Florida Ophthalmology Practices Settle Fraud Allegations for $6 Million

2026/01/22 20:42:51

five ophthalmology practices across Florida, including one serving the Treasure Coast region, have agreed to a settlement of nearly $6 million to resolve allegations of submitting fraudulent claims to Medicare adn Medicaid. The U.S. Department of justice announced the resolution on January 21, 2026, detailing violations of the false Claims Act.

The practices – Florida Eye Institute P.A., Clay Eye Holdings LLC, Retina Macula Specialist of Miami LLC, Miami Eye LLC, and Kendall Eye Institute Inc. – allegedly engaged in a scheme involving improper billing for trans-cranial doppler ultrasounds. The Justice Department alleges these practices utilized a kickback arrangement with an unnamed third-party testing company to inflate claims.

The settlement funds will be distributed to the federal government and state Medicaid programs. The investigation revealed that the alleged fraudulent billing practices resulted in substantial financial losses to taxpayer-funded healthcare programs.

“Billing for medically unnecessary services and accepting kickbacks undermines the integrity of our healthcare system,” stated a representative from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. “We will continue to vigorously pursue those who seek to defraud Medicare and Medicaid.”

The case was investigated by the Civil Division of the Department of Justice, along with the Offices of the U.S. Attorneys for the Southern and Middle Districts of Florida. The settlement underscores the government’s commitment to combating healthcare fraud and protecting public funds.

Keywords: healthcare Fraud, Medicare Fraud, Medicaid Fraud, Ophthalmology, False Claims Act, Trans-cranial Doppler Ultrasound, Kickback Scheme, Florida Healthcare, Department of Justice, Healthcare Settlement