Dr. Andreea Chih, OD

Dr. Andreea Chih, OD is a dedicated Optometrist practicing at her clinic in Deland, FL. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she is committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Optometric care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. Andreea OD is deeply invested in the long-term health and well-being of her patients, from infants to seniors. 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.

Dr. Andreea OD's practice is built on a foundation of collaborative, evidence-based medicine. She strives to create a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. While Dr. Andreea Chih, OD is not currently accepting new patients, you can call (386) 734-2931 to inquire about waitlists or future openings. Please note that Dr. Andreea OD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Coloboma of Iris: Preventive eye care is key to managing iris coloboma, a birth defect affecting the iris; early diagnosis through regular eye examinations allows for appropriate interventions and improved visual health.
• Amaurosis Fugax: Experiencing a sudden, fleeting blind spot in one eye, known as amaurosis fugax, necessitates immediate medical attention to identify and address the potential cause and prevent further vision loss.
• Choroidal Dystrophy: Protecting your eyesight from the effects of choroidal dystrophy, an inherited eye condition, starts with proactive eye health screenings; early identification can help slow its advancement and preserve your vision for longer.
• Corneal Abrasion: Protecting your eyes from potential abrasions through safety measures like wearing goggles during sports or handling chemicals is crucial for preventing vision impairment and discomfort.
• Retinopathy: Retinopathy, a condition affecting the retina, is often preventable or its progression slowed significantly with lifestyle changes and proper medical care.
• Keratoconus Posticus Circumscriptus: To safeguard your eye health, be aware of Keratoconus Posticus Circumscriptus, a condition affecting the cornea's back surface, and schedule regular eye exams to catch it early, reducing the risk of significant vision problems.
• Macular Dystrophy, Atypical Vitelliform: Protecting your eyesight from the potential damage of atypical vitelliform macular dystrophy requires proactive monitoring through routine eye check-ups, enabling early intervention if necessary.

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

• Laser Trabeculoplasty (Co-management/some states): Early detection and treatment of glaucoma are crucial. Laser trabeculoplasty is a procedure that can help control glaucoma and preserve your vision over the long term.
• Visual Evoked Potential (VEP): Take charge of your eye health: a VEP test helps identify hidden neurological issues that might cause vision problems, allowing for prompt intervention.
• Astigmatism Correction Surgery (Co-management): Partner with your eye care professional for optimal astigmatism correction surgery co-management, ensuring early detection of any issues and achieving the best visual results.
• Removal of Intraocular Foreign Body (Co-management): Ensure clear vision and prevent future eye problems by scheduling a visit for the prompt removal of any foreign object lodged in your eye.
• Removal of Foreign Body from External Eye: Protecting your eyes from irritation and infection starts with safely removing any foreign bodies that may have gotten lodged in them.
• Epi-LASIK Eye Surgery (Co-management): Protect your vision investment with Epi-LASIK co-management, ensuring the best possible outcome and addressing potential complications early.
• Ptosis (Eyelids) Surgery (Co-management): Proactively manage your eyelid surgery with our co-management services, ensuring optimal outcomes and a faster recovery.

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. Andreea 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 family proactively managed the risk of iris coloboma, gaining peace of mind about their child's visual health. Early detection allowed for appropriate interventions, ensuring the best possible outcome for their future.
• By diligently following the optometrist's preventative recommendations and undergoing regular eye exams, a patient significantly reduced their risk of experiencing amaurosis fugax, ensuring continued clarity and confidence in their vision.

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. Andreea 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 diseases. An ophthalmologist (MD) is a medical doctor who specializes 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 screen for silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy that often have no noticeable symptoms. Early detection allows for prompt treatment and preserves your vision.

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 detection of conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases.

When should my child have their first eye exam?

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

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. Andreea OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts to ensure proper care.

What is an OCT scan?

An OCT scan is an advanced imaging technology, similar to an ultrasound but using light, that creates incredibly detailed cross-sectional pictures of the retina and optic nerve. This allows Dr. Andreea to detect and monitor diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration with great precision.

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

Dry eye is very common. Dr. Andreea can diagnose the cause and recommend a personalized treatment plan, possibly including prescription eye drops or in-office procedures, to improve comfort and prevent further issues.

What is the role of an optometrist in managing cataract surgery?

Dr. Andreea OD plays a crucial role in managing your cataract journey. She will diagnose the cataract, determine if surgery is necessary, and refer you to a trusted ophthalmologist. Then, she will provide essential post-operative care and follow-up vision correction.

1592 S State Road 15A
Deland FL 32720
Phone: (386) 734-2931

Dr. Andreea Chih, 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): 1356308894

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. Andreea 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.