Dea Opari

Dea Opari is an optometrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Optometric care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she practices at her clinic in Saint Augustine, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Your optometrist is your primary partner in lifelong eye health, providing preventive care, vision correction, early disease detection, personalized health plans, and coordinating screenings to ensure your best possible vision and overall wellness. She serves all ages, from infants to seniors, and is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health.

Dr. Dea Opari is an optometrist in Saint Augustine, FL, committed to providing exceptional care that prioritizes prevention. Her practice focuses on proactive and personalized eye health strategies, recognizing the crucial link between eye health and overall well-being. She understands that early detection and consistent preventive measures are essential for maintaining optimal vision and overall health. Patients should call (904) 204-3345 to confirm if Dr. Dea Opari is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Dea Opari provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Dea Opari is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Dea Opari can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Dea Opari provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Retinal Artery Occlusion: Protecting your vision involves understanding the risks of retinal artery occlusion, a condition that cuts off blood supply to the retina, and managing those risks with regular eye checkups.
• Blepharoptosis: Blepharoptosis, or droopy eyelid, can sometimes indicate an underlying neurological or muscular issue, so early detection through regular eye exams is crucial for timely management and preventing potential vision problems.
• Diabetic Retinopathy: Diabetic retinopathy develops from high blood sugar damaging blood vessels in the retina; proactive blood sugar control and regular eye checkups are vital for prevention.
• Chemical Burn - Eyes: A chemical burn to your eyes is a serious injury that requires immediate medical attention to prevent permanent vision loss, highlighting the importance of proactive eye safety measures.
• Visual Deprivation Nystagmus: Preventing vision impairment from visual deprivation nystagmus starts with proactive newborn screenings and early interventions, helping to ensure your child develops healthy eyesight.
• Optic Atrophy - Ophthalmoplegia - Ptosis - Deafness - Myopathy: Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection of conditions like optic atrophy, which, if identified early, can help prevent further vision loss and related complications like ptosis (drooping eyelid).
• Posterior Capsule Clouding: Maintaining optimal vision after cataract surgery requires vigilance; early detection of posterior capsule clouding through preventive eye care helps preserve vision quality.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Dea Opari offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Eye Movement Recording: Ensure your eyes are working together seamlessly—eye movement recording is a key part of a comprehensive eye exam that screens for conditions affecting eye control.
• Extraocular Muscle Surgery (Co-management): By co-managing your extraocular muscle surgery, we help ensure a smooth recovery and the best possible long-term eye health.
• Laser Trabeculoplasty or Iridectomy (Co-management/some states): Protecting your sight: Laser trabeculoplasty or iridectomy helps improve fluid drainage in your eye, reducing glaucoma risk.
• YAG Laser Capsulotomy (Co-management/some states): Improve your post-cataract surgery results: YAG laser capsulotomy is a quick procedure to help restore clear vision after cataract surgery, preventing further vision loss.
• Cataract Removal Surgery (Co-management): Protecting your sight after cataract surgery: We work closely with your surgeon to monitor your progress and address any potential complications.
• Diagnostic Angiography: This advanced imaging technique helps your ophthalmologist assess the health of the blood vessels in your eyes, enabling early identification and treatment of potentially blinding conditions, protecting your vision for years to come.
• Optical Coherence Tomography: Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a painless scan that creates detailed images of your eye's structures, helping detect early signs of glaucoma, macular degeneration, and other eye diseases so you can get timely treatment.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Optometry Services in Florida.

Dr. Dea Opari is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By scheduling regular eye exams, a patient proactively identified and managed potential risk factors for retinal artery occlusion, ensuring continued clear vision and peace of mind.
• By scheduling regular eye exams, a patient proactively addressed potential blepharoptosis concerns, gaining peace of mind regarding their eye health and reducing the risk of future vision problems.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Optometric care with Dr. Dea Opari:

What is an Optometrist, and how are they different from an Ophthalmologist?

An Optometrist (OD) is a primary eye care provider who performs comprehensive eye exams, prescribes glasses and contact lenses, and diagnoses and manages many eye conditions. They differ from Ophthalmologists (MDs), who are medical doctors specializing in eye surgery.

How often should I get a comprehensive eye exam, even if I see well?

A comprehensive eye exam every one to two years is crucial, even if you see well. These exams aren't just about your vision; they're vital for detecting silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy early, before symptoms appear.

Can an eye exam detect other health problems in my body?

Yes, a comprehensive eye exam can detect other health problems. The eye is the only place where blood vessels can be viewed directly without surgery, allowing for the early detection of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases.

What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults, affecting the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. There are "dry" and "wet" forms, and regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management to help preserve vision.

My eyes often feel dry and gritty. What can I do?

Dry eye is very common. Dr. Opari can diagnose the cause and recommend a personalized treatment plan, which may include prescription eye drops or in-office procedures, beyond just artificial tears, to improve comfort and prevent damage.

What is an OCT scan?

An OCT scan is an advanced imaging technology, similar to an ultrasound but using light, to create incredibly detailed cross-sectional pictures of the retina and optic nerve. Dr. Dea Opari uses this technology to precisely detect and monitor eye diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration.

When should my child have their first eye exam?

Dr. Dea Opari recommends a comprehensive eye exam for children between 6 and 12 months of age. This early exam is vital for detecting potential vision problems like lazy eye or misaligned eyes, ensuring proper development.

Is it safe to buy contact lenses online without an exam?

It is unsafe and illegal to purchase contact lenses online without a comprehensive eye exam. Contact lenses are medical devices that sit directly on your eye, and a proper fitting and annual exam with Dr. Dea Opari is essential to ensure they fit correctly and are not damaging your eye, which can prevent serious infections and vision loss.

161 Hampton Point Dr Ste 3
Saint Augustine FL 32092
Phone: (904) 204-3345

Dea Opari is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1245075001

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Optometry Services like Dr. Dea Opari are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your optometry about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.