Our Philosophy
Parrelli Optical was founded 40 years ago with one key goal: to provide the highest quality, healthiest vision-correction products and services to all patients in the Boston , MA area. This goal was born of founder John Parrelli’s keen interest in optics and his love of pioneering new ways to solve optical issues. Today, the entire Parrelli team supports this goal, tackling tough cases – particularly those requiring specialized ophthalmic and contact lenses – with skill, persistence and sensitivity.
When you step into our practice, you gain access to a whole team of professionals dedicated to making sure you see well and look good, comfortably. Our Boston and Massachusetts eye doctors and optometrists provide quality eyeglasses, contact lenses and eye exams throughout the Boston area.
The Parrelli Optical Difference
At Parrelli Optical, we strive to adhere to our unifying principles every day:
- Respect and appreciate every patient as an individual
- Listen actively to identify and satisfy our patients’ needs
- Seek creative solutions as a team
- Deliver the finest eye care through innovative, high-quality products
- Provide support and education to all patients
- Offer superior value and a full satisfaction guarantee
- Increase our knowledge base by seeking educational opportunities
Our Staff
Stacy Bean completed her undergraduate studies earning a Bachelor’s of Art in Biology with a minor in Psychology from Lehigh University in Pennsylvania. Her lifelong interest in good vision led to her graduation from the New England College of Optometry in 1993. Dr. Bean immediately entered into private practice. She specializes in complete family eyecare, examining and treating entire families from children to grandparents. Dr. Bean is uniquely qualified to prescribe eyeglasses and to design and fit contact lenses. In addition, she is skilled at detecting, diagnosing and co-managing eye health concerns. Her affiliation with Parrelli Optical began in 1999.When not actively caring for her patients, Dr. Bean loves to be outdoors with her husband and two children.
“The eye has always fascinated me; I was the only member of my family with perfect vision and I want everyone to be able to see to their fullest potential.”
Nichole Belgrini has worked in the optical industry for over 35 years, starting as a young adolescent assembling frames and tinting lenses in her family’s optical stores. Under her Grandfather and Uncles tutelage, she learned how to do all things optical, excelling at helping patients find the perfect frame that works for their prescription. Nichole feels it was a privilege to be a part of such a legacy with the final office closing on the 40th anniversary. Nichole joined the Parrelli Optical family in January 2023, and has brought her many years of experience, knowledge and care to our patient base. Nichole enjoys guiding patients through the process of picking out frames and ensuring that the patient has a great experience. In her time away from the office, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and friends.
Jeffrey S. Bird, RDO, ABO-M, NCLE-AC. After working with industrial optics for several years, Jeffrey discovered professional eyewear design. Returning to school, he prepared for the certification examination at the Optical Institute of New England while working as an apprentice optician. Jeffrey was licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a Registered Dispensing Optician in 1978. In addition, he holds accreditation from the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLC). His continued studies, writings and wide ranging experience lead to designation as a Master Optician in 1996. His commitment to life-long learning saw Jeffrey receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Salem State College in order to assure the company’s business practices rival the patient satisfaction levels that their professional services provided. The success in this arena has seen Parrelli Optical voted “Best on the Northshore” routinely over many years. After a successful career fitting contact lenses, with a particular interest in lenses for astigmatism and corrections for the bifocal wearer, Jeffrey has moved into running to company full time and training new personnel in the “Parrelli Way.”
“I am excited about sharing my wealth of knowledge and experience with the newest members of our team. They are the next generation to whom the mantle of leadership for this great company will pass.”
Dr. Peter Bridger, O.D., graduated from the New England College of Optometry with a Doctor of Optometry degree. Before joining Parrelli Optical in 1988, Dr. Bridger provided comprehensive eye care at an independent optical company which he also co-managed. Dr. Bridger earned his undergraduate degree at Northeastern University, where he conducted research in the field of vision. He trained at the Jocelyn Diabetic Center and has expertise in diabetic vision care.
Dr. Rebecca Bridger, Optometrist: Rebecca Bridger attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst for her undergraduate studies. During her studies there she designed her own course curriculum, allowing her to take courses in business, nutrition, and pre-med. Upon graduating with a Bachelor of Science with Individual Concentration, Dr. Bridger was accepted into the inaugural optometry class at MCPHS University. Part of Dr. Bridger’s training included time spent examining patients at The Villages Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic in The Villages, FL. Upon graduating with her doctorate in optometry, Dr. Rebecca Bridger joined her father, Dr. Peter Bridger, in examining patients at Parrelli Optical. Specializing in primary eye care, Dr. Rebecca Bridger is passionate about patient education and taking a preventative approach to healthcare.
