Business succession at the heart of independent optometry: the Opto‑Réseau model

30 March 2026

Business succession now plays a central role in the future of Québec businesses, and the optometry sector is no exception. Across the province, many clinics must plan for succession in order to ensure continuity of care, knowledge transfer, and the preservation of strong ties with their local communities.
In this context, the Opto‑Réseau model offers a concrete example of how business succession can become a true driver of vitality for a province‑wide network of clinics. Bringing together 88 independent, 100% Québec‑owned optometry clinics, Opto‑Réseau is committed to supporting human, thoughtful, and sustainable entrepreneurial transitions.

A people‑centred, compatibility‑driven model

What sets Opto‑Réseau apart is its commitment to clinic succession based first and foremost on human compatibility. Here, business succession goes far beyond a transaction - it is a carefully supported handover where shared values, clinical vision, and community roots guide every decision.
This approach delivers tangible results. In just three years, nearly 50% of the clinics within the network have initiated or completed an entrepreneurial transition. This renewal reflects both the vitality of the network and the desire of professionals to invest long‑term in continuity of care.

Fostering the growth of independent optometry

The Opto‑Réseau model was designed to allow independent optometry to thrive, while offering tailored support at every stage of the entrepreneurial journey. The goal is clear: to create optimal conditions for smooth, lasting transitions.

A carefully selected next generation

With 30 years of entrepreneurial support expertise, Opto‑Réseau takes the time to understand the motivations, ambitions, and vision of potential successors, identifying profiles that truly align with the network’s mission, values, and culture.

A neutral, trusted facilitator role

Opto‑Réseau acts as a trusted third party between sellers and buyers, fostering respectful and constructive dialogue. The objective is to transform what is often an emotionally charged step into a smooth, reassuring, and deeply human process—far removed from a purely transactional approach.

An environment that supports best practices

Clinic owners retain significant autonomy to shape their practice: developing areas of interest such as dry eye care or low vision, offering personalized care through flexible scheduling, and building clinics that reflect their vision while responding to the specific needs of their communities.

From left to right: Marie Carneiro, optician and successor – Opto-Réseau Vision Rosemont‑Villeray | Dr. Céline Éthier, former owner and Dr. Vincent Caron, Optometrist and Successor – Opto-Réseau Centre d’optométrie Ste‑Hélène | Dr. Laurence Boily, Optometrist and Associate Successor, Opto‑Réseau Ste‑Dorothée

A tangible impact across Québec

By facilitating business succession throughout the province, Opto‑Réseau directly contributes to maintaining access to eye care, including in remote regions. This commitment also generates tangible economic impact, supporting nearly 800 jobs across Québec and bringing together more than 200 practising optometrists. At the heart of the network are 108 independent optometrist and optician owners. Beyond the numbers, supporting business succession means investing in continuity of care, the vitality of local communities, and the future of independent optometry. It means placing hearts across Québec to carry this vision of the common good - one that guides Opto‑Réseau’s actions, day after day, throughout the province.

Are you considering selling or acquiring a clinic and you are an optometrist or an optician? To explore business succession opportunities, contact Annie Boucher, Strategic Manager, Sales and Business Development: aboucher@opto-reseau.com.