History of The Eye Associates

“The Eye Associates specializes in restoring and improving sight, and takes great pride in our knowledge, educational standards, and quality patient care. We refuse to compromise your care for any reason, and are completely dedicated to you, our patient.” - Harris Silverman, M.D.

The Eye Associates, founded in 1980 by Harris Silverman, M.D., provides high quality routine, medical, surgical, and optical eyecare for all ages in Sarasota, West Bradenton, East Bradenton, Ellenton, and Sun City Center.

Our Board Certified Physicians are among the most experienced and well trained in the country, and their commitment to high technology is unsurpassed. Since The Eye Associates has 15 award-winning physicians covering the specialties of cataract, glaucoma, cornea and dry eyes, retina, refractive surgery including LASIK and CK, cosmetic eyelid surgery, and contact lenses, we are able to provide patients with almost any specialty care needed.

Patients are often surprised to hear their surgeon’s voice on the phone, checking on them after having surgery. It’s just one of the special things that we do at The Eye Associates to help you feel well cared for.

Our philosophy goes beyond our sophisticated diagnostic and microsurgical equipment. Our goal is to listen to individual needs and treat each patient with those needs in mind. Because of this, our patients consistently pay us the highest compliment of recommending us to their family and friends.

If you would like to learn more about our award winning doctors or would like more information on the services we provide, please contact The Eye Associates today.

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Our Staff

Expect to receive eyecare of the highest caliber at The Eye Associates!

With our staff of over 130 caring professionals, we work hard to deserve your trust, and help you achieve your best possible vision. Whether it is a first eye exam for your child, critical specialized treatment for an eye disease, or just a yearning to get rid of your glasses with LASIK, you can be confident that we will help you through every step of the process. During surgery, we even have someone that can hold your hand to give you that extra feeling of comfort that only human touch can give.

We strive to provide you with a friendly, inviting environment. Patients love the cookies, and coffee with an assortment of flavored creams that we provide during the visit. IF, for any reason, we do not live up to your deservedly high expectations, please contact us and let us work together to find a solution.

Location Information

The Eye Associates has five convenient West Coast Florida locations. Each has a fully trained and experienced staff of eyecare professionals who take pride in the quality care that they give all patients.

The Eye Associates Office, Surgery & Laser Center & The Optical Gallery
6002 Pointe West Blvd., Bradenton, FL 34209
(1 block south of Blake Hospital off 59th Street W)
(941) 792-2020

The Eye Associates Office & The Optical Gallery
7230 55th Ave. E., Bradenton, FL 34203
(Twelve Oaks Plaza at SR 70 & I-75)
(941) 758-1916

The Eye Associates Office & The Optical Gallery
7915 U.S. Hwy 301 North, Ellenton, FL 34222
(Corner of Hwy 301 and Wellon Ranch Road)
(941) 729-2020

The Eye Associates Office & Laser Center
University Health Park
2415 University Pkwy., Bldg. 3, Suite 111, Sarasota, FL 34243
(2nd entrance in University Health Park, off Shade Avenue)
(941) 552-2020

The Eye Associates Office at Sun City Center
779 Cortaro Drive, Sun City Center, FL 33573
(Next to Kash N' Karry)
(813) 634-2020

The Optical Gallery at Sun City Center
769 Cortaro Drive, Sun City Center, FL 33573
(Across from office and near Kash N' Karry)
(813) 633-0601

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Awards

The Eye Associates is exceptionally well regarded in West Florida and because of our ongoing commitment to patient satisfaction, The Eye Associates has won numerous awards. For those seeking the latest treatment of eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, or retinal disease, or for those who just want new glasses, The Eye Associates has a proven expertise that has been recognized time and again.

  • Best Ophthalmologist, Bradenton Herald Readers’ Preference Award - 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
  • Best Optometrist, Bradenton Herald Readers’ Preference Award - 2003, 2006
  • Best Eyewear, Bradenton Herald Readers’ Preference Award - 2003, 2005, 2006
  • Best in Eyecare, Anna Maria Island Sun - 2003, 2006, 2007

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Financing Options

Click here for Generic Financing Information

It is important to our staff at The Eye Associates that each patient is able to receive the care he or she deserves for an improved quality of life. That’s why our practice is pleased to offer CareCredit® — so that your current financial status does not stand in the way of quality care. CareCredit® offers numerous credit plans and repayment options including no interest and extended payment plans up to 60 months.

We also accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

With CareCredit® plan, you can get:

  • Fixed rates starting at 11.9 percent APR
  • Low monthly payments that never change
  • Terms up to 60 months
  • No prepayment penalty
  • No hassle application and an online decision in minutes
  • Interest-free options available

It’s simple! Apply today and find out how easy it is to receive the latest in quality vision care.

Remember, it is never too early to plan for next year’s FLEX plan account. Many employers offer flexible (FLEX) spending accounts so that employees can save for their medical expenses. Medical procedures and products, including glasses, LASIK, CK and cosmetic surgery, can be paid for with these pre-tax funds. And the good news is that with FLEX plans, it is possible to save up to 30 percent.

If you would like to speak with a member of our helpful staff about our procedures, financing options, or any other aspect of your care, please contact us today.

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Insurance Information

We know how confusing insurance terminology can be. That’s why we have a department of dedicated insurance specialists to assist you with your insurance and billing questions.

Medicare and Other Insurances

To better serve you, The Eye Associates accepts assignment of Medicare Part B for all covered services and will process your Medicare claims through our direct link computer. We are also providers for many other insurance plans. To find out if your plan is included, please contact one of our insurance specialists.

Financing

For those patients that do not have any insurance coverage or those receiving a non-covered procedure, we do accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express as well as financing plans through CareCredit®.

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Free Seminars

At The Eye Associates, we are dedicated to providing our patients with the latest information about eye conditions. Our frequent FREE seminars serve this purpose by educating patients and answering any question they may have about their treatment options.

For more information about the latest in eyecare, feel free to browse our website. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, or if you have any questions, please click here to email us or call 941-792-2020 or toll free at 1-866-865-2020.

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Career Opportunities

If you are interested in joining our team at The Eye Associates, click here to learn how to apply for the career opportunities we have available. We are interested in recruiting and hiring qualified individuals who possess a high level of technical expertise and exceptional patient care skills.

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Southeastern Guide Dogs, Inc.

The Eye Associates actively supports Southeastern Guide Dogs, Inc. and encourages you to do the same. Dr. Harris Silverman is a founding member of Southeastern Guide Dog School, Inc., and has actively served as a member of the Board of Directors for over 25 years. The mission of Southeastern Guide Dog School, Inc. is to offer — free of charge — the use of professionally and humanely trained guide dogs to visually impaired men and women to help them achieve independent travel with safety and dignity.

Southeastern Guide Dogs has also joined forces with General Tommy Franks to offer another exciting program. Paws for Patriots&trade: is a program designed for veterans who have been blinded during their service in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Additionally, they offer therapy and companion dog placements to returning injured soldiers through the Gifted Canines® program, again at no cost to our veterans. Like all of Southeastern Guide Dogs' programs, these services are funded exclusively through the generosity of private individuals, civic organizations, foundations and corporations.

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