Our Team

Dr. Patrick Cassidy earned his Doctor of Optometry degree from Nova Southeastern University, graduating with the Class of 2014. He specializes in contact lens fittings, including soft lenses for astigmatism and multifocal needs, as well as gas permeable and scleral lenses. He has extensive experience managing post-surgical patients and enjoys providing care to patients of all ages—including children as young as three.

Dr. Cassidy approaches every patient as he would a member of his own family. He understands that ocular care can range from routine to highly complex and is committed to using his clinical expertise to properly diagnose and treat each condition with precision and compassion.

His path to optometry was inspired by a deep desire to help people. For Dr. Cassidy, one of the most rewarding moments is witnessing a patient see clearly for the first time—whether through contact lenses or glasses. “There’s something indescribable about the moment a person truly sees the world for the first time. I feel incredibly blessed to be the doctor who helps make that happen.”

Outside the exam room, Dr. Cassidy is a devoted family man. He enjoys hiking and running with his wife—who he proudly says is the funny one in the family—and cherishes every moment spent with their two sons, who play travel baseball and just about every other sport they can. Being a dad is the greatest joy of his life.

Dr. Dawn Bearden earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University in 1995. She went on to complete a residency in Ocular Disease, Laser Surgery, and Minor Surgery at Northeastern State University College of Optometry in Tahlequah, Oklahoma in 1996. Her advanced training includes certifications in Excimer Laser, YAG Laser, and Argon Laser techniques. She served for four years as a senior board examiner for the National Board of Examiners in Optometry and also taught as a part-time clinical instructor at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry in Davie, Florida. She owned and operated three corporate optometry offices—Visionary Eyecare—for 14 years, as well as a private practice, Fort Lauderdale Eye Care and Eyewear, for 12 years.

Dr. Bearden is known for her extremely thorough approach to eye care, ensuring every patient receives clear, consistent education about their vision and overall ocular health throughout the exam. Her passion for optometry is rooted in a deep love for helping others and a fascination with how the eyes often reveal what’s happening in the rest of the body. Outside of the office, she enjoys going to the beach, riding her bike, playing with her dogs, spending time with family and friends, and pursuing photography—a passion she studied both in college and at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. She also has a strong interest in nutrition and the powerful role food plays in both causing and healing disease, and she actively invests in real estate mortgage notes. A few fun facts: she once played the Wicked Witch in her 8th grade production of The Wizard of Oz, a lifelong favorite movie, and was trained by a Radio City Music Hall Rockette to perform as an Eaglette precision kickline dancer in high school.

Dr. Deon Erickson earned her undergraduate degree from California State University, Fullerton, and went on to receive her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry. She completed her clinical externship at Hyde Park Osteopathic Hospital and is board-certified and licensed to prescribe therapeutic eye medications.

Known for her kind and compassionate approach, Dr. Erickson is dedicated to providing high-quality, personalized eye care to each of her patients.

Outside the office, Dr. Erickson enjoys spending time with her family. She is married to fellow optometrist Todd Erickson, and together they have three daughters and one granddaughter.

Dr. Joann Pham Parise is a dedicated and empathetic optometrist who has been serving patients with excellence since 2004. She earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry and completed a residency at the VA Medical Center in Wilmington, Delaware, where she received advanced training in full-scope optometry.

Dr. Pham is licensed to practice full-scope optometry in the state of Florida and is deeply committed to delivering patient-driven care. She previously served as President of the Palm Beach County Optometric Association (PBCOA) from 2020 to 2021, demonstrating her leadership and commitment to advancing the profession.

Her journey into optometry began early, sparked by a personal experience with retinoblastoma at the age of four and a science fair project on optical illusions that won top honors in the 10th grade at Dr. Phillips High School. These experiences inspired a lifelong passion for eye care and a deep understanding of the importance of vision health.

Outside of practice, Dr. Pham enjoys being immersed in nature, jogging trails, gardening, and spending time with her toddler. She also has a passion for home design and cooking. A multilingual speaker and avid foodie, she once ran a half marathon and delights in exploring different cuisines from around the world.

Dr. Pham brings not only clinical expertise but also warmth and compassion to every patient interaction, making her a trusted and approachable healthcare provider in the community.

Dr. Natalia Malaret is a licensed optometric physician who was born and raised in northern Virginia. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences with a Minor in Spanish from Virginia Tech—Go Hokies! Driven by a passion for eye care, she went on to earn her Doctorate of Optometry from Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry in Florida. During her training, Dr. Malaret completed rigorous externship rotations where she gained extensive clinical experience in primary eye care, contact lens fitting, pediatric eye exams, and surgical co-management.

Now with over 10 years of experience, Dr. Malaret specializes in contact lenses and has a strong interest in the diagnosis and management of ocular diseases. Her patient care philosophy centers on listening closely to each individual’s concerns and delivering compassionate, personalized care.

After falling in love with Florida’s sunshine and vibrant lifestyle during optometry school, Dr. Malaret chose to make it her permanent home. Outside the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband and son, exploring South Florida, going to the beach, and relaxing with family and friends. Her hobbies include gardening and dancing—activities that bring her joy and balance in her day-to-day life.

Dr. Irina Silva completed her Doctor of Optometry degree at Nova Southeastern University, where she also served as the Nova NOSA Chapter President from 2017 to 2018. She has been practicing for over seven years, providing high-quality eye care with a strong focus on dry eye treatment, ocular disease management, and multifocal soft contact lenses.

Her approach to patient care is centered on building trust, clear communication, and personalized attention. Dr. Silva strives to create a warm, welcoming environment where patients feel heard, understood, and involved in their care. Whether performing a routine exam or managing complex conditions, she is committed to being thorough, compassionate, and solution-oriented.

Dr. Silva was drawn to optometry by the joy of helping others achieve clear vision—a gift she feels is invaluable.

Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with family, exploring new restaurants, and caring for her senior pup. She’s also passionate about traveling, crocheting, and volunteering through the Lions Club. A fun fact that surprises many: she collects seashells from every beach she visits internationally. Her growing collection includes shells from Cinque Terre, Amalfi Coast, Phuket, Ko Samui, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Barcelona, Aruba, the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Indonesia.