Well trained, highly experienced and always caring, our board certified ophthalmologists, optometrists and support staff – under the direction of Dr. Frank W. Bowden III – utilize the most revolutionary technology and breakthrough treatments available to care for your vision and cosmetic needs. But while these doctors work on medicine’s cutting edge, they’re focused on you, never losing sight of your concerns and comfort. Discover the difference. Make an appointment today to visit a Bowden Eye doctor at one of our four offices in Jacksonville or Orange Park.
Ophthalmologists/Surgeons
Frank W. Bowden, III, M.D, FACS
Board Certified Cornea Specialist/Surgeon
Board certified in Ophthalmology, the official eye care provider for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the NFL, and a Diplomat of the National Board of Medical Examiners, Dr. Bowden is one of Florida’s most renowned physicians. He has been recognized as one of Jacksonville’s Top Doctors four times by Jacksonville Magazine, and honored by the magazine as the Best Doctor of 2006 and 2007.
Born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, Dr. Bowden founded Bowden Eye Associates in 2001, focusing the practice on comprehensive eye care; custom cataract surgery; refractive and LASIK surgery; glaucoma surgery and laser therapy; ocular surface disease reconstruction; corneal transplantation; and corneal and external diseases, a discipline in which he had a fellowship at the internationally recognized Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
After graduating summa cum laude with a B.A. from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville where he was Phi Beta Kappa, Dr. Bowden earned his medical doctorate in 1979 from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, and was his class’ Valedictorian. In addition to his Wills Fellowship, his post-graduate training included an internship and Ophthalmology residency at Naval Hospital in San Diego, California.
Before founding Bowden Eye Associates, Dr. Bowden enjoyed a distinguished career in the military, serving as a battalion surgeon for the 1st Battalion, 4th Marines (REIN) in 29 Palms, California; a General Medicine Officer for the U.S. Marine Corps, also in 29 Palms; and a staff ophthalmologist for the U.S. Naval Service at Naval Hospital Jacksonville. He was awarded the U.S. Navy Commendation Medal in 1982 and the U.S. Navy Achievement Medal in 1987.
Dr. Bowden established a private ophthalmology practice in 1988, before founding the Baptist Eye Institute in 1989, where he was a member until 2000.
In his spare time, Dr. Bowden enjoys working out, playing tennis, cheering on his Tennessee Volunteers and attending the Jaguar games.
Optometrists
Crystal Kasper, O.D.
Optometric Physician – Mandarin Office
Dr. Kasper is a Board Certified Optometrist who grew up in northwest Indiana. She attended Indiana University where she graduated with honors and received her Bachelor of Science in Biology. She then continued on to Fort Lauderdale, Florida where she attended Nova Southeastern University earning her Doctorate of Optometry in 2009. After an additional year of training with a retina, cornea, and pediatric specialist, Dr. Kasper moved to Jacksonville to join Bowden Eye Associates in 2010.
Dr. Kasper is a member of the American Optometric Association and the Florida Optometric Association. She has been a part of a Medical Mission Team to offer eye care to foreign countries with no access to health care or glasses.
Dr. Kasper prides herself in building strong patient relationships and providing comprehensive eye care to all ages.
When she is not seeing patients she enjoys being outdoors golfing, biking, running, boating, fishing and attending sporting events; especially the Jaguars games. She also enjoys billiards, movies, game nights, and spending time with friends and her family.
Kimberly Riordan, O.D.
Optometric Physician – Bonneval Office
Dr. Riordan grew up in Northwest Indiana where she graduated magna cum laude from Ball State University. She then when on to The Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago where she graduated with her Doctorate of Optometry. Dr. Riordan completed several externships including training in primary care, ocular disease, contact lens care, pediatric treatment, and an externship in ocular disease with emphasis on low vision.
After graduating from optometry school, Dr. Riordan went on to complete her residency in primary care at the William Chappell Jr. VA in Daytona Beach, Florida. She had the pleasure of learning from specialists in the areas of cornea, retina, cataracts and laser vision correction.
Dr. Riordan is a member of the American Optometric Association, the Florida Optometric Association and the American Academy of Optometry.
In her spare time Dr. Riordan enjoys dancing, cheering on the her favorite NFL teams, the Chicago Bears and Jacksonville Jaguars, going to baseball games, spending time with family and friends, and playing with her cat Sammy and bullmastiff Lily.
Jerry Robben, O.D.
Optometric Physician- Northside Office
Dr. Jerry Robben grew up in Kansas and attended Kansas State University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. He went on to attend graduate school at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida where he received his Doctorate of Optometry.
During his externships, Dr. Robben had extensive training in binocular vision disorders and vision therapy. He also focused on pediatric care, contact lenses, low vision, and ocular disease.
After graduation, Dr. Robben went on to be the practice administrator of a large private practice in North Miami where he enjoyed training students in their externships from around the world.