Edgar Cardoza started his optical career in 2005, at LensCrafters working in the lab, surfacing and edging eyeglass lenses. Before joining Parrelli Optical in 2016, he worked at the Optical Center for the Veterans Hospital assisting Veterans with their eye wear orders and dispensing eyeglasses. At Parrelli Optical, a place he now calls home, Edgar has become a knowledgeable Optician. He takes great pride in assuring top patient care and satisfaction; fitting eye wear to patients as well as contact lens training. With 7 Years of lab experience, added to his Opticianry experience, Edgar is able to assist patients in choosing the correct eyewear for their prescriptions. In his free time, Edgar enjoys spending time with his daughters.
Kevin Diaz, RDO, ABOC, NCLE joined the Parrelli team in 1985. He has been a licensed optician and contact lens fitter since 1984. Kevin is a graduate of Newbury College with a degree in ophthalmic optics. He specialized in designing and fitting customized eyewear using the latest material innovations. Kevin is practiced in the fabrication of eyewear and enjoys handcrafting glasses for his patients. He also is renowned nationwide for his expertise in the niche field of shooting eyewear and works very closely with his patients to perfect their vision for their particular sport. He is also a certified contact lens fitter who is especially skilled in training and dispensing for patients who may have difficulties with contact lens handling. Kevin spends his time between the Beverly and North Andover offices.
“I enjoy all the challenges that designing the perfect vision correction for my clients presents!”
Angela DiPaolo-Douglass, Administrator , has a BS in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Women Studies; she also has her MS in Management. Angela worked in the Early Childhood Field for over 25 years in diverse communities across Massachusetts supporting children, families and Early Childhood Educators. Angela began working with Parrelli Optical in March of 2022; she shifted careers in order to have more time with her daughter. She enjoys supporting Parrelli’s clients and assisting those who are Spanish speakers, as she is bi-lingual. When outside of work, she enjoys the outdoors, her family and friends, and takes pride in her flower garden.
Ethel Galanis, RDO, ABO, NCLE, joined Parrelli Optical in 1989 after working in an independent optometrist’s office and also an ophthalmic laboratory for five years in Florida. She has been a Massachusetts licensed optician since 1990 and is a member of the Opticians Association of Massachusetts and the Contact Lens Society of America. Frame selection and knowledge of modern lens design enable her to fit patients with the frames and lenses that are right for them and assure that her clients look good and see their best.
“It is wonderful to work here knowing that the Parrelli family is dedicated to providing patients with the best vision and comfort using the latest technology available in industry. My clients are often wowed when presented with their new eyewear.”
Cynthia Huthins, RDO, ABOC, joined Parrelli Optical in 1985 as an apprentice optician, continuing her optical education at Newbury College, and is now Vice President of the corporation. Cynthia attended Salem State College. She became a licensed optician in 1998 and is a member of the Opticians Association of MA and the Contact Lens Society of America. Cynthia manages the Beverly office where she supervises the design and dispensing of eyewear, the on-site production facility, and the office’s daily operations. She specializes in the design and fabrication of eyewear. Cynthia works closely with her clients, helping them select a frame that fits comfortably and complements their face shape and personal color considerations. She then employs the most effective lens design to ensure her patients’ optimal vision. Cynthia is renowned in the organization for her acute awareness of the smallest details and is sought out by many clients for her expertise. She and her team have led the Beverly office in becoming the go-to optical shop on the North Shore.
“After 37 years with Parrelli Optical, I have a following that spans generations. To me, that’s success!”
Rebekah Hyacinthe, RDO, NCLE, Rebekah has been at Parrelli Optical since 2013. Her journey to optics has been unique. Rebekah began as an opera singer in Ohio but became an optician soon after. She completed a graduate degree in ministry in 2016. Rebekah became a Registered Dispensing Optician in Ohio in 2011 and Massachusetts in 2018. Her passions in optics include designing eyewear that serves both fashion and function (including lenses for blue light and migraines), difficult contact lens fittings, and myopia control for her younger patients.
Rebekah married her sweet husband Daniel in 2016. He loves glasses almost as much as she does. Together they have four guinea pigs, a hamster and a puppy. At home, Daniel also plays guitar while Rebekah sings. They also both serve at their church in various ways.
“While fashion will always be my passion, seeing the ways I can help save a patient’s vision for the long term, through tools such as myopia control and blue light protection, will forever be the greatest reward!”
