MIPS Feedback Survey (IA_EPA_5)
CMS is currently offering an opportunity that may qualify as a completed Improvement Activity, even at the end of the year.
CMS is requesting input from clinicians who have reviewed their 2024 MIPS final performance feedback on the QPP website. If you participate, your feedback will help CMS refine how performance data is presented in the future.
Click Here to Take the Survey
This option can be especially valuable for practices that missed the October IA start date and need a compliant way to meet the IA requirement before the end of the performance year.
- IA_EPA_1 (24/7 Access to Clinicians with Real-Time Record Access) is retired. This was one of the most widely used activities, so you’ll need to select and document a new IA for at least 90 consecutive days in 2025.
- At least 50% of your MIPS-eligible clinicians must actively perform the chosen IA.
- Documentation is essential—you must retain proof to support your activity in the event of a CMS audit.
- CMS has eliminated weighting for Improvement Activities.
- Large practices: 2 activities (any level)
- Small practices: 1 activity (any level)
Ongoing MIPS Education and Support
We greatly appreciate the trust you place in us to support your MIPS reporting process. Over the years, we have guided practices through the EMR processes, shared helpful resources, and provided insights to help you successfully manage your MIPS reporting.
As a reminder, we do not offer personalized MIPS consulting services at this time.
We are available to help you understand the EMR functionality and available tools. If you’re looking for more in-depth, tailored guidance or performance analysis beyond what our team can provide, we encourage you to explore Verana Health’s MIPS Advisory Services.
As we close out the year, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your continued trust, partnership, and loyalty. It’s been our privilege to support your practice, and we look forward to bringing you even greater value as we fully transition to Optivate in the new year. From all of us, we wish you a joyful, restful, and truly happy holiday season. We’re excited for all that 2026 will bring—and grateful to be on this journey with you.
AAO 2025 Recap
How Ophthalmology Is Advancing Through Intelligent, Integrated Innovation
A Defining Moment for Ophthalmology Innovation
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) annual meeting has always been the leading
forum for innovation and clinical progress in eye care. But AAO 2025, held in Orlando, marked a
clear shift in focus, from incremental improvement to intelligent transformation.
AI, automation, and integration moved from buzzwords to baselines, reflecting a profession
ready to reimagine how care is delivered.
Across exhibitor booths, the conversations centered on one truth: Ophthalmology is entering
an intelligent era—where data, design, and decision-support converge to empower both
providers and patients.
For technology leaders like Optivate (formerly known as EyeMD EMR Healthcare Systems), AAO
2025 was more than a showcase. It was a validation that the specialty is ready for fully
connected ecosystems, AI-enhanced documentation, and purpose-built solutions that simplify
clinical and operational complexity.
The Central Theme: Intelligence With Intent
AI dominated the show floor. Every conversation, from booth demos to panel Q&As, gravitated
toward its potential to solve ophthalmology’s greatest challenge: time.
Providers shared stories of burnout from administrative work and charting redundancy. AI
emerged not as a futuristic ideal but as a practical answer to a familiar question:
How can we give clinicians time back for care?
Attendees described AI as “a game-changer” for practice efficiency, especially when embedded
directly into clinical workflows. From real-time transcription to diagnostic image interpretation,
the message was clear, AI belongs inside the software, not outside it.
And that alignment, AI meeting ophthalmology where it already works, became one of AAO
2025’s most important takeaways.
1. AI is Redefining Clinical Efficiency in Modern
Ophthalmology
The leap from curiosity to commitment was unmistakable. In 2024, conversations about AI
were speculative; in 2025, they were strategic. Physicians wanted to understand not if they
should adopt AI, but how soon. Surveys and booth feedback revealed that more than two-thirds
of visitors now view AI as a core component of the clinical workflow, not just an add-on.
Key drivers fueling AI adoption include:
● Time Efficiency: AI-driven charting and speech-to-text tools free up time, allowing clinicians to see more
patients and reduce after-hours documentation.
● Accuracy & Compliance: Intelligent documentation reduces human error, automatically capturing key clinical
data points needed for billing and quality reporting.
● Enhanced Patient Experience: When physicians spend less time at screens, patient engagement improves—an
increasingly critical differentiator for private practices.
As one attendee put it,
“AI isn’t replacing the physician; it’s replacing the friction that slows the physician down.”
