About Us · The Villages, FL

Meet the Hindsight Eye Care Team

The Hindsight Eye Care team has cared for The Villages since 2007: Dr. James A. Russell, OD and our licensed opticians, all under one roof.

Who We Are

This Is Who We Are

Hindsight Eye Care has served The Villages and nearby towns since 2007. We are a small team: an eye doctor, licensed opticians and lab technicians who make glasses on site.

We take time with every patient. You get a complete eye exam with modern equipment, help with frames and lenses, and care for every age in the family.

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The Hindsight Eye Care team in white coats in the optical showroom in The Villages, FL
Our Eye Care Team

The Hindsight Eye Care Team: People Who Care for Your Eyes

Dr. James A. Russell, OD

Dr. James A. Russell, OD

  • Board Certified Optometric Physician

Dr. James A. Russell is a Board Certified Optometric Physician.

After graduating with honors, Dr. Russell settled into practice and has gained diverse experience working with other professionals, especially in optometry.

Dr. Russell grew up in Atlanta and attended the University of Georgia, where he graduated Cum Laude in 2003 with a major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. During his senior year he conducted extensive research on the properties of surface exotoxins of virulent bacteria such as E. coli.

He eventually switched his focus to the study of ocular sciences and went on to receive a Bachelor of Vision Science and Doctor of Optometry from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale.

Dr. Russell received his optometric training in a variety of locations, including Tianjin Eye Hospital in China, Omni Eye Center in Atlanta and the NSU Health Care Clinic in North Miami Beach.

Ibrahim Salman

Ibrahim Salman

  • American Board of Opticianry, ABOC
  • National Contact Lens Examiners, NCLEC

Ibrahim Salman has been working in the optical industry for over 25 years. He started working at a 1-hour optical lab with lens fabrication and moved on to the management of the lab soon thereafter. He has worked and managed opticals and labs for the largest retailers in the world, including LensCrafters, Luxottica, EyeMasters, ECCA, Sears Optical, and many others.

Mr. Salman has also opened and managed private vision centers for Optometrists and independent Ophthalmologists. He enjoys challenges: low vision, double vision, and aniseikonia are some conditions caused by birth, trauma, or surgical changes that require knowledge of the entire picture when fitting eyeglasses. Please come see him at HindSight Eye Care.

LaDonna Olson

LaDonna Olson

  • Florida State Board Certified Licensed Dispensing Optician, LDO
  • American Board of Opticianry, ABOC
  • National Contact Lens Examiners, NCLEC
  • Fellow National Academy of Opticianry, FNAO

Meet LaDonna Olson, the heart and soul of our eye care team. Renowned for her gentle nature and boundless kindness, LaDonna is a sweet and soft-spoken professional who treats every client like family. With over 30 years of dedicated experience across both small optometrist practices and large multi-MD ophthalmology groups, she is a master of her craft.

She expertly listens to your story and asks the right questions to accurately identify your unique eye care and lifestyle needs.

LaDonna has a rare gift for styling; she instinctively knows which frame shapes and colors beautifully complement your face type, hair color, and skin tone. Whether you need a single pair of glasses or specialized options for different activities, she always provides the absolute best recommendations and ensures you have affordable options to choose from. From perfect lens fitments to finding the frames that make you shine, LaDonna is here to solve your problems with unmatched care and hospitality.

She is a Florida State Board Certified Licensed Dispensing Optician, and holds ABOC, NCLEC, and FNAO credentials. You can see LaDonna at Hindsight Eye Care and at Villages Optical.

Mohammed

Mohammed

  • American Board of Opticianry, ABOC

Mohammed is an American Board of Opticianry certified optician (ABOC) with more than 20 years of experience. He has worked in private and corporate ophthalmology and optometry practices.

“My mission is to help you see better.”

Yuly

Yuly

  • Licensed Dispensing Optician, LDO
  • American Board of Opticianry, ABOC
  • National Contact Lens Examiners, NCLEC

Yuly is a Licensed Dispensing Optician (LDO) with more than 11 years of experience. She is certified by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE).

Emily

Emily

  • Licensed Dispensing Optician, LDO
  • American Board of Opticianry, ABOC
  • National Contact Lens Examiners, NCLEC

Emily is a Licensed Dispensing Optician (LDO) certified by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE), with 5 years of hands-on experience. She trained through Florida’s Apprenticeship Program and completed her apprenticeship in 2023.

Emily brings technical skill and personal care to every fitting. Her goal is to help each patient find the right balance of clear vision, comfort and style.

