Chief Executive Officer | Vistar Eye Center
Lead the Next Chapter of a Century-Long Tradition in Eye Care
Vistar Eye Center, the leading eye care provider in Southwest Virginia, is seeking an accomplished Chief Executive Officer to guide the continued growth of our thriving, private multi-sub-specialty practice. This is an opportunity to build on a strong foundation, partner with exceptional physicians, and shape the future of comprehensive eye care in the region.
With 20 ophthalmologists, 11 optometrists, and approximately 400 employees across the Roanoke Valley and Southwest Virginia, Vistar combines the depth of a large organization with a longstanding commitment to personalized patient care. Our fellowship-trained physicians and surgeons provide specialized care in cataracts, glaucoma, pediatric ophthalmology, retina, cornea, and oculofacial plastic surgery. Comprehensive optometry services, extensive optical and contact lens departments, LASIK services, and a growing network of associated ophthalmic ambulatory surgery centers further support our integrated approach to care.
Our next CEO will work closely with physician leadership to advance strategic growth, strengthen operational performance, and support the people who make our care possible. We seek a collaborative, forward-thinking leader who can honor Vistar’s legacy while guiding its next chapter—with exceptional patient care at the center of every decision.
We are seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking, and inspiring leader to guide Vistar through a period of significant growth and change. Our next CEO will bring a servant leadership approach, a commitment to our mission and values, and a visible, approachable presence that builds trust across the organization.
The ideal candidate will foster open communication, encourage collaboration, and build strong connections with physicians and employees. This leader will be confident, decisive, and accountable for results, with the ability to translate a clear strategic vision into effective operations and thoughtful execution.
If you are passionate about serving patients, supporting employees, partnering with physicians, and strengthening our community, we invite you to help shape Vistar’s future. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package commensurate with the scope of the role and the candidate’s experience.
Make your home in Virginia’s Roanoke Valley, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounded by mountain views, scenic lakes, and opportunities for outdoor recreation. A vibrant downtown area, colleges and universities, and a variety of sports, arts, and cultural events offer something for every interest. With a moderate climate, reasonable cost of living, and a range of public and private schools, the region offers an appealing balance of career and lifestyle. Access to the Carolinas, Washington, D.C., and nearby ski destinations adds to its appeal.
This is an opportunity to build a rewarding life in a welcoming community while leading one of the region’s premier eye care practices into its next chapter.
CEO Responsibilities
- Guide strategic growth. Evaluate business opportunities, anticipate industry and market trends, and develop partnerships that advance Vistar’s mission and strengthen its position in the region.
- Partner with physician leadership. Work closely with the Managing Partner, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors to set priorities, make informed decisions, and translate strategic goals into measurable results.
- Lead operational excellence. Strengthen organizational systems, communication, and processes to improve efficiency, support exceptional patient care, and deliver consistent performance across locations.
- Ensure financial stewardship. Continuously evaluate operating costs and performance, address concerns, and recommend actions that align resources with the organization’s priorities.
- Develop people and culture. Build leadership talent and foster a workplace where employees feel connected, motivated, and supported in reaching their full potential.
- Oversee benefits programs. Direct the administration of Board-approved benefits programs for physicians and employees.
- Keep the Board informed. In partnership with the Chief Financial Officer, provide clear, timely reports on financial and operational performance, along with recommendations on strategy, policy, organizational structure, and improvement opportunities.
- Represent Vistar. Serve as a visible, credible ambassador to the community, healthcare organizations, professional associations, purchasers of healthcare services, and government agencies.
Required Qualifications
- At least 10 years of direct people leadership experience in progressively responsible roles within a complex healthcare organization.
- Demonstrated ability to partner effectively with a Board and physician leadership to advance an organization’s mission, vision, and strategic goals.
- A record of success in business development, affiliations, and major initiatives across multiple regions or divisions.
- Experience designing and implementing complex programs, operational systems, and policies that shape organizational performance and direction.
- Strong strategic and financial planning skills, with the ability to connect long-term priorities to daily operations and effective execution.
- Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary teams through change, process improvement, and significant organizational initiatives.
- Sound judgment and confident decision-making informed by analysis, experience, and an understanding of organizational priorities.
- Excellent communication, relationship-building, and meeting facilitation skills, with the ability to build trust and alignment across all levels of the organization.
- Strong organizational skills and the initiative to manage competing priorities, multiple projects, and shifting demands.
- Ability to prepare clear, actionable executive reports, recommendations, and decision materials that support effective leadership and governance.
Preferred Qualifications
- A master’s degree in healthcare administration, business administration, public health administration, or a related field, such as an M.H.A., M.B.A., or M.S.
- At least three years of experience in the administration of a large, physician-owned practice.
- Prior CEO experience with a large, complex, privately held ophthalmology group is strongly preferred. Candidates with CEO experience in optometry or a surgical or procedural specialty group, or COO experience in a large practice within these specialties, will also be considered.
- Experience evaluating and negotiating complex managed care contracts.
- Experience leading a significant organization-wide software implementation.
- Experience in a high-volume, deadline-driven professional environment requiring flexibility, initiative, and independent follow-through.
Please submit resume and cover letter to Tracy Rhodes, Human Resources Director, Log in to view email; or fax to (540) 559-8020.
