Gulf Coast Eye Center Moves to Renovated Sarasota School of Architecture Style Building

The Move Reflects Dr. Steven Bovio’s Commitment to Advanced Eye Exams

When he needed to move his practice to a bigger building to accommodate its growth, it was fitting that optometrist Dr. Steven Bovio chose 2940 South Tamiami Trail.

The building embraces Sarasota’s history as a regional center for architecture from the 1940s to 1960s. It also reflects Dr. Bovio’s commitment to being at the cutting edge of his field in terms of technology and patient care. The architectural movement of those years, known as the Sarasota School of Architecture, was acclaimed for its forward looking design and marked “a high point in the development of regional modernism in American architecture,” according to the Sarasota Architectural Foundation.

Dr. Bovio’s vision for his practice and his patients is also forward looking. Dr. Bovio has witnessed some of the most innovative developments in primary eye care in ongoing medical training meetings throughout the country year after year.

“We were able to offer these invitations at our previous office; however, space was limited,” Dr. Bovio said. “Now, through our investment of equipment, more space, innovative design and our time, we are able offer these advancements in a matching state-of-the-art office.”

The practice is predicated on primary eye care for all ages and specializes in custom contact lenses, dry eye syndrome and low vison, addressing needs that are often overlooked. Gulf Coast Eye Center’s professional staff take the time to determine the individual vision demands and find the best option to improve each patient’s daily vision. The Optical is treated as an extension of our care through communication between patient, doctor and optician.   It is committed to using the latest in eyeglass lens designs to optimize how you see the world.  The Optical has been designed to by an enjoyable experience with fun fashionable eye wear.

Dr. Bovio’s year-long renovation of the building is in keeping with its minimalist modern roots and was completed this summer. Complimenting the renovation is advanced but subtle showroom lighting. The doors opened in September and a grand opening is planned for Nov. 11 from 4 to 7 p.m., featuring food and wine, music, a raffle and an eyewear trunk show.

Dr. Bovio says he sought to fill this high-tech and comprehensive eye exam niche. He knew it would help everyone — patients who have standard eye care needs and people who might have had difficulty with their vison and ocular comfort.

“Meeting patients’ needs is what it’s all about,” he said.

About Dr. Steven Bovio

Dr. Steven Bovio is a Board-certified Optometric Physician. Dr. Bovio received his Doctor of Optometry degree in 1996 from Nova Southeastern University in Miami, Florida. He had internships at Bascom-Palmer Eye Institute, St. Luke’s Eye Institute and Bay Pines VA hospital. Dr. Bovio gained extensive experience in ocular disease at some of the state’s largest surgical centers. Further, his contact lens experience was expanded from helping to provide eye care to the Florida State Athletic Department while in Tallahassee. Dr. Bovio started Gulf Coast Eye Center in 1999. Dr. Bovio is a member of the American Optometric Association, Florida Optometry Association and the Manasota Society of Optometry. Dr. Bovio is a board member of the Light House for the Blind. Dr. Bovio is also a board member of the Manatee Technical Institute Optometric Assistant program, helping educate students with clinical experience by offering rotations through his office. In addition, the practice is a strong supporter of Optometry Giving Sight and its global campaign to bring better vision and eye health service to 50 million children by 2020. To learn more about Optometry Giving Sight go to www.givingsight.org.