Sam

Sam

Sam manages our in-house optical lab and brings more than 30 years of hands-on experience in precision lens fabrication, edging and quality control. He loves turning complex prescriptions into crystal-clear vision.

Sam makes sure every pair of glasses that leaves our lab looks great, feels comfortable and works right the first time.

Kayla

Kayla

Kayla is our optical lab technician, with 3 years of hands-on experience. She has a sharp eye for detail and takes pride in precision craftsmanship: every pair of glasses she makes is custom cut, aligned and inspected before it reaches you.

Many optical shops send their glasses out to a lab. Hindsight Eye Care invested in its own, so we can offer same-day service. Kayla’s goal is simple: every pair should look great, feel comfortable and work right the first time.

We love our customers and The Villages.

Google Reviews from The Villages Customers

A little kindness, a lasting impression. Here’s what our customers say about us on Google, in their own words.

  • Jamie North

    Posted on Google
    Always a great experience in the past 5 years that we have been going. We get a professional, complete eye exam there yearly and buy our RX glasses there. ALWAYS a good experience with all staff. They do lots of in-house services in their on-premise lab.
  • Julie Williams

    Posted on Google
    Wow!!!!! The customer service was out of this world! When I walked in the door, I was immediately greeted and waited on. There were others also in the building that were being waited on as well. I felt I was important, listened to, and understood. My glasses are beautiful and well constructed! I will not go anywhere else and I will tell all my neighbors and friends in the south villages!!! Thank you☺️☺️☺️☺️
  • Frank La Scala

    Posted on Google
    This probably the best Eye Center I’ve ever been to. Great selection of frames, glasses, even progressive, are ready in an hour or so. The folks are very attentive, knowledgeable, and very helpful and friendly. Thanks everyone!!
  • Gina Horan

    Posted on Google
    Emily was amazing! She met us at the door and fixed 3 pair of glasses with a smile. We love it here and will be back. I will be switching my doctor to Dr. Russell for my next visit and they have 2 new customers!!
  • Stacy Schleman

    Posted on Google
    Wonderful experience! Staff was pleasant and helpful. I know I’ll get the highest quality care consistently. Fun fact: they haven’t increased their prices in 20 years! Highly recommend. Nuff said.
  • Sue Abbott

    Posted on Google
    Incredibly efficient and well organized. I just needed prescription sunglasses from my out of state doctor’s visit earlier in the year. I had them in just over an hour at a very reasonable price. I would recommend Hindsight to anyone.
  • Andrea Jacobs

    Posted on Google
    I am thrilled with my new glasses from HindSight in Pinellas plaza. From the walk in greeting, the eye exam and personal touch with picking the right features to order, they were wonderful!
  • Alice Myers

    Posted on Google
    At the suggestion of a neighbor, I stopped in hoping to get my glasses fixed. Even though they were purchased elsewhere and the repair was more involved than we initially thought, they persevered and got me back in business quickly. The staff was very friendly & professional. I will be back!
  • PAPO

    Posted on Google
    I felt very well taken care of by the doctor. He was very professional. I was able to get my eyeglasses there. The service was great!
  • Larry Understein

    Posted on Google
    Hadn’t had an eye exam for four years and also needed updating for my reading glasses. Hindsight offered a quick appointment and the most thorough eye exam I have ever had. Thank you. Excellent communication and informed explanation of test results. Quick replacement of lenses too, using my existing frames. Couldn’t ask for more.
  • Anneda Sohalski

    Posted on Google
    I dealt with a wonderful person named Ladonna. I was not satisfied with the glasses I purchased and she was so patient with me until I was completely satisfied. I had to purchase another pair and she was so kind and helpful and above all patient with me. I highly recommend Hindsight and especially Ladonna.
  • Ali Issa

    Posted on Google
    I work in I.T. and had difficulty looking at my computer monitor. I went to Hind Sight Eye Care for their expertise. I left with two different pairs of glasses; one for vision and a great pair of Oakleys. The staff is very knowledgeable in all fields of Eye Care and were patient and thoughtful. I’m never going anywhere else except Hind Sight Eye Care!
  • Aiden Sheppard

    Posted on Google
    Very kindly fixed my sunglasses quickly and at no charge. Very nice people here with a great building.
  • Terry Crozier

    Posted on Google
    I definitely recommend this place. They helped me in an emergency with breaking my glasses and needing them back right away. Everyone was very professional and very courteous.
  • Kenda Summers