2. Integration Replaces Fragmentation
AAO 2025 underscored the industry’s continued move away from siloed systems. For years,
ophthalmologists have juggled multiple platforms including EMR, practice management,
imaging, billing, and patient engagement, with each operating in isolation. This fragmentation
created inefficiencies and data gaps that hindered coordinated care.
The takeaway this year: integration isn’t a feature; it’s a foundation.
Practices now demand platforms that deliver:
● Unified data flows between EMR, PM, patient engagement, and RCM software and
workflows.
● Single-screen visibility for clinical, financial, and patient-communication metrics.
● Automated hand-offs between technicians, providers, and billing teams.
Ophthalmology-specific vendors demonstrated that “all-in-one” no longer means compromise.
When integration is designed intentionally, it produces measurable gains in both revenue and
satisfaction.
Optivate’s connected ecosystem, built for ophthalmology from the ground up, illustrates how
seamless integration can free staff from administrative drag while giving leaders better
analytics for growth.
3. Renewed Focus on Ophthalmology-Specific Solutions
Another clear takeaway was specialization. Multi-specialty EMRs may cover general workflows,
but they rarely capture the nuance of ophthalmology’s diagnostic precision.
Attendees expressed renewed appreciation for systems designed for their field, by their field.
The specialty-specific model offers advantages that resonated throughout AAO 2025:
● Purpose-built Templates tailored to eye-care exams and imaging workflows.
● Software Integrations that communicate seamlessly with diagnostic equipment.
● Terminology Alignment matching ophthalmology’s clinical language and billing codes.
● Dedicated Support Teams trained in the unique needs of ophthalmology practices.
As one administrator noted during a breakout session,
“Multi-specialty software treats ophthalmology like a checkbox. Ophthalmology-specific
software treats it like a craft.”
This emphasis on craft and purpose-driven technology underscored the growing maturity of
ophthalmology’s digital transformation.
4. The Rebrand Conversation: Optivate’s New Identity Reflects a Broader Vision
AAO 2025 marked a defining moment for EyeMD EMR Healthcare Systems — now known as
Optivate. The event served as the first major platform to showcase the company’s evolving
identity — one that reflects a broader vision for ophthalmology innovation and intelligent,
connected care.
While some attendees initially approached the booth curious about the new name, the
transition quickly became a catalyst for conversation. Once they experienced the familiar team,
product excellence, and unified platform behind the new identity, curiosity turned to familiar
deep confidence.
The name Optivate embodies the company’s mission: to optimize care and elevate what
matters. It signifies a next chapter built on the trusted legacy of EyeMD EMR, now expanded to
include advanced AI capabilities, seamless workflow integration, and a refined user experience
tailored to ophthalmology.
Feedback from both current clients and new prospects was overwhelmingly positive. Many
described the rebrand as “modern,” “professional,” and ““exactly what the market was waiting
for.” Existing customers expressed confidence that the transition represents growth, not
replacement, and that the people and values behind EyeMD EMR remain unchanged.
“The new name feels like a natural evolution,” one long-time client noted. “It shows the
company has matured and is ready for the next era of intelligent ophthalmology technology.”
This rebrand conversation became one of AAO 2025’s most memorable themes, reinforcing
that Optivate isn’t just a new name; it’s a commitment to clarity, innovation, and long-term
partnership in eye care.
5. The Human Factor Still Defines Technology Success
Despite the focus on automation, AAO 2025 reminded everyone that technology’s value
depends on human connection. The most visited booths weren’t necessarily those with the
flashiest AI demos, but those with engaged, knowledgeable teams who could translate
innovation into outcomes.
At Optivate’s booth, the synergy between product specialists, sales leaders, and clinicians
created authentic dialogue. Visitors sensed alignment between what the brand promised and
what its people delivered. This underscores a broader lesson for all vendors and practices alike:
Innovation succeeds when it enhances relationships, not replaces them.
6. The Road Ahead: From Intelligent Tools to Intelligent
Ecosystems
As conversations wound down in Orlando, one consensus remained: the next wave of
ophthalmology technology will center on adaptive systems that learn from real-world data.
Next-generation systems will not only automate tasks but also anticipate needs, offering
proactive recommendations based on data patterns across the entire patient lifecycle.
Emerging directions discussed at AAO 2025 include:
● Predictive Analytics for disease progression and resource planning.
● AI-Assisted Imaging Interpretation that triages abnormal scans for physician review.