Dr. Robben is a compassionate eye care provider offering comprehensive eye care to all ages. He is a member of the American Optometric Association, the Florida Optometric Association, and the American Academy of Optometry.
In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his persian cat, biking, golfing, playing sports and watching his favorite teams, Kansas State, the Denver Broncos, and of course the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Danielle Vance, O.D.
Optometric Physician – Orange Park Office
Dr. Vance is a Board Certified Optometrist who grew up in Ormond Beach, Florida. She attended the University of Florida where she graduated with honors and received her Bachelor of Health Science degree. She went on to attend Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee, where she earned her Doctorate of Optometry in 2010.
Following completion of her studies, Dr. Vance continued her training with a post-graduate residency in primary care at the William V. Chappell, Jr. VA Clinic in Daytona Beach, Florida. During this training, she was given the opportunity to work with specialists in the fields of cornea, retina, cataracts, and laser vision correction.
Dr. Vance is enthusiastic about delivering quality optometric care and forming lasting patient relationships based on trust and clear communication.
She is a member of the Florida Optometric Association, American Optometric Association, and the American Academy of Optometry.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, photography, going to the beach, watching movies, and reading. She especially enjoys attending sporting events and cheering on the Jacksonville Jaguars and Florida Gators!
Hearing Specialist
Virgil Baker, BC-HIS
Director of Hearing Services
Virgil Baker, BC-HIS is the Director of Hearing Services at Bowden Eye Associates.
Bowden Eye Associates knows that of the five senses, sight and hearing are probably the most important for our feelings of connection to the world around us.
It is Virgil’s goal to improve the quality of life of patients with hearing loss so that everyone is able to hear, understand, and fully enjoy life’s rich landscapes of sound. That means providing not only the most technically accurate hearing evaluations, care recommendations, and hearing instrument fittings, but the most satisfying patient-care experience as well.
Nationally Board Certified in Hearing Instrument Sciences, Virgil has been helping the hearing impaired for twenty-six years. He has been licensed by the State of Florida Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance, as a Hearing Aid Specialist since 1999. Virgil is a member in good standing of The Florida Society of Hearing Healthcare Professionals.
Virgil began his career in the hearing profession as a young man in Southern Illinois, setting new standards for innovation, service and customer satisfaction with comprehensive hearing solutions. He and his family moved to Jacksonville eleven years ago and became dedicated Jaguar fans.
New technology developed in the past several years can help most people with hearing loss to achieve improved communication. We hope to meet every need that comes through our doors. In order to succeed, we need great staff, great facilities, and great hearing technology. We have all of these here at Bowden Eye Associates.
Management Staff
Patti Barkey, COE, OCS
Practice Administrator, Chief Operating Officer
As Chief Administrative Officer at Bowden Eye Associates, Patti Barkey is responsible for operational management and corporate administration of the organization. Patti was instrumental in the development of Bowden Eye Associates as Dr. Bowden departed from the Baptist Eye Institute entity closing. She has worked with Dr. Bowden since February of 2000. Patti has over 32 years of experience in the ophthalmic field. Experience includes development of the Eye Surgery Center of North Florida and four practice locations. She has achieved status of Certified Ophthalmic Executive by the American Society of Ophthalmic Administrators.
Patti believes that the practice growth and development must revolve around one single issue: THE PATIENT. If you take good care of patients, the rest will take care of itself.
Patti and her husband Ray reside in Jacksonville with their growing family. They are the parents to three children, and two lovely grandsons, Ryne and Logan. They enjoy supporting the Jacksonville Jaguars and spending time with their family.
Amanda B.
Practice Development Coordinator/ Marketing Director
Amanda was born and raised in Jacksonville where she graduated from the University of North Florida.
Amanda has been with Bowden Eye Associates since March 2000. As the Practice Development Coordinator, Amanda dedicates her time to making the patient’s experience top notch, marketing, community events, and working with the Jaguars to ensure the players and staff have the greatest possible vision.
In her spare time she enjoys working out, spending time with family and friends, and attending the Jaguar games.
Amanda improved her vision from count fingers to 20/15 by having Custom LASIK with Dr. Bowden in 2003. In addition to LASIK, she has had Laser Hair Removal, Microdermabrasion, and facials.
Keri B., COA
Operations Manager
Keri started her career at Bowden Eye Associates in October 2002. She has worked as a scribe, work up technician, optician, refractive coordinator, and is now the clinical supervisor.
She also received her Certified Ophthalmic Assistant certification in 2006.
Keri lives in Mandarin with her husband Luke, son Ryne and 2 dogs, Wrigley and Sandy. In her spare time she enjoys cheering on the Chicago Cubs and attending Jaguar games.
With a prescription of count fingers in both eyes Keri decided to have Custom Lasik by Dr. Bowden in 2003. Seven years later, Keri remains at 20/15 vision.
