Dr. Alan Shaffer is originally from Wyalusing, Pennsylvania and is a graduate of Penn State University. He relocated to Florida in 1985 after graduating from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry.

He was recently President of the Florida Optometric Association. This is the organization that represents over 2,000 Optometrists in the state of Florida. He was on the Professional Relations Committee of the American Optometric Association, this is the national organization of Optometrists. He most recently served as chair of the nominating committee for the American Optometric Association. He is a member of the Southern Congress of Optometrists and the Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Shaffer is also involved in VisionUSA, a charitable organization involved in providing eye exams and glasses to needy people. Dr. Shaffer was named Florida's Optometrist of the Year by his colleagues for the year 2001-2002.