● Deeper Voice-Driven Workflows integrated more deeply into mobile apps for hands-
free charting.
● Cross-Platform Data Exchange between surgical centers, diagnostic devices, and patient
engagement tools.
Optivate has already begun exploring these innovations, ensuring that future releases build on
real-world ophthalmology feedback rather than generic AI prototypes.
7. Key Lessons for Practices: Turning Insight into Action
For practice owners and administrators who couldn’t attend AAO 2025, several actionable
insights emerged:
- Audit Your Workflow for AI Readiness
Map where documentation bottlenecks occur. These are prime opportunities for
automation. - Invest in Integration, Not Interfaces
Prioritize vendors that offer unified data flow rather than disconnected plug-ins. - Prioritize Specialty Alignment
Choose platforms designed for ophthalmology to ensure relevance and longevity. - Prepare Your Team
Successful AI adoption requires cultural readiness. Staff should see it as an ally, not an
adversary. - Benchmark Your Data
Use analytics to measure how efficiency and outcomes improve post-implementation.
By translating these takeaways into practice, clinics can position themselves at the forefront of
a new efficiency frontier.
Let’s explore how Optivate can streamline your workflows and prepare your practice for the
intelligent future of eye care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s next for ophthalmology technology after AAO 2025?
Expect deeper AI integration across imaging, documentation, and analytics; stronger
interoperability between systems; and a continued shift toward all-in-one, specialty-specific
platforms.
What was the main theme of AAO 2025?
AAO 2025 focused on intelligent, connected technology, especially AI integration, workflow
automation, and the convergence of clinical and administrative systems.
Why is AI so important for ophthalmology right now?
AI addresses documentation burden, improves diagnostic accuracy, and enhances patient
communication. As practices face staffing shortages, increasing costs, and tightening
regulations, AI delivers meaningful time savings without compromising care quality.
What did Optivate (f/k/a as EyeMD EMR Healthcare Systems) highlight at AAO 2025?
Optivate showcased its evolving AI-driven platform and introduced its new brand identity.
The company demonstrated how integrated EMR, PM, and patient-engagement solutions
simplify daily workflows for ophthalmology practices.
How did attendees respond to the rebrand from EyeMD EMR to Optivate?
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees described the new identity as modern,
confident, and reflective of the company’s growth and long-term commitment to
ophthalmology.
EyeMD EMR Healthcare Systems Announces Rebrand to Optivate
Signaling Expanded Vision for Ophthalmology Practices and Eye Care Providers
Rebrand builds on EyeMD EMR’s legacy while positioning Optivate for future-ready innovation and growth.
BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. – September 17, 2025 – EyeMD EMR Healthcare Systems and its subsidiary, Abillifeye (collectively EyeMD EMR), a trusted provider of specialty-built healthcare technology software and medical billing services for ophthalmology practices and eye care specialists, today announced it is rebranding as Optivate.
The new brand reflects the company’s evolution beyond its original identity, as it continues to simplify workflows, empower providers, and prepare practices for the future of healthcare technology.
“This rebrand represents an exciting new chapter for our company. As EyeMD EMR, we built a strong reputation as a trusted partner for eye care providers. With Optivate, we’re building on that legacy while accelerating innovation and delivering smarter solutions that make complexity feel simple. Our focus is clear: to streamline workflows, empower providers, and elevate patient outcomes — ensuring every ophthalmology practice can thrive in an increasingly complex healthcare environment,” said Abdiel Marin, CEO of Optivate.
What’s Changing and What’s Not
- Name & Brand Identity: Beginning with a new website and refreshed visual identity, EyeMD EMR will complete the rebrand to Optivate by the end of 2025.
- Continuity of Service: Clients will continue to use the EyeMD EMR platform, services, and legacy website until the transition is complete. No changes are required at this time.
- Commitment to Innovation: Optivate reflects the company’s focus on clarity and confidence, embedding innovations such as AI-enabled workflows and seamlessly connected solutions to allow users to focus on delivering exceptional patient care.
Our Mission, Vision & Values
- Mission: To enhance the delivery of ophthalmic care through advanced technology that streamlines workflows, empowers providers, and elevates patient outcomes.
- Vision: A future where every ophthalmology practice thrives, powered by intelligent technology, respected for its care, and unburdened by complexity.
