Our promise is to put the patient’s vision and health above everything else!
Vision Specialty Associates, PA is an independent group of doctors that practice inside all of the Optimart stores. Each doctor is board-certified and licensed to practice in the state of Florida. We have an optometrist in every location and an ophthalmologist rotating between locations!
Our doctors provide comprehensive routine eye exams and medical exams, evaluating and treating you for many eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.evaluating you for many eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration.
These dedicated doctors and the caring staff at Optimart have earned the trust of our patients and the many medical providers with whom we coordinate patient vision care.
Paul Day, OD
Board Certified Optometrist
Inverness, Crystal River
Dr. Day is a native of London, UK. He attended several universities in London, Paris and Cologne. He earned various diplomas and qualifications in Ophthalmic Optics, mostly from London City University. Also, he was awarded an Honors degree in Optometry from the University of Manchester. He was the first to be awarded the European Congress of Optometry & Optics diploma. He even obtained his private pilot’s license in Manston, Kent, UK- a location known for its involvement in WW2.
Dr. Day came to America in 2004, and earned his doctorate of optometry from the New England College of Optometry in 2006. He enjoys practicing all aspects of optometry and will never turn down a challenge.
Dr. Day moved to Florida with his wife Margie and his three daughters in 2007.
In his free time, he now loves to sail, work with electronics and most recently, renovate houses. Most weekends, Dr. Day can be found out in the Gulf with his family fishing (never catching any fish, just fishing).
Adam Furman, OD
Board Certified Optometrist
Palm Harbor, Seminole, Sun City Center, Zephyrhills
Dr. Furman grew up in a small town in Ontario, Canada and earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology and Physiology at the University of Western Ontario. He earned his Doctorate of Optometry in 2014 after four years of study at the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago. He rotated through several sites in his final year including the Daytona Beach Outpatient VA, a binocular vision/pediatric private practice and advanced care at the Illinois Eye Institute. In 2013, he went on a mission trip to Peru and helped provide eye care for over 1,200 people. Dr. Furman specializes in primary eye care, contact lenses and managing ocular disease.
He and his wife, Megan, moved to Florida four years ago and recently moved to the St. Petersburg area. There is never a dull moment in their lives thanks to their two year old labrador retriever, Charley. He enjoys watching and playing several sports and exploring new areas in Florida.
Alfred Lappano, OD
Board Certified Optometrist
Zephyrhills
Dr. Lappano is a graduate from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. He has practiced in the Tampa Bay Area for the past 35 years. He finds joy in helping others see to their full potential in order to enhance their quality of life. In his time off, he enjoys jogging, walking, cycling, tennis and golf.
He has been married to his wife Kathy for 35 years and has three children. He has worked in Zephyrhills for about 15 years and finds it his pleasure and passion to serve this community.
Brian Merlino, OD
Board Certified Optometrist
Spring Hill, Port Richey
Dr. Merlino is native of Ontario, Canada and received his Bachelor of Science in 2000 from the University of Guelph, in Guelph, Ontario. He then received his Doctor of Optometry at the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago Illinois in 2004. He graduated cum laude and is a member of the Beta Sigma Kappa Optometric Honor Society.
Dr. Merlino performs comprehensive eye exams on adults and children ages 4 and up. He also performs diabetic annual eye exams, as well as standard and specialty contact lens fittings. He is board certified to prescribe both oral and topical eye medications. Dr. Merlino truly enjoys caring for patients of all ages.
In his free time, Dr Merlino enjoys spending time with his wife Ashlie, and their two boys Liam and Jack. He also enjoys traveling, playing golf and cooking.