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, and re-appointed by Governor DeSantis in 2020, Dr. Kepley served as a member and Chair of the Florida Board of Optometry for eight years.
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 40 years.
Dr. Kepley is also very active in the Vero Beach and Indian River County community. He has been an 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 fundraiser each year, in which proceeds go directly back into the community and club projects. Dr. Kepley has proudly served as Chair of this event multiple times 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
Optician
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 26 years in optical industry, 20 years as a Licensed Optician.. 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!
Bruna Sieburger
Ophthalmic Assistant
Bruna is our very capable ophthalmic assistant, and contact lens technician with many years of customer service experience Born in Brazil and raised in Miami, she moved to Vero Beach in 2022, and has become a valued member of the team. She is trilingual and brings warmth, precision and a patient-first approach to Tropical Eye Associates. Outside the office, she enjoys spending time with her son, cooking and gardening. She also enjoys volunteering with children, seniors, and animals.
Karen Castle
Karen is a proud Florida native, born and raised in Ft. Pierce and now calling Vero Beach home. She is a devoted mother of four and treasures every moment spent with her five grandchildren. When she isn’t with family, Karen enjoys exploring her creative side through writing, especially children’s stories that spark imagination and laughter.
Nicole Doran
Insurance Billing and Patient Accounts
As our newest team member, Nicky, is our self-proclaimed “homebody”, who enjoys gardening, paddle boarding, estate sales and spending time with family and pets.
She brings ten years of medical office experience to the practice, as well as her cheerful smile and wonderful personality.