Dr. Alissa Alterman, OD

Dr. Alissa Alterman, OD is a practicing Optometrist at Baymeadows Vision Center in Jacksonville, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive optometric care. Registered with the Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458, she is a vital partner in preventive health, focusing on early disease detection, personalized health plans, and coordinating screenings. 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 currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (904) 739-2050 to schedule.

Dr. Alissa Alterman completed her undergraduate work at Florida State University, followed by a Bachelor of Science degree in Vision Science and a Doctor of Optometry degree from Nova Southeastern University's College of Optometry in 2012. Beyond her extensive knowledge in eye care and contact lenses, she's passionate about nutrition, wellness, and the prevention of ocular disease. As a Certified Personalized Nutrition Practitioner (CPNP), and having completed training in integrative and functional nutrition, she recently became a fellow of the Ocular Wellness and Nutrition Society. Dr. Alissa OD 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. She earned her medical degree from Nova Southeastern University, College Of Optometry. Dr. Alissa OD provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Alissa OD 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. Alissa OD 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. Alissa OD 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:

• Eyelid Inflammation: Don't ignore swollen or irritated eyelids – early detection and treatment of eyelid inflammation are key to protecting your overall eye health.
• Eye Paresis: Regular comprehensive eye exams are essential for identifying eye paresis, enabling prompt treatment and minimizing potential consequences.
• Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis: Managing giant papillary conjunctivitis effectively reduces the risk of persistent eye irritation and potential damage to the cornea through regular monitoring and appropriate treatment.
• Posterior Capsule Clouding: Posterior capsule clouding, a common complication after cataract surgery, can be detected early through regular eye exams, helping prevent blurry vision and the need for further procedures.
• Supranuclear Ocular Palsy: Managing supranuclear ocular palsy effectively relies heavily on early detection, achievable through routine comprehensive eye exams; this allows for prompt intervention and potentially minimizes its impact on your vision.
• Iridocyclitis: Regular comprehensive eye exams are important because they can detect iridocyclitis, an inflammation of the eye's iris and ciliary body, early, allowing for timely intervention and preventing long-term vision problems.
• Macular Dystrophy, Vitelliform, Early-Onset: While early-onset vitelliform macular dystrophy may be inherited, proactive steps like regular eye examinations can contribute to timely diagnosis and management, reducing the risk of severe vision problems.

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. Alissa OD offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Contact Lens Exams: Take a proactive step towards healthy eyes with contact lens exams – they assess your vision and eye health while wearing contacts.
• Diabetic Eye Exam: Take charge of your eye health: a diabetic eye exam is a vital preventive measure for diabetics, identifying potential problems before they significantly impact your vision.
• Eye Test: Taking charge of your eye health starts with a routine eye test, which can identify and address developing conditions like macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy.
• Eyeglasses: Eyeglasses correct refractive errors, improving your vision and preventing eye strain and headaches, crucial for daily activities and overall well-being.
• Pediatric Eye and Vision Examination: Invest in your child's future by scheduling a pediatric eye and vision examination; this proactive step helps identify and manage any vision problems, ensuring they can see clearly and succeed in school.
• LipiFlow® Procedure: Experience relief from bothersome dry eye symptoms and maintain healthy eyes for years to come by considering the LipiFlow® procedure, a safe and effective treatment option.
• Eye Movement Recording: Invest in your future vision by undergoing eye movement recording; this examination can reveal underlying problems that may otherwise go unnoticed.

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. Alissa OD 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 identified and addressed early signs of eyelid inflammation, significantly reducing the risk of further complications and maintaining clear vision.
• By attending regular comprehensive eye exams, a patient proactively identified and addressed potential eye health concerns, significantly reducing the risk of eye paresis and maintaining optimal vision. This proactive approach ensured peace of mind and a clear path towards preventative eye care.

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. Alissa OD:

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. Ophthalmologists (MDs) are medical doctors who also specialize in eye care, but they are surgeons as well.

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 have no vision problems. These exams are vital for detecting silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy early, before symptoms appear. Early detection allows for timely intervention and better outcomes.

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

Yes, a comprehensive eye exam can detect other health problems. The eye is unique in that its blood vessels are visible without surgery, allowing early signs of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers to be identified. A dilated eye exam can reveal these potential issues.

What is 'low vision' and how can you help?

Low vision is vision impairment that cannot be fully corrected with glasses, contacts, or surgery. A low vision evaluation with Dr. Alissa OD focuses on maximizing remaining vision through tools like magnifiers, special lighting, and adaptive devices to help maintain independence.

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

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

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. Alissa OD is essential to ensure the lenses fit correctly and are not damaging your eye, which can prevent serious infections and vision loss.

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 preserve sight.

What is glaucoma and why is it called the 'silent thief of sight'?

Glaucoma is a disease that damages the optic nerve, often due to high pressure inside the eye. It's called the "silent thief" because it typically has no symptoms in its early stages, causing irreversible peripheral vision loss. Regular eye exams are the only way to detect glaucoma early and prevent blindness.

Baymeadows Vision Center
5150 Belfort Rd Bldg 600
Jacksonville FL 32256
Phone: (904) 739-2050

Dr. Alissa Alterman, OD 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): 1558618058

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. Alissa OD 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.