    Posted on Google
    I stopped in to get my glasses repaired after calling around to several other places, and I’m so glad I did. Mohamed was absolutely amazing — professional, friendly, and incredibly fast! From now on, I’ll proudly be one of their loyal customers. 👓🙌
  • Alfred Monterio

    Posted on Google
    Fantastic service by Dr Russell. I got an appointment within a week. The same day service was more than I expected. In a hour I had new lenses in my frame. I’ve never experienced such wonderful and same day service. I was renting in The Villages of Florida for 2 months when my vision got cloudy. So pleased with results. All at a reasonable fee.
  • TED BIRO

    Posted on Google
    KNOWLEDGEABLE, FRIENDLY PEOPLE THAT PROVIDED ME WITH NEW PRESCRIPTION & GLASSES IN 2HOURS. NEVER HAVE I BEEN MORE PLEASED WITH A COMPANY,
  • kathleen westphal

    Posted on Google
    First time customer Great experience! I went to get new lens and left a very happy customer! The frame selection was great with all the latest styles at a very affordable price. I worked with Julie who went above and beyond in the service I received. I recommend highly to get your new glasses at HindSight!!The Villages!
  • Michael F Manion

    Posted on Google
    They know how to get it done right from the get go. Timely, courteous and make the small fitting adjustments very well.
  • Bobby Goodman

    Posted on Google
    Staff is very pleasant and helpful. Doctor is very detailed and explains everything so you can easily understand. My glasses we made within 1 hour I highly recommend this eye Doctor office.
  • Donna Iverson

    Posted on Google
    As this was my first visit to Hindsight, I experienced great success. Dr. Russell greeted me, reviewed my health & eye health with me. The exam was done efficiently and I moved onto the care of staff member, LaDonna. We discussed glasses choices and moved onto the purchase. It was a surprising pleasure that the glasses cost far less than expected…
  • Rebekah Mae

    Posted on Google
    Beautiful glasses to choose from. I asked for help finding something in the style I like, and I went with the frames they recommended for me. They really got my style and picked a flattering size and shape for my face. They also had the glasses done so fast! Normally, at my place back home, I have to wait 1-2 weeks, but they had them done in an hour!
  • Henderson Eads

    Posted on Google
    No question for the best eye exam, Complete check up of your eyes, and a honest opinion as to what you need or dont need and never a mention of buying glasses at HindSight and a perscription given to you with the Doctors results for you to get glasses where ever you choose.
  • Paula Stacey

    Posted on Google
    I love the staff at Hindsight. They are knowledgeable and friendly. The exam is always pleasant and stress free, no long waits. They help me make good choices for lenses and styles and are considerate of my budget. I also love how they fix my glasses free of charge when I bend something the wrong way or they start to sit wrong on my face. I happily recommend them.
Dr. James Russell, ODAbout Us

Frequently Asked Questions

Have another question? Our team is happy to help.

Call (352) 399-5412

What is Hindsight Eye Care in The Villages?

Hindsight Eye Care is an eye care practice in The Villages. We offer eye exams, prescription lenses and 1-hour glasses from our own optical lab.

Where can I get prescription eyeglasses near me in The Villages, FL?

Hindsight Eye Care in The Villages offers same-day prescription eyeglasses with an on-site lab. Visit us at 2478 Burnsed Blvd in Pinellas Plaza for an eye exam and a wide selection of frames.

What are Hindsight Eye Care’s eyeglasses like?

At Hindsight Eye Care in The Villages, we offer comfortable eyeglasses in many styles, with fast turnaround and 1-hour service options.

What services does Hindsight Eye Care offer?

Hindsight Eye Care provides eye exams, same-day glasses, contact lens fittings, and personalized vision care in The Villages, FL.

Where can I get intravitreal injections in The Villages, FL?

Hindsight Eye Care does not perform intravitreal injections. We refer patients to local ophthalmologists who specialize in retina care.

Who is a good eye doctor in The Villages, FL?

Hindsight Eye Care in The Villages offers personalized eye exams, glasses and contact lens fittings. You can read what our patients say on our Google reviews page.

What are the latest eyewear trends in The Villages, FL?

At Hindsight Eye Care, we carry current eyewear styles, including lightweight frames, bold colors and progressive lens options.

Where can I find a glaucoma specialist in The Villages, FL?

Hindsight Eye Care works with local glaucoma specialists and can refer you for treatment after your exam if you need it.

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Let’s take care of your next chapter.

A Clearer View Starts at Hindsight Eye Care

Make time for your eyes. We’ll make you feel right at home.

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Or call (352) 399-5412

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Prefer to talk to us? Call (352) 399-5412, Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 5:00.