Dr. Ann-Marie Connolly, OD

Dr. Ann-Marie Connolly, OD is a Jacksonville, FL optometrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Optometric care. As a registered provider with The Florida Board of Medicine, she practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), and is committed to preventive health strategies. 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, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health.

Dr. Ann-Marie OD is an optometrist in Jacksonville, FL, committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. She understands that proactive eye health is crucial for overall well-being, and strives to provide individualized care plans that address each patient's unique needs. Her focus on prevention extends beyond routine eye exams, encompassing early detection of potential eye conditions, and working closely with patients to create personalized health plans. Please call (904) 363-8282 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Ann-Marie OD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Cataract: While cataracts are a natural part of aging, proactive eye care through regular exams helps us catch them early, potentially slowing progression and preserving your eyesight.
• Steroid-Induced Glaucoma: Steroids, while helpful for some conditions, can unfortunately increase your chances of developing glaucoma; proactive eye checkups help catch it early and manage the pressure.
• Ocular Albinism: Protecting your vision from the effects of ocular albinism, a genetic condition impacting eye structure and function, starts with regular comprehensive eye exams to detect any issues early.
• Scleritis: Don't ignore eye pain or redness; these could be signs of scleritis, a serious inflammatory condition where early intervention through regular eye check-ups can greatly reduce the risk of vision loss.
• Anisometropia: Having different refractive powers in each eye, known as anisometropia, can impact your vision development, particularly in children; scheduling regular checkups ensures early identification and management.
• Chemosis: Preventing serious eye conditions starts with recognizing symptoms like chemosis; prompt attention from your eye doctor can help manage the cause and protect your vision.
• Aphakia: Managing aphakia, the lack of your eye's natural lens, involves proactive steps like regular eye exams to ensure proper vision correction and prevent further issues from developing.

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

• Eyeglass Fitting: An accurate eyeglass fitting allows for optimal vision correction, reducing the risk of accidents and improving your quality of life.
• ACE Inhibitor or Beta-Blocker Therapy: To safeguard your vision, discuss the potential benefits of ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers with your doctor if you have high blood pressure; these medications can contribute to long-term eye health.
• Arterial Doppler Ultrasound: Enhance your eye care routine with an arterial Doppler ultrasound to check for subtle signs of circulatory diseases in the eyes. Early detection helps prevent severe eye health complications.
• Cornea Transplant (Co-management): As part of your comprehensive eye care plan, cornea co-management provides specialized support and monitoring before and after your corneal transplant to achieve optimal results.
• Oