Dr. Alan Shaffer is originally from Wyalusing, Pennsylvania, and is a graduate of Penn State University. He relocated to Florida in 1985 after graduating from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. The Florida Agenda sat down with him to discuss how his practice, Island City Eyecare, is helping the wider community see clearly.

Island City Eyecare has been open a little over two years. Alan explains how he came to be on Wilton Drive.  “I have been in Florida since 1985. I have been practicing for 25 years, but my original practice was in Boca. I sold it to move here. Dr James Brauss, one of the partners had his practice further down the drive, by the high school on 4th avenue for 20 some years. He wanted to expand because his family is in optometry. He asked me if I wanted to create a joint practice together, as I had been in the community for many years. We looked for a location, found this one, bought it, built it out and have been on the drive ever since!”

Island City Eyecare offers complete vision-health examinations; contact lenses (including fitting lenses for people with stigmatism and keratoconus); eye-glasses; low-vision evaluations for vision-impaired patients; Lasik co-management and evaluations; and a comprehensive line of designer sunglasses, including brands like Dolce & Gabanna, Michael Kors, Prada, Gucci and Rayban.

Schaffer also explains some other elements that differentiate his practice, “We offer 24/7 emergency eyecare for red eyes and other issues. We pride ourselves on having the latest technology to provide the most comprehensive eyecare we can. We consistently maintain a pulse on technology.”

When asked why he likes having a practice in Wilton Manors, he says, “I enjoy being close by in order to serve [the community] easily and conveniently.” He is quick to point out that the practice services everyone’s eyecare needs, “We do accept many different insurance plans, and when you take insurance people will find you. We don’t feel we only service the gay community. We get many referrals and people will travel to see us.”

He explains further the range of ways that Island City Eyecare obtains and maintains their customer base. “We send out surveys, something other practices don’t do. We are tech savvy; we stay in touch with our clientele via text and email. We are also seeing a lot of traffic from our online presence and social networking. Just recently we had three patients who found us on Google.”

When you walk into Island City Eyecare, the first thing you notice is that it doesn’t look or feel like an optometrist office. It has a welcoming atmosphere and stunning modern furniture. Shaffer explains, “We have distinguished our practice to make it non- sterile. We want it to be a place that is welcoming.”

This ethos carries through into his management approach “I definitely have a flexible management approach. This helps in creating a warm inviting practice. We want to give five-star treatment in order to distinguish ourselves from a run of the mill sterile medical practice. Having a team vision, team work and caring team members allows us to treat our patients as a part of the family.”

Having a business on Wilton Drive can be challenging out of season. However, Island City Eyecare is not really affected. “We don’t have an issue with seasonal slow-down.” Shaffer says, “Retail stores and restaurants are affected. Yet for us the summer season is when a lot of people will come to see their doctors, while it is quiet. School teachers for example, who are on vacation come in and visit us. We don’t really feel any part of the year is a slow-down, People always need to see!”

The community has responded very well to the practice. Shaffer attributes this to the attitude of the staff. “We have a very open door, we treat people of all persuasions, low or high income, we don’t judge and try and welcome everyone.” He continues, “We are also involved with GLBX, GLCC and the Art Walks. We open our doors to everyone and continue to remain part of the community.”

When asked about how he feels the community has changed, he laughs, “Well growing up in a conservative, small town atmosphere with a lack of acceptance, it has changed drastically for me.

Living in South Florida, you see people who are more open to different persuasions and ethnicities.

In the last 20 years, South Florida has become so much more open and accepting. It is more comfortable and easier to live your life open here. It is more enjoyable for everyone when there is less stress.”

How does he feel attitudes have changed towards gay people? “There is a positive change in attitudes in the general sense for sure. There are more gay groups within associations. As being gay has become accepted, there is more opportunity to be yourself. The pressure to stay in the closet for fear of judgement is definitely diminishing. Of course, there are changes in politics as well, with the repeal of DADT and the discussions on not defending DOMA.”

When asked about the future, he is clear about the vision. “We are always trying to maintain a finger on the pulse of technology to provide the best quality eyecare. We are also now expanding into examining overall body health and wellness. There is more to eyecare than just seeing 20:20. General health affects the eyes as it affects the rest of the body.

“We have recently obtained new technology to evaluate if your nutritional supplements are working.  All your vitamins and nutraceuticals make up a billion dollar industry but, till now, no one really knows if they work. There is finally technology to measure that. The machine measures your antioxidant levels, the higher the antioxidant level the better. If your levels are low, you need to increase them.”

Would he develop Island City Eyecare into a chain? “No, I would ra ther be

the CEO of a small company than a large one. I would not want to expand to the point of losing that personal touch. I come from a small town and I like the family atmosphere we offer.”

There is no question that Alan and his team are passionate about their patients Alan is clear to state that though he has practicing for 25 years, he “still loves it.” The final question for Shaffer causes him to pause. If he had an open check book what business would he go into? After much thought he says, “As I said, I love what I do. If I had an open check book, I would love to take care of my patients and not worry about the bills. I would help people who aren’t as able to help themselves.”

Island City Eyecare is located at 2301 Wilton Drive, Suite C1, Wilton Manors, FL and appointments can be made by calling 954-764-6906.  Walk-ins welcome!