Board Certified Optometrist
Dr. Neil Patel, O.D. attended Ferris State University for his undergraduate studies where he studied Biology/Pre-Optometry and attended Michigan College of Optometry for his graduate studies. During his final year of studies, he was able to train in various clinical settings including Kresge Eye Institute in Detroit, MI, Henry Ford OptimEyes in West Bloomfield, MI, Mercy Health Saint Mary’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI, and Wyoming VA Hospital in Wyoming, MI. At Kresge Eye Institute, an inner city-based clinic, Dr. Patel gained extensive clinical experience in specialty contact lenses such as scleral lenses, keratoconic, and post-graft fits. At Henry Ford OptimEyes, Dr. Patel gained clinical experience in primary care optometry, pediatrics, multifocal contact lenses, and ocular disease. At Mercy Health Saint Mary’s Dr. Patel worked at attending to a diverse underserved Hispanic population with clinical experience in diabetic eye care. At the Wyoming Veterans Administration Hospital and outpatient clinic Dr. Patel gained vast experience in ocular disease with an extensive focus on treatment and management of dry eye disease, glaucoma, diabetes, low vision, and other retinal conditions.
Dr. Patel practiced in a fast paced high-volume HMO clinic in the metro Detroit area for the last 6 years before embarking on the cross-country journey to settle in Tampa, FL with his wife, Krutika Patel. Dr. Patel enjoys providing comprehensive eye care to adults and children, including the treatment and management of diabetic eye care, fitting complex contact lenses, and managing ocular diseases. When Dr. Patel is not working or volunteering his time overseas he enjoys golfing, spending time with family and friends, and traveling.
Dr. Patel is fluent in English, Gujarati, and Hindi.
Office Manager/Biller
Karen is a Tampa native and has been in the eye care industry for over 40 years. Karen has worked in both the retail setting and the private practice setting. Before Karen joined us at I-Care Optical she worked for Humana Vision for 12 years in Provider Relations. As the office manager, Karen is very knowledgeable in all facets of the optical as well as vision insurance plans and billing. Karen has seen I-Care Optical grow into the practice it is today in the 10+ years she has been with the company.
Optometric Technician
Luisa has worked as an optometrist in her home country of Colombia for 13 years. She graduated from Universidad de La Salle with her optometry degree in 1995. Luisa and her husband owned and managed multiple optical clinics in Colombia before moving to Tampa in 2008. Luisa takes pride in her work as an optometric technician and helping patients every step of the journey to clearer vision.
Luisa is fluent in English and Español.
Licensed Optician
Janet was born in Cuba and completed her medical school in 1999. Janet is a Florida licensed optician and is also CL board certified. She is a proud 2014 graduate of the opticianry program from Hillsborough Community College. Since graduation Janet has become a member of the Professional Opticians of Florida. Janet is very experienced in helping patients select the right frame and lens designs to fit each unique need. Janet pays particular attention to the quality of eyeglasses before dispensing them to our patients.
Janet is fluent in English and Español.
Eyewear Consultant
Maritza was born in Cuba and attended University of Matanzas-Cuba before moving to Tampa in 2015. Maritza has worked in the customer service industry for over 20 years. She has experience in the optical industry and in vision insurance claims. These particular skill sets allow her to help you better understand your vision insurance benefits. Maritza will be able to repair and adjust your glasses with her precise skill set.
Maritza is fluent in English and Español.
Eyewear Consultant
Lisett was born in Cuba and attended University of Matanzas-Cuba before moving to Tampa in 2016. Since moving to Tampa, Lisett has been in the optical industry one place or another. Before joining I-Care Optical, Lisett worked at an optical lab where she became well trained in edging and fitting glasses. Lisett takes pride in knowing she will be able to adjust and even fix most glasses. Lisett comes with 12 years of customer service experience and truly enjoys working with our patients.
Lisett is fluent in English and Español.