Tony H.
Head Technician for Dr. Bowden
Tony grew up in Jacksonville and graduated from Terry Parker High School in 1983. He then received his Bachelor’s from Jacksonville University in 1987 and his Doctorate of Optometry from Southeastern University School of Optometry in 1994. Tony has been with Bowden Eye Associates since 2000.
In Tony’s spare time, he enjoys watching cheering on the Florida Gators and attending the Jaguar games.
Samantha C.
ASC Operations Manager
Samantha was born and raised in Jacksonville, FL. She graduated from Mandarin High School and then continued on to play 2 years of college softball for Daytona Beach Community College and Santa Fe Community College.
Samantha joined Bowden Eye & Associates in 2005 and has since helped develop the Eye Surgery Center of North Florida which opened in September of 2007. Samantha is our Operations Manager for the Eye Surgery Center of North Florida and enjoys making sure every patient’s surgery runs smoothly. The most enjoyable part of working in the surgery center is being able to witness the great outcomes with the patient and their family members.
In her spare time, Samantha enjoys playing softball, cheering on the Jaguars, and spending time with her son Logan.
Monica L., COA
Director of Surgical Services
Monica joined Bowden Eye Associates in 2006. She is the Team Leader for Dr. Bowden and Director of Surgical Services. Monica assists Dr. Bowden in daily clinic operations, educating patients on their diagnosis and making sure they understand their eye care treatment plan. She also assists patients with their surgery process from scheduling to post operative questions. Monica became a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant in 2008.
Monica lives in Jacksonville with her husband and son, Kaden. In her spare time she enjoys wakeboarding and spending time with her son.
In 2007, Monica had Custom LASIK surgery by Dr. Bowden which improved her vision from 20/400 to 20/15.
Melinda M.
Billing Department Supervisor
Melinda has been working in Ophthalmology since 1994, and has worked in various areas of the field from front desk to technician, and is currently in billing. Melinda enjoys Ophthalmology billing because of the help she can give the patients so that their sight is not interfered due to costs.
Melinda came back to Bowden Eye Associates in 2007, after leaving in 2002 due to her husband’s military transfer to California. Melinda is currently working on obtaining her Certified Ophthalmic Assistant certification.
Melinda was born in upstate New York and moved to Florida with her husband Tom. She has 7 children and 1 grandson. In their spare time they enjoy ballroom dancing and remodeling the house.
Whitney R.
Manager – Bonneval Location
Whitney joined Bowden Eye Associates in December 2009 with 3 years of prior ophthalmology experience. She works at our Bonneval location as the Patient Care Counselor Supervisor. She assists our patients in many aspects of the eye care needs including quality patient care, insurance billing, and surgical coordinating. Whitney is very passionate about her career and future in ophthalmology.
Whitney was born and raised in Orange Park, FL and graduated from Orange Park High School. She currently resides in Orange Park with her daughter, Michaela, and son, Gavin. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, shopping, and outdoor water sports.
Amber R.
Manager – Orange Park Location
Amber joined Bowden Eye in 2010, with previous ophthalmology and medical field experience. She graduated from Middleburg High School, completing the medical magnet program which paved the way to her future in the medical field. Amber prides herself on her commitment to patient satisfaction.
Amber was raised in Middleburg, FL. She, and her daughter Abbey, reside in Clay County. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her daughter, going to the beach, and enjoying watching some Gator and Jaguar Football!
Jana H. – ABO/NCLE Certified
Optical Manager
Jana is originally from Tempe, Arizona and relocated to the Jacksonville area in September of 2011, when she joined the practice. She is the Optical Managers for all of the locations, making sure the Optical Departments provide the most up to date lenses available and current frame selections for every patients’ visual needs. Jana has been in the Optical field since 2002 and has worked as a Certified Paraoptometric Technician, Office Administrator, and Arizona State Licensed Optician. She received her ABO and NCLE certification in 2008, and plans on taking her Florida State Boards in April 2012.
Jana lives in Jacksonville with her husband and their two dogs, Mia and Stella. In her free time she enjoys hiking, bike riding, going to the beach, and spending time with her husband.
Bristol
Aesthetician
Bristol has had extensive training in numerous facial techniques, Micro-Current technology, LED light therapy, deep grade chemical peels and microdermabrasion. In addition she’s written articles on the importance of skincare as well as been featured on online commercials demonstrating some of the newest skin care technologies on the market. Bristol is a firm believer that diet, lifestyle choices and stress management play a huge role in our skin. Knowing that knowledge is our best weapon, she educates her clients on skin care tips and home remedies to achieve healthy beautiful skin! In addition to her results driven approach to skin care, she is known for her warm and friendly demeanor. To her, clients are family.
In her spare time she loves traveling, group cycling, hiking, dancing, cooking healthy meals, and photography.
Melina
Physician’s Assistant
