About Our Eye Care Practice in The Villages

Our Story and What We Do

We built this practice around one idea: you should walk in squinting and walk out seeing. First, you can have your eyes examined. Then you can have your contact lenses fitted and your glasses made, all under one roof.

An eye exam here checks more than your prescription, because we look at how well you see and at the health of your eyes. For example, tests can include visual acuity, keratometry, retinoscopy, eye pressure, refraction and a slit lamp exam. Dilation is used when it is needed.

We also see patients for medical eye concerns, such as pink eye, red, painful or itchy eyes, sudden floaters and a sudden decrease in vision. If you need surgery, such as for cataracts, we refer you to a trusted eye surgeon. We then co-manage your care with them.

We serve The Villages, Lady Lake, Oxford, Summerfield, Wildwood, Leesburg, Fruitland Park, Belleview and nearby communities. Because many of our patients are seniors, snowbirds and new residents, we are glad to be their first stop for eye care.

Meet Dr. Russell

Dr. James A. Russell is a Board Certified Optometric Physician. He grew up in Atlanta and studied Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Georgia, graduating cum laude in 2003.

After that, he went to Nova Southeastern University, where he earned a Bachelor of Vision Science and a Doctor of Optometry. His clinical training took him to Tianjin Eye Hospital in China, Omni Eye Center in Atlanta and the NSU Health Care Clinic in North Miami Beach.

So patients can expect a clear explanation of what he finds and what the choices are. Read About Dr. James Russell.

Our Optical Team and the 1-Hour Lab

Choosing glasses should not feel like a gamble, so our opticians help you match frames and lenses to your eyes, your daily routine and your budget. We keep thousands of frames in stock, including prescription sunglasses.

Our optical lab is on site. For that reason, many pairs of glasses can be made in about an hour, depending on your prescription and lens choice. We also make repairs and adjustments, so a bent frame does not have to wait.

Ibrahim Salman, our optician, has more than 25 years in optical and has run one-hour labs. LaDonna Olson, a Licensed Dispensing Optician, has more than 23 years with optometry and ophthalmology practices. However, they are also happy to take on hard cases such as low vision and double vision.

Why Patients Choose Us

• Easy to reach. We are in Pinellas Plaza, the Winn-Dixie shopping center near Powell Road and Burnsed Blvd, and golf-cart friendly.
• Everything in one place. Exam, contact lens fitting, frames and lab are all here, so you make one stop instead of three.
• Plain talk. We explain your results first, so you can decide with confidence.
• Your prescription is yours. You may take it anywhere you like, although we would be glad to help.

Ready to see sharper? Then Request an Appointment or call (352) 399-5412. We are open Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.