Dr. Nabeel Khudairi is a graduate of Northeastern University and the New England College of Optometry. He has been a leader in private practice for over 20 years and also served geriatric populations in many clinical settings. Dr. Khudairi has extensive knowledge in specialty contact lens fittings and ophthalmic lens advanced design, and is noted for exceptional patient education. He provides each of his patients a thorough explanation of testing procedures, a review of the eye exam results, and will answer all questions related to your eye care. He has received longstanding and wide praise for his clear and thorough presentations for each patient’s individual findings.
We are pleased to share with you Dr. Khudairi’s clinical experience, engaging character and humorous personality which has gained him a dedicated and loyal patient following. He enjoys travel, public speaking, interfaith dialogue, animal adoptions, gardening, and electronic music. Dr. Khudairi is looking forward to meeting you soon as his newest patient.
Martha J. Law, RDO, ABOC, NCLE, began her career in the optical field in 1982 in Memphis, Tennessee. She joined Parrelli Optical in 2003, completed her apprenticeship, and is now licensed in Massachusetts as a Registered Dispensing Optician. On the National level, she is also certified by the American Board of Opticianry and by the National Contact Lens Examiners.
As manager of our busy North Andover office, Martha oversees production of eyewear and all daily operations to ensure every patient receives the ultimate Parrelli experience. She personally curates our frame collection by working closely with representatives from the industry’s leading manufacturers. Known as the “fashionista” of the office, Martha not only makes sure our frame board represents the latest style trends in eyewear, but also showcases state-of-the-art frame materials and lens mounting techniques. Martha devotes her time and expertise to all her clients to design the perfect pair of eyeglasses for every individual need.
“One of my primary goals is to keep my patients fully informed about all of the technological advances happening in the optical field. I enjoy the one-on-one interaction with all of Parrelli’s clients and strive to provide the best possible product and service available today.”
Dr. Karen Lewis, Optometrist, Karen Lewis graduated from Gordon College with Bachelors of Arts degree in Biology. Her interest in sight led to several years researching vision at the University of Massachusetts. That work led Karen to focus on patient care. Furthering her education, Dr. Lewis received her doctorate from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in 1984. She has extensive experience in family eyecare, including contact lens fitting, eye surgery co-management, adult eye care and eye care for children. Dr. Lewis is licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is board certified in ocular pharmaceutical agents. Her training and experience allow her to diagnose, treat, manage or co-manage all eye conditions. When she is not in the office Dr. Lewis enjoys hiking, biking and beachcombing with her husband and three children.
Matthew Mahoney, RDO, ABOC, NCLE, has more than 35 years’ experience in the optical industry. He joined the Parrelli team in 1988 and soon after joined the apprenticeship program. With study and training he earned his American Board of Opticianry (ABO) certification and his National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) credentials. Over the years and with the ever-evolving contact lens technology, Matthew has continued to hone and improve his contact lens fitting skill. He is responsible for all aspects of contact lens wear, education, and compliance. He also works with patients with designing, fabricating and inspecting of their custom-made prescription eye wear.
Matthew is a member of the Opticians Association of Massachusetts and the National Contact Lens Society of America. Over the years, he has enjoyed building close professional relationships with his patients. He and the team are responsible for bringing the highest level of eye care to everyone who visits our North Andover location.
“The Changes to the Contact Lens market with Multi focal lenses and Myopic reducing technologies has me excited to see what the next 10 years will bring.”
When Melissa was welcomed into the Parrelli family in 2017, she had over a decade of experience in the medical and service industries. Since then, her optical career has blossomed, and she has become known as a multi-tasking work machine. Melissa spends her time between the Beverly and North Andover offices and is involved in almost every aspect of daily operations: from administrative work to eyewear styling and dispensing, and even eyewear fabrication in the lab. As a registered optical apprentice with the Commonwealth of MA, Melissa is learning more every day and will soon be a licensed optician. Her favorite part of the job is making patients feel comfortable and welcomed. Anyone who has spent any time with Melissa can attest to her fantastic sense of humor and overall positive attitude.
“It’s all about the patients!”
David S. Metsch, OD, a long-time member of the MA Society of Optometrists Executive Board, earned his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Indiana University School of Optometry, and his BS degree from North Carolina State University. He pursued a post graduate residency at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in West Roxbury, MA. Soon after completing his residency, he served on the faculty of the New England College of Optometry. He still maintains presence in the academic sphere as a guest lecturer at Merrimack College.
In 2003, Dr. Metsch was named “Young Optometrist of the Year” by the MA Society of Optometrists. Since then, he has gained an extremely loyal following in the greater Andover area and the Merrimack Valley. Patients of Dr. Metsch know to expect a thorough unhurried exam, and can rely on his skills in detecting potential eye health issues.
