Eye Health America Expands Its Reach in Northeast Florida with the Addition of Glaucoma Specialist Dr. Janet Betchkal
Eye Health America (EHA), one of the fastest-growing integrated eye care platforms in the Southeastern United States, has announced a strategic new partnership with Janet Betchkal, MD, a highly regarded glaucoma specialist based in Jacksonville, Florida. This collaboration strengthens EHA’s presence in Northeast Florida, while also broadening its capacity to meet the growing needs of patients who require specialized eye care services.
With this addition, Eye Health America not only brings a physician of remarkable experience and leadership into its network, but also enhances its already established partnerships in the region, including affiliations with Bowden Eye and Associates and Schneider Eye Center. The move reflects the organization’s broader mission of developing a comprehensive, collaborative platform that integrates ophthalmology and optometry practices alongside advanced surgical centers across the Southeast.
A Distinguished Career in Ophthalmology
Dr. Janet Betchkal joins Eye Health America with more than three decades of specialized experience in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of glaucoma, one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. Her career began following the completion of a Glaucoma Fellowship in 1989, after which she accepted a faculty position at the University of Florida Health.
During her eight-year tenure at UF Health, she not only built a reputation as a skilled clinician but also as a leader in academic medicine. She ultimately served as Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology at Shands Hospital, where she played a key role in advancing clinical programs, mentoring young physicians, and contributing to ophthalmic research.
Following her academic career, Dr. Betchkal transitioned into private practice. For more than 20 years, she operated out of St. Vincent’s Hospital in Jacksonville, where she focused exclusively on glaucoma care. This continuity of specialization has made her a trusted and sought-after expert in the Jacksonville community, and she has cared for countless patients over the course of her long-standing practice.
Leadership in the Ophthalmology Community
Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Betchkal has been deeply engaged in the broader ophthalmology community, contributing to professional societies and advocacy efforts at both the state and national levels. She has served on the Board of Directors and is a Past President of the Florida Society of Ophthalmology (FSO), one of the most respected state-level organizations in the field.
Her involvement extends to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), where she has played active roles on both the Secretariat for State Affairs (SSA) Committee and the OPHTHPAC Committee. These roles highlight her commitment not only to advancing clinical standards but also to shaping policies that safeguard patient access to quality eye care.
In recognition of her contributions, Dr. Betchkal received the prestigious John R. Brayton, Jr., MD, Annual Leadership Award in 2015. This honor, presented by the Florida Society of Ophthalmology, acknowledged her dedication, advocacy, and leadership in advancing ophthalmology across the state.
A New Chapter with Eye Health America
Reflecting on her decision to partner with EHA, Dr. Betchkal emphasized the realities of today’s healthcare environment. Like many solo practitioners across the country, she faced increasing challenges in balancing the dual demands of patient care and the administrative responsibilities of running a private practice.
“I thought long and hard about my decision to join EHA,” she explained. “In the current state of medicine, it has become increasingly difficult to maintain a solo practice—forced to divide my time between patient care and day-to-day business operations. By joining forces with EHA, I will be able to continue to provide the highest quality of care that patients and colleagues have come to expect from me, gain access to EHA support and its many resources, and join a network of other top-quality ophthalmologists in the area.”
Her remarks underscore a broader trend in U.S. healthcare, where independent physicians are increasingly affiliating with larger networks or integrated platforms. These partnerships allow physicians to focus on what they do best—caring for patients—while leveraging the resources, infrastructure, and economies of scale that organizations like EHA can provide.
Strengthening Eye Health America’s Regional Presence
For Eye Health America, the addition of Dr. Betchkal is both a strategic and mission-driven decision. John Swencki, Co-CEO of EHA, highlighted her deep roots in Jacksonville and her longstanding reputation for excellence.
“Dr. Betchkal’s strong connection to the Jacksonville community and her dedicated focus on glaucoma care are a natural fit with our mission to provide specialized expertise across the Southeast,” said Swencki. “Her decision to join Eye Health America enhances our capacity to serve the increasing needs of patients in Northeast Florida.”
This expansion is particularly significant given the rising prevalence of glaucoma and other chronic eye conditions in aging populations. Florida, with one of the nation’s largest senior demographics, represents a region where specialized eye care is both critically needed and rapidly growing in demand. By bringing Dr. Betchkal into its network, Eye Health America is positioning itself to better meet these needs while building on its existing patient base.
The Broader Growth of Eye Health America
Founded with the mission of creating a comprehensive, collaborative model for eye care, Eye Health America has grown rapidly across the Southeast. Through affiliations with leading ophthalmology and optometry practices, as well as partnerships with Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs), the organization provides patients with access to full-service, integrated care.
With the addition of Dr. Betchkal, Eye Health America now encompasses 32 partnerships. This scale not only benefits patients by ensuring continuity of care across multiple specialties but also supports physicians with advanced technologies, administrative support, and collaborative clinical resources.
The model is designed to address some of the most pressing challenges in modern healthcare delivery: fragmented systems, administrative burden, and patient access to specialty services. By integrating practices under a unified framework, EHA is better able to standardize high-quality care, expand service availability, and support the professional growth of its affiliated physicians.
