About Us
Meet Our Doctors
Looking for an eye doctor near you? Our experts at Pleasant Optics in Mt. Pleasant, St. Louis Optics in St. Louis, Carson City Optics in Carson City, and Alma Optics and State Street Optics in Alma, Michigan provide exceptional eye care in a warm, friendly environment. From comprehensive eye exams for both children and adults to specialized treatments for eye diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration, we offer a wide range of services to meet all your eye care needs.
If you’ve had trouble wearing contact lenses in the past, we offer a variety of specialty lenses for “hard-to-fit” patients with conditions like dry eye, keratoconus, or astigmatism. If you prefer wearing glasses, each of our locations has an optical with an extensive selection of designer frames from leading brands as well as specialty eyewear options for safety, sports, computer use, swimming, and more. New patients are always welcome!
Student Internship & Training Program
Throughout the year, we welcome interns from esteemed institutions such as the Michigan College of Optometry, Illinois College of Optometry, and Houston College of Optometry. We are also the designated Training Center for the Michigan State University College of Medicine MD Primary Care Physician Doctors. This program allows medical students to gain invaluable experience in eye care as part of their comprehensive medical training. When you visit our offices, you may have the opportunity to meet enthusiastic student interns or future primary care physicians. They work closely under the guidance of our experienced optometrists to ensure you receive thorough and attentive care that meets our high standards.
Meet Our Doctors
Dr. Peter B. Tacia, OD
Location: Alma Optics
Dr. Peter Tacia received a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Michigan State University in 1985. He went on to obtain a Doctor of Optometry degree from Ferris State University College of Optometry in 1989. Dr. Tacia’s training includes management of diabetic eye diseases, glaucoma management, contact lens fitting, and pediatric care. Dr. Tacia is a member of the Michigan Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association.
Dr. Tacia currently serves as president of the Alma Library Board and is active in the Gratiot County Players both as an actor and volunteer. He enjoys reading, running, and biking. Dr. Tacia and his wife, Vicki, have been married more than 25 years and have two children.
Dr. Garrett W. Whitmore, OD
Locations: Alma Optics, Pleasant Optics
Dr. Garrett Whitmore is an Alma High School graduate who attended Alma College for his undergraduate education where he received a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Health Science. He went on to receive a Bachelor’s in Vision Science and a Doctor of Optometry from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, where he graduated with honors.
Dr. Whitmore’s training includes pediatrics, geriatrics, contacts, and the treatment and management of ocular diseases including diabetes, macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, and many more. Dr. Whitmore is also a member of the Michigan Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association. He enjoys volunteering with his church as well as cycling, hunting, and fishing. When he isn’t doing these activities, he is spending time with his family, especially with his kids, Cole, Mack, Carson, and Rori, and his wife, Andi.
Dr. Jacob J. Zainea, OD
Locations: Alma Optics, Pleasant Optics
Dr. Zainea grew up in Midland and attended Alma College where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Health Sciences. While at Alma, he played football all four years and participated in competitive powerlifting. After matriculating from Alma College, Dr. Zainea moved to Chicago to attend the Illinois College of Optometry. Dr. Zainea’s training in Chicago had a strong focus on treating and managing ocular disease as well as serving kids K12 in the Chicago public school system. His training also included rotations in a pediatric clinic and the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center in Saginaw. When not at work, Dr. Zainea enjoys hunting, weightlifting, and taking his dogs to the local parks in Mt. Pleasant. Dr. Zainea and his wife, Erin, are big football fans and regularly attend CMU football games. He and his wife also enjoy spending time up north with family and friends.
Dr. Kyle D. Lark, OD
Locations: Alma Optics, Pleasant Optics, & Carson City Optics
Dr. Lark was raised in Alma, MI where he graduated from Alma High School before enrolling at Western Michigan University. During his time as a Bronco, he was a member of the football team and received a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences. He completed his doctorate at the Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University. Dr. Lark is a member of the Michigan Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association.
Dr. Lark continued his optometric training at the Battle Creek VA Medical Center and with Seals, Tacia, Bartz, Zainea, Whitmore before joining the practice in the spring of 2018. Dr. Lark practices full-scope optometry with a special interest in pediatrics and vision therapy. Dr. Lark and his wife, Megan, enjoy attending sporting events, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Dr. Megan Lark, OD
Location: St. Louis Optics
Dr. Megan Lark was born and raised in Kalamazoo, MI where she graduated from Hackett Catholic Central High School before attending Western Michigan University. She served as a member of the women’s soccer team and received her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences. She received her Doctor of Optometry from the Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University. She continued her training at the Duane L. Waters Hospital in Jackson, MI and the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center in Saginaw, MI. Dr. Lark’s training includes the treatment and management of ocular disease, contact lenses, and a special interest in pediatric eye care and vision therapy. She is a current member of the Michigan Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association. Dr. Lark and her husband, Kyle, enjoy biking, spending time with friends and family, and vacationing in Northern Michigan.
Dr. Laura Keller, OD
Locations: Pleasant Optics, Alma Optics
Dr. Laura Keller was born and raised in Battle Creek, MI where she graduated from Lakeview High School. She went on to attend Michigan State University and received a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology. She received her Doctor of Optometry from the Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University. Dr. Keller continued her training at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston, South Carolina, Henry Ford OptimEyes in Troy, MI, and the Duane L. Waters Hospital in Jackson, MI.
Dr. Stephen Near, OD
Location: St. Louis Optics
Dr. Stephen Near grew up in Shelby, Michigan. He attended Muskegon Community College before earning a Doctor of Optometry degree from Ferris State University in 1989. He has practiced in St. Louis since 1994 and has served on the St. Louis Downtown Development Authority board for many years. Dr. Near is a member of the Michigan Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association.
When he is not working, Dr. Near enjoys gardening as well as playing guitar and keyboards. He and his wife, Pepper, also spend time biking and hiking.
Dr. Shelby Alda, OD
Locations: Pleasant Optics, Carson City Optics
Dr. Shelby Alda grew up in East Tawas, MI where she attended Tawas Area High School. Her undergraduate and graduate studies were completed at Ferris State University where she received a Bachelor of Science in Biology with high distinction then went on to receive her Doctor of Optometry from the Michigan College of Optometry. Dr. Alda continued her training with Andersen Eye Associates in Saginaw, MI, the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center in Saginaw, MI, and with Seals, Tacia, Bartz, Zainea, Whitmore. Her interests lie in the treatment and management of ocular disease and fitting contact lenses. She practices full-scope optometry. Dr. Alda is a current member of the American Optometric Association and Michigan Optometric Association. Dr. Alda enjoys traveling, spending time with her family and friends, and staying active outdoors.
Dr. Alexandra Couch, OD
Locations: State Street Optics, Alma Optics, & Pleasant Optics
Dr. Alexandra Couch was born and raised in Mt. Pleasant, MI, where she graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School. She attended Central Michigan University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science as part of the honors program. She continued her education at Ferris State University, where she graduated with a Doctor of Optometry with the highest distinction from the Michigan College of Optometry. She continued her optometric education with Alma/Pleasant Optics, Aleda Lutz VA Medical Center in Saginaw, MI, and the Eye Institute of West Florida in Clearwater, Florida. Dr. Couch has specific interests in the management of ocular disease including dry eye, macular degeneration, and more. She also enjoys pediatrics and fitting contact lenses. Dr. Couch is a current member of the Michigan Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association. When not at work, Dr. Couch enjoys reading books, hiking, boating, and taking trips to Walt Disney World with her family and friends.