John Parrelli, LDO, FCLSA, NCLE-AC, the founder of Parrelli Optical, is a licensed optician, contact lens specialist, and certified refractionist. He is a member of the Opticians Association of Massachusetts, the Contact Lens Society of America, and the National Academy of Opticianry. He primarily sees patients in the Cambridge and Beverly offices.

John’s interest in optics began in his early teens and was nurtured by several mentors in the industry. In 1978, after 18 years of working for and learning from other professionals, he was ready to strike out on his own and opened the first Parrelli Optical office at 62 Boylston Street in Boston, MA. As the practice has grown, John has never lost sight of his core values or his enthusiasm for tackling the most challenging cases, which has become the practice’s specialty.

“It’s the challenging fits — either spectacles or contact lenses — that drive me. I believe that every patient can be helped, and I won’t stop until we’ve achieved great vision for even the most challenging case.”

Jonathan Parrelli, LDO, FCLSA,NCLE-AC, inherited his father’s 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 cosmetic and therapeutic rigid gas permeable contact lenses.

Jonathan is a member of the Opticians Association of Massachusetts, Contact Lens Society of America, and a fellow of the National Academy of Opticianry. He teaches contact lens theory and fitting technique at the Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology in Boston. Jonathan is a clinical advisor for several manufacturers and is actively involved in the development of new contact lens designs.

“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.”

Christopher DiTavi, LDO, ABOC, NCLC, is a graduate of Worcester Technical Institute, with an associate’s degree in ophthalmic dispensing. He is a licensed optician and certified contact lens fitter. Christopher is a member of the Opticians Association of Massachusetts, and has served as president of the New England Contact Lens Society, where he also has served on the board of directors.

Chris joined Parrelli Optical in 1996. In 1998, he became manager of the Cambridge office, where he is responsible for all day-to-day operations.

“I love being involved in all aspects of the optical industry, from fitting contact lenses and eyeglasses to making sure we have the best selection and highest quality eyewear. ”

Rachel C Ayars is apprenticing under the guidance of John Parrelli, and studying to complete her degree in ophthalmic optics at Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology in Boston. She has also studied at the School of Fashion Design in Boston. Rachel joined Parrelli Optical in 2010, and utilizes her knowledge of fashion and optics to help patients select the perfect frame to fit their lifestyle. She also helps keep the Cambridge store in step with the latest optical styles and trends.

Mauricio Mendes, LDO, ABOC, NCLC, joined Parrelli Optical in 2007 as an apprentice and became a licensed optician in 2010. He supervises laboratory manufacturing of eyeglasses and is a true craftsman by nature.

Mauricio networks and establishes professional alliances with the best frame and lens companies in the industry. He is responsible for ensuring that Parrelli Optical has an inventory and portfolio of products of the highest quality possible. Mauricio is fluent in both Portuguese and Spanish.

“Helping people to look and feel their best is my number one priority.”

Mary Powers, LDO, ABOC, NCLC, has been with Parrelli Optical since 2002. She completed her apprenticeship under the guidance of John Parrelli and Christopher DiTavi and became a licensed optician in 2006.

Mary specializes in edging and inserting ophthalmic lenses into eyeglass frames. She is also involved in helping patients select the perfect pair of eyeglasses.

“I am part of a team committed to the health and satisfaction of our patients.”

Sandra Solorzano joined Parrelli Optical in 2007. As front desk coordinator, she is responsible for coordinating patient care for eye exams and contact lens fitting, scheduling appointments, welcoming patients to the office, verifying insurance eligibility and administration.

Cheryl DePaolo Jost, 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. She earned her bachelor´s degree from the University of Massachusetts.

Dr. Jost trained via externships at the Veteran´s Administration Hospital in Jamaica Plain, Dorchester House Community Health Center, Martha Eliot Community Health Center, and The New England Eye Institute, all in Boston.

She joined Parrelli Optical in 2007, and specializes in primary eye care as well as pre- and post-operative surgical co-management. Dr. Jost is a member of the American Optometric Association and the Massachusetts Society of Optometrists.

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.

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.

Bonny M. Weingarten, O.D., earned her doctor of optometry degree from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in Philadelphia. She practiced in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh before joining Parrelli Optical in 1989.

Dr. Weingarten specializes in dry eye management and ocular allergies, and provides comprehensive eye exams and contact lens fittings. In addition, she is responsible for staff and patient education.