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.
Craft Brew & Wing Fest: “ Chair multiple times “
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 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
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 and 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!
Chrissy Demers
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 Sieburger
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.
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.
Tammie Earl
Tammie has been a Florida resident since 2001 and is originally from the Central Coast of California. She has over forty years of customer service experience in various leadership roles. She enjoys her family, the beach, boating and fishing activities. You may even see her at car or boat show. Tammie is a Boxer Mom and loves raising her lovable and silly dogs. Tammie is a member of Calvary PSL and volunteers with the Adopt A Street program in keeping the City of Port St Lucie beautiful.