Dr. Stephen R. Kepley
Dr. Kepley received his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN, and completed his externship at Womack Army Hospital in Ft. Bragg, NC. He is Board Certified in Florida, Tennessee and South Carolina. Dr. Kepley provides comprehensive eye and vision care for all ages including treatment for eye illnesses and injuries. Dr. Kepley is a member of the American Optometric Association, the Florida Optometric Association, Southern Council of Optometrists, and past president of the Treasure Coast Optometric Society. He also served as President of the Florida Optometric Association in 2013-14, after serving on its Board of Trustees for eight years. Appointed by Governor Scott in 2016, he also serves as a member on the Florida State Board of Optometry.
Dr. Kepley was awarded “Florida’s Optometrist of the Year” in 2004, and “Florida’s Optometrist of the Decade” in 2016 by the Florida Optometric Association.
Dr. Kepley has practiced in Vero Beach for the past 34 years.
Dr. Kepley is also very active in the Vero Beach and Indian River County community. He has been a active Rotarian since 1986, as a member of the Vero Beach West Rotary club originally, and now a member and Past President of the Rotary Club of Vero Beach Sunrise, probably best known for the creation of the Florida Craft Brew and Wing Fest held each February in Vero Beach. This event serves as the club’s major fund raiser each year, in which proceeds go directly back into the community and club projects. Dr. Kepley was proud to Chair this event in 2012, and continues to work on the committee each year. He also serves the club on a number of other committees, and is a proud Paul Harris Fellow.
Married to Diane Boehms in 1984, they have three children, Jason, Kate, and Rachel, now all adults, and one grandson (so far).
Tropical Eye Associates staff
Ramona Lease, our Optician, has been working for Dr. Kepley since 2014. She says, “This is the best job I’ve ever had and Dr. Kepley is the best boss ever!” She has been in the optical industry for 22 years and a licensed Optician for 16 years. Ramona has a real knack for finding just the right frame to fit a face! An Air Force brat she travelled all over the United States and lived in Spain before she turned nine years old, arriving in Vero Beach in 1971. She is a mother and has four grandchildren that she adores!
Debra Malone, “Deb”, a native of Western Massachusetts enjoys customer service, scheduling patients and working in the Optical industry. She has a strong background in customer service after working in the Restaurant industry for many years and is a real asset to our operations. She enjoys living in Florida, especially in the winter, and walking her dog Bailey!
Chrissy Demers has been a long-time resident of Vero Beach, FL. She is our new Billing and Patient Accounts Manager, as well as our resident Tech wizard! She was very active in the homeschool community when her children were in young and now enjoys spending time with her husband and adult children, and soon to be a grandmother!
Bruna is our newest addition as an ophthalmic assistant and new to Vero Beach. Bruna was born in Brazil and moved to Miami in 1992. She is trilingual and has 17 years of customer service experience. Bruna enjoys spending time with her 13 year old son and family. She also enjoys volunteering with children, seniors, and animals.