When he’s not in the office, Dr. Metsch enjoys spending time with his wife and son, and is an active member of both the North Andover Community and Temple Emanuel of Andover. He is also an accomplished musician, playing drums and percussion for various musical organizations.
“Every defeat brings valuable wisdom, which is often accompanied by awareness of new opportunities never before considered.”
Linda Morse, RDO, ABOC, NCLE, joined Parrelli Optical in 2004 after working in an independent optometrist’s office for two years. She successfully completed the state apprenticeship program and is licensed in MA as a dispensing optician. The company’s belief in continuing education is reflected in Linda’s commitment to advanced learning; She was further certified as a contact lens technician in 2009, and is also a member of the Contact Lens Society of America. Linda uses her strong fashion instinct to help patients select the frame that’s right for them. Behind the scenes in the lab, she is skilled in fabricating all types of eyeglass mountings, including plastic, metal, grooved rimless, and drilled rimless. Linda is also one of the “go to” people concerning technical expertise with computer software and programming.
“Not everyone gets to have a second family where they work!”
Frederick St. Onge, Optician. Frederick “Freddy” started his optical career in 2007 with Carl Zeiss Vision. At Zeiss, Freddy was responsible for fabricating eyeglass lenses as part of the lens lab manufacturing team. Additionally, he served on the Zeiss Customer Service team, assisting Optometrists and Opticians with ophthalmic lens orders. In August 2016, Freddy joined Parrelli Optical working closely with John Parrelli. Freddy brings his edging and customer service expertise. At Parrelli Optical Freddy has expanded his skillset; guiding patients in selecting the perfect frames and lenses that work with their face and prescriptions. In his off-time, Freddy loves to spend with friends and family.
Katherine Pavenski is the office administrator in our Beverly office. She joined Parrelli Optical in 2000. She earned a certificate in medical office management from Marian Court College in 1998. Kathy answers the phone, greets patients, schedules eye exams and manages contact lens fittings.
She also verifies and clarifies patients’ insurance eligibility and benefits. Kathy is also responsible for updating patient information and maintaining contact lens information in our database. Katherine is the epitome of multitasking as she manages the records and daily schedules for four doctors and three contact lens practitioners. Kathy’s coworkers refer to her as the “Insurance Guru.”
“I look forward to coming to the office. I work with a great team of people, and I love to satisfy our patients.”
Jonathan, succeeding our founder John Parrelli, inherited his love of a challenge and desire to meet the visual demands of the individual. He earned an associate’s degree in optics from Middlesex Community-Technical College and a bachelor’s degree in Health Science from Merrimack College. He is a licensed optician, a certified refracting optician, and a contact lens fitter specializing in ALL cosmetic and therapeutic contact lenses. Jonathan is considered an “industry expert” in the fitting of soft contact lenses, rigid gas permeable contact lenses, and scleral gas permeable contact lenses. He is a patent holder of multiple custom designed contact lenses and developer for the industry. His efforts to advance our field continue to bring cutting edge and custom applications to patients in need of better outcomes.
Jonathan is a member of the Opticians Association of Massachusetts, an “honored” fellow of the Contact Lens Society of America, and a fellow of the National Academy of Opticianry. He began the contact lens program at Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology in Boston teaching contact lens theory and fitting technique. Jonathan is a clinical advisor for several manufacturers and continues to remain involved in continuing education within the field.
“People tell me I am a perfectionist and passionate about my work. That’s because I am driven by the satisfaction I gain from helping patients improve their vision and quality of life.”
Christina Parrelli-Purcell, RDO, ABOC, NCLC is a licensed optician, contact lens fitter and General Manager. Christina joined the family business in 2004.
A graduate of St. John Fisher College in Rochester, N.Y., she also has a master’s degree from New York University. Christina is a member of the Contact Lens Society of America. Her specialty is fitting patients to the best frames and lenses to complement their unique look, lifestyle, and prescription. Christina is also a soft contact lens fitter; she enjoys helping people find the right contact lenses. In her time away from the office, Christina enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.
“I really enjoy helping people find the perfect frame. When you look good, we look good!”
Emily Seayam, RDO, ABO, NCLE joined Parrelli Optical in April, 2019. After working tirelessly to complete the apprenticeship program, she became a licensed optician in 2021. Emily is ABO and NCLE certified.
Emily’s passion for optics started as a young girl. She began working at her family’s optical shop. Later, she completed her associates degree in the culinary arts program but ultimately decided to return to the optical field due to her love of optics. Wanting to make a name for herself, she started back in the industry as a manager in an optical shop. She decided to shift her focus to gaining more knowledge as an optician, in learning the art of contact lens fitting, and the fabrication of complicated eyewear.
