Visionworks Agreed to Pay $3.6 Million for Allegedly Violating the Civil Monetary Penalties Law by Paying Remuneration to Optometrists in the Form of Space and Supplies at Free and Below Fair Market Value

After they self-disclosed conduct to OIG, HVHC LLC; Visionworks of America, Inc., formerly known as Eye Care Centers of America, Inc.; Visionary Properties, Inc.; Visionworks, Inc., formerly known as Eyemasters, Inc.; and Empire Vision Center, Inc. (collectively, "Visionworks"), headquartered in Texas, agreed to pay $3,668,961 for allegedly violating the Civil Monetary Penalties Law provisions applicable to physician self-referrals and kickbacks. The OIG alleged that Visionworks paid excess remuneration to certain optometrists in the form of space and equipment leases that were below fair market value and/or by failing to collect one or more rental amounts under space and equipment leases.

Share