Dr. Alissa Papan, OD

Dr. Alissa Papan, OD is a Optometry practitioner 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 Tamarac, 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 is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health.

Dr. Alissa OD serves all ages, from infants to seniors, and prioritizes comprehensive eye care. She is dedicated to helping each patient achieve optimal eye health through personalized plans and preventative measures. Understanding that every individual's needs are unique, Dr. Alissa OD provides consultations primarily in English. Please call (954) 721-7584 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Alissa Papan, OD is an optometrist in Tamarac, FL, dedicated to comprehensive and preventive care.

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:

• Hyphema: A hyphema, or bleeding in the eye's anterior chamber, needs immediate care to minimize the risk of permanent vision impairment; regular eye exams are essential for early detection.
• Retinal Telangiectasis: Protecting your vision starts with regular eye exams to detect retinal telangiectasis, a condition causing blood vessel dilation in the retina that can be managed to prevent further complications.
• Congenital Motor Nystagmus: Protecting your child's vision involves routine eye examinations to identify conditions like congenital motor nystagmus, allowing for the implementation of vision therapy and other treatments that improve visual outcomes.
• Eye Pain: Persistent eye pain shouldn't be dismissed. Addressing it promptly with a visit to your eye doctor helps ensure your eye health and prevent future problems.
• Serous Conjunctivitis: Protecting your eyes from irritation and infection starts with knowing the signs of serous conjunctivitis, enabling prompt treatment and reducing complications.
• Chemical Burn - Eyes: Protecting your eyes from chemical exposure is crucial for preventing vision impairment; prompt treatment of a chemical burn is key to minimizing lasting damage.
• Coloboma of Lens: Coloboma of the lens, a birth defect affecting the eye's lens, is best managed through early detection and regular comprehensive eye exams to prevent potential 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:

• Maze Procedure: To proactively safeguard your vision, routine eye exams help detect potential issues early, even before symptoms appear.
• Monovision: By exploring monovision, you're taking charge of your eye health, correcting your vision for near and far vision tasks, potentially preventing the need for bifocals or reading glasses.
• Eyeglasses: Eyeglass prescriptions are an essential part of regular eye exams, allowing for early detection of underlying eye conditions that, if left untreated, could lead to vision loss.
• 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.
• Argon Laser Treatment (Co-management/some states): Take a proactive step toward healthier eyes: argon laser treatment can address specific eye conditions, often improving your vision and helping prevent further damage.
• Tilt_Testing: To proactively maintain your eye health, tilt testing can help detect issues with your inner ear that affect your vision and balance.
• Electrophysiology: Ensure your eyes' electrical signals are healthy with electrophysiology; this test is crucial for early detection of conditions impacting your vision, allowing for timely intervention.

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 attending regular eye exams, a patient proactively identified and managed a potential hyphema risk, ensuring clear vision and peace of mind.
• By scheduling routine eye exams, a patient proactively identified and managed retinal telangiectasis, ensuring their vision remained healthy and reducing future complications.

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. They differ from Ophthalmologists (MDs), who are medical doctors and eye surgeons.

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 essential for detecting silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy early, when treatment is most effective.

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

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

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 proper lens fit and prevent eye damage, infections, and vision loss.

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

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

What are the signs of a cataract?

Common signs of cataracts include blurry or dim vision, increased glare from lights, fading or yellowing of colors, and frequent changes in glasses prescription. Dr. Alissa OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts for you.

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.

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. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management to preserve vision.

5777 N University Dr
Tamarac FL 33321
Phone: (954) 721-7584

Dr. Alissa Papan, 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): 1255011623

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.