“The most satisfying part of my day is finding a stylish pair of glasses that look good and work effectively for the patient’s needs.”
Dr. Margot Seligman, O.D., earned her doctor of optometry degree from The New England College of Optometry, where she was a member of Beta Sigma Kappa International Optometric Honor Society. Prior to her affiliation with Parrelli Optical in 1994, she practiced at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston. Dr. Seligman specializes in primary eye care with an emphasis on preventive care, including the effects of nutrition and lifestyle on health, particularly eye health. She also specializes in glaucoma detection, using the latest technology, including the Humphrey Field Analyzer and scanning laser polarimetry (GDx). Dr Seligman co-manages surgical cataract and LASIX patients with many of the leading ophthalmologists in the Boston area. She is a member of the American Optometric Association and the Massachusetts Society of Optometry.
Dr. Sonya Sheth joined Parrelli Optical in 2001. She has a wide variety of experience in specialty contact lenses, Ocular Diseases, and Pre & Post Management of Ocular Surgery. She has been practicing for over 20 years, and holds licenses in 6 other states.
Dr. Sheth was born and raised in Chicago, and received her Doctorate Degree from Illinois College of Optometry, where she graduated with another Bachelor’s Degree in Visual Science. Prior to her Optometry career, Dr. Sheth earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology with a minor in Business from Loyola University Chicago.
Dr. Sheth has participated in more than 65 clinics all over the world for charity. “It’s an amazing feeling when you give sight and quality of life to someone who would never had access to eyecare.”
Elisa Sorrentino ABOC, NCLEC joined the Parrelli Optical team in May of 2014. She is a licensed optician with knowledge of all aspects of eyewear design. Elisa also has a passion for fitting contact lenses. She has been successfully fitting all types of contacts for many years. She enjoys both aspects of her career and is devoted to her patients’ needs.
In 2012, Elisa enrolled in the Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology (BFIT) to obtain her degree in opticianry. At BFIT, Elisa excelled in her studies. She found subjects such as ophthalmic optics, the principles and practices of opticianry, and contact lens theory very compelling.
The completion of her course work combined with her practical experience led Elisa to the certifications she holds today. Her commitment to the field and her enjoyment of learning will allow her to continue to grow professionally. Elisa is also a member of the Opticians Association of MA and the Contact Lens Society of America.
Elisa has also been certified in myopia control. There are several ways to pursue myopia control, one of which is a contact lens called MiSight. MiSight contact lenses are proven to slow and/or stabilize the progression of myopia in children. MiSight is the first FDA approved contact lens method for myopia control.
“I love challenges because it is the only way I can learn to better myself.”
Dr. Scott Sylvia, O.D., earned his doctor of optometry degree from The New England College of Optometry. He also has an MBA in health care administrative management and marketing from Bryant College, and a BS from the University of Massachusetts in Dartmouth. Before coming to Parrelli Optical in 2010, Dr. Sylvia had his own practice in Cambridge. Prior to that, he was a staff optometrist at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care in Rhode Island for eight years, where he chaired and served on many committees. He is a member of the American Optometric Association, the AOA Contact Lens and Cornea Section, the Massachusetts Society of Optometrists, and other professional organizations.
Aprile is an Optician with over 15 years of experience in the field. In 2007, she entered this industry working at Northeast Lens, a lens surfacing manufacturer that was in Newton, Massachusetts. She honed lab skills and gained manufacturing and lens knowledge until their close in 2018.
Following this, she took on new challenges as an office manager for an optical shop. This environment fostered the application of lens knowledge and fabrication direct to the consumer. Committed to ongoing education and gaining a stronger foundation in optical technology, she decided to enroll and attend classes in 2021 at Ben Franklin Institute of Technology in Boston, Massachusetts.
While taking classes, Aprile decided to join the team at Parrelli Optical where she served as a part-time Optician while completing her education. Currently, Aprile maintains this role fully dedicated to delivering exceptional patient care. She has a keen eye for style and enjoys thoroughly frame design for the individual, lens design and application, and finding the best suited eyewear for the individual. Among her many skills, she has been recognized as “the company Ace” with our exclusively offered i-Green frame line of customized acetate frames offered at Parrelli Optical.
Aprile remains dedicated to providing top-notch service and expertise to the community, while striving to excel and grow as an optician in our industry.
Eye care professionals specializing in fitting contact lens fittings are available at Assembly Row (Somerville), Beverly, Danvers, and North Andover.
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