- Values: Partner with practices, own outcomes and earn trust, elevate the standard, make complexity feel simple, and communicate with clarity.
About Optivate
Optivate (formerly EyeMD EMR Healthcare Systems and its subsidiary, Abillifeye) delivers specialty-built software and solutions that help ophthalmology practices cut through complexity and focus on care. From EMR and PM to RCM and patient engagement, Optivate provides clarity that powers confident care. Built on best-in-class customer support and an exclusive long-standing dedication to eye care, Optivate is the partner of choice for eye care providers seeking to remove friction, empower care teams, and elevate patient outcomes.
MIPS Highlights 2025 – Q3
With summer in the rearview mirror and students back in classrooms, it’s the perfect time to refocus on your 2025 MIPS goals. Your Verana IRIS dashboard will continue to refresh monthly, giving you the latest data to guide your performance. Hopefully, your recent check-in with your Verana Practice Experience Manager (PEM) helped you fine-tune your strategy for success.
As we move into the second half of the year, let’s review the critical milestones and updates that will help you finish strong.
2025 MIPS Deadlines
May 2025* – Verana will update dashboards with 2025 Quality data
May 31, 2025* – Deadline to Register with Verana for 2025 participation and select service level
June 2025 – Final 2024 MIPS scores released on the QPP website
June 15, 2025* – Deadline to Register for EHR Integration with IRIS Registry
July 5, 2025 – Last day to start the 180-day Promoting Interoperability (PI) performance period
August 1, 2025* – Last day to notify Verana Health about changes to EHR or data system (system upgrade, moving to the cloud or new system)
October 3, 2025 – Last day to begin a 90-day Improvement Activity (IA) performance period
October 31, 2025* – Deadline to Submit Mapping Requests to Verana Health
December 31, 2025 –End of the 2025 MIPS performance period
Deadline to submit an Extreme & Uncontrollable Hardship Application or a Promoting Interoperability Exemption
Final day to complete the Security Risk Analysis (SRA) and SAFER Guide for 2025
* Verana deadline dates are subject to change
What’s New for Improvement Activities in 2025
CMS has made some notable adjustments for the 2025 reporting year, especially for EyeMD EMR users.
The IA_EPA_1 activity — Provide 24/7 Access to MIPS Eligible Clinicians or Groups Who Have Real-Time Access to Patient’s Medical Record — is being retired. This was one of the easiest and most common activities, so you’ll need to choose and document a new Improvement Activity for a minimum of 90 consecutive days in 2025.
Key requirement: At least 50% of your MIPS-eligible providers must actively perform the selected Improvement Activity during the performance period. It is the practice’s responsibility to maintain thorough documentation to prove compliance in the event of a CMS audit.
Another major shift: CMS has removed the weighting system for Improvement Activities.
Before 2025:
- Large practices (16+ providers): 2 High-Weighted or 4 Medium-Weighted measures
- Small practices (≤16 providers): 1 High-Weighted or 2 Medium-Weighted measures
Starting 2025:
- Large practices: 2 activities (any weight)
- Small practices: 1 activity (any weight)
Small Practice Advantages
If your practice has 16 or fewer providers, you’ll continue to benefit from MIPS flexibilities, including:
Only 1 IA required (no weighting)
6 bonus points for reporting at least one Quality Measure
Automatic Promoting Interoperability exemption with points redistributed to other categories (still eligible for bonuses)
3 points awarded for Quality Measures that don’t meet completeness, case minimums, or benchmarks
Spotlight on FHIR
FHIR is a required part of MIPS Promoting Interoperability (PI), but its importance goes beyond MIPS reporting. If your practice attested for PI last year, FHIR should already be enabled—please make sure this is the case.
Even if you’re not planning to attest to PI for 2025, your practice is still expected to make a FHIR API available for patient-authorized apps. FHIR also supports compliance with the 21st Century Cures Act and the Information Blocking Rule by enabling standardized, API-based data sharing. Failure to comply can result in enforcement action s, financial penalties, and reputational risks under ONC and OIG oversight.
We’ll be sharing more detailed guidance on FHIR in an upcoming newsletter, so keep an eye out for that update.
To enable FHIR for your practice, please contact Customer Service:
CS@EyeMDEMR.com
877-239-3367 (Option 2)
Fall Action Plan
To stay ahead of the curve, make sure to:
Select your 2025 Improvement Activity and begin no later than October 2, 2025 Start working on your Security Risk Analysis (SRA) early Meet with your Verana PEM to review your dashboard and ensur e progress is on track Submit any mapping requests to Verana before the October 31, 2025, deadline
If you haven’t already, contact Customer Service to enable FHIR.
We’re Here to Help
Have questions about MIPS requirements or navigating your Verana dashboard?
Contact your Verana Practice Experience Manager (PEM) or the EyeMD EMR Training team at 877-239-3367, option 4 for guidance and support.
MIPS Highlights 2025 – Q2
Spring has sprung, which means it’s time to start your 2025 MIPS planning and monitoring. If you haven’t already scheduled an appointment with your Verana Practice Experience Manager, now is the time to do so. Additionally, this year Verana is requiring registration to verify practice details and select a service level. Please review details on Verana’s new service level selection and be sure to register by May 31, 2025.
2025 MIPS Deadlines
May 2025* – Verana will update dashboards with 2025 Quality data
May 31, 2025* – Deadline to Register with Verana for 2025 participation and select service level
June 2025 – Final 2024 MIPS scores released on the QPP website
June 15, 2025* – Deadline to Register for EHR Integration with IRIS Registry
July 5, 2025 – Last day to start the 180-day Promoting Interoperability (PI) performance period
August 1, 2025* – Last day to notify Verana Health about changes to EHR or data system (system upgrade, moving to the cloud or new system)
October 3, 2025 – Last day to begin a 90-day Improvement Activity (IA) performance period
October 31, 2025* – Deadline to Submit Mapping Requests to Verana Health
December 31, 2025 – End of the 2025 MIPS performance period
Deadline to submit an Extreme & Uncontrollable Hardship Application or a Promoting Interoperability Exemption
Final day to complete the Security Risk Analysis (SRA) and SAFER Guide for 2025
* Verana deadline dates are subject to change
Key Changes to Improvement Activities (IA) for 2025
Several updates to the 2025 MIPS reporting year may impact your practice. The most significant change for EyeMD EMR users is the retirement of IA_EPA_1: Provide 24/7 Access to MIPS Eligible Clinicians or Groups Who Have Real-Time Access to Patient’s Medical Record. This was one of the most widely used and easily met activities. With its retirement, it is critical to select and document a new Improvement Activity for at least 90 consecutive days in 2025.
Additionally, CMS has eliminated weighting for Improvement Activities. Previously, practices had to complete:
- 2 High-Weighted measures or 4 Medium-Weighted measures
- Small practices (≤16 providers) needed to complete half of that
For 2025, all activities carry equal weight:
- Large practices (16+ providers) must report 2 measures
- Small practices (≤16 providers) must report 1 measure
Support for Small Practices
Practices with 16 or fewer providers continue to receive MIPS support, including:
Only 1 IA required (no weighting applied) 6 bonus points for reporting at least one Quality Measure Automatic exemption from Promoting Interoperability (PI) with points reallocated to other categories (while remaining eligible for bonuses) 3 points for Quality Measures that do not meet full data completeness, case minimums (20 patients), or benchmarks
Practices in designated Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) and Rural Areas may receive additional support.
A Word About FHIR
While this newsletter focuses on MIPS requirements, we also want to highlight the upcoming 2025 requirements for FHIR API connectivity.
If you attested to PI in the past year, you should already have activated the FHIR API. However, if you haven’t attested to PI, this may be a new term for you. Learn more about FHIR and its impact on your practice 21st Century Cures Act and Information Blocking Rule.
For 2025 PI attestation, FHIR activation is mandatory. Without it, you cannot report PI. Even if you do not plan to report PI, you will still need FHIR activation to comply with upcoming payer requirements, which will reduce administrative burden and streamline claims payments and authorizations. This transition will start with CMS and expand rapidly to private payers.
To enable FHIR API for your practice, please contact Customer Service:
CS@EyeMDEMR.com 877-239-3367 (Option 2)
MIPS 2025 Spring Checklist
Review the Improvement Activities list and select an activity that fits your practice Decide whether to attest to PI for 2025 – If yes, schedule a PI meeting with your EyeMD Trainer and start working on the High-Priority SAFER Guide Begin work on the Security Risk Analysis (SRA)
Need Assistance?
If you have any questions regarding MIPS or navigating your Verana dashboard, don’t hesitate to contact your Verana Practice Experience Manager or the EyeMD EMR Training team.
EyeMD EMR Healthcare Systems Announces Significant Growth Investment from Performant Capital
CHICAGO, IL – April 24, 2025 – EyeMD EMR Healthcare Systems, Inc., (“EyeMD EMR” or “the Company”), a leading provider of healthcare technology software solutions purpose-built for ophthalmologists and eye care specialists, announced a significant majority growth investment from Performant Capital, a Chicago-based private equity firm focused on partnering with and scaling software and technology-enabled businesses.
Performant’s investment marks the next step in EyeMD EMR’s growth journey, supporting the Company as it continues to expand its platform and deepen its focus on serving ophthalmologists. EyeMD EMR’s leadership team will remain at the helm, committed to driving the mission of innovating and providing specialty-focused solutions.
“EyeMD EMR was founded with a singular focus to serve ophthalmologists with software designed specifically for their needs,” said Abdiel Marin, Founder and CEO of EyeMD EMR. “This founding vision continues to guide us, and in Performant, we have found a partner who not only shares our mission but also aligns with our vision. Their track record of scaling businesses and their alignment with our vision made this a natural fit, and we are thrilled and excited to partner with Performant to accelerate growth and innovations, providing even greater value to our customers.“
“Ophthalmology is a field with evolving and increasingly complex needs. This investment will advance our core offerings, including EMR, PM, Axon patient engagement, and RCM services, while also allowing us to stay at the forefront of innovations. We are excited to work with Performant to expand the capabilities of our platform while continuing to deliver best-in-class customer support,” said Gus Savloff, Chief Growth Officer of EyeMD EMR.
“We are incredibly excited about the future and look forward to collaborating with Performant to further enhance our technical platforms. Our continued focus is on building tools that reduce practices’ administrative burdens while maximizing reimbursement, ultimately simplifying workflows for ophthalmologists so they can concentrate on delivering exceptional patient care,” said Jessica Marin, President of Abillifeye, the RCM and billing division of EyeMD EMR.
“We couldn’t be more excited to join forces with EyeMD EMR,” said Michael Ciaglia, Partner at Performant Capital. “This investment underscores our commitment to partnering with dynamic and mission-critical companies for whom Performant’s unique blend of operational, technology, and investing expertise can unlock significant growth. As the leading EMR built exclusively for ophthalmologists, their unwavering commitment to the specialty and the strength of their purpose-built platform make them a truly special company, and we’re excited to work together and support the next chapter of growth and success.”
“At Performant, we look to back teams solving important problems with focus and clarity,” said James Won, Vice President at Performant Capital. “EyeMD EMR has done exactly that, developing a solution tailored to the unique clinical and operational needs of eye care professionals. We’re thrilled to partner with the team, and we look forward to investing even more in product innovation, user experience, and workflow efficiency to continue enabling our customers to deliver exceptional patient outcomes.”
Founded in 2009, EyeMD EMR was built from the ground up in collaboration with practicing, board-certified ophthalmologists, ensuring every element of the platform reflects the real-world clinical and workflow needs of the specialty. This strong alignment with the needs of eye care providers earned the Company the 2024 Best in KLAS Award for Ophthalmology EMR, further validating the strength of its core EMR platform and its broader suite of solutions, including the Company’s practice management and patient engagement software, and revenue cycle management and billing services.
The EyeMD EMR leadership team, in partnership with Performant Capital, is committed to setting a new standard of excellence in ophthalmology technology and advancing the future of care for eye care professionals and their patients.
About EyeMD EMR
EyeMD EMR specializes in developing and supplying electronic medical records software for ophthalmologists and related sub-specialties, including retina, cornea, pediatric ophthalmology, and glaucoma. The company’s solutions, which include practice management, patient engagement, image management, and RCM and billing services are designed to streamline clinical documentation workflows and improve daily practice efficiencies for eye care professionals. More information about EyeMD EMR can be found at www.eyemdemr.com.
About Performant Capital
Performant Capital is a Chicago-based private equity firm focused on investments in technology-driven companies. Performant acquires businesses across SaaS, technology-enabled services, and data intelligence products and services. With over 50 years of collective investing and operating experience in these sectors, Performant’s principals seek opportunities where its depth of investing, operating expertise, and partner network can materially impact performance. More information about Performant Capital can be found at www.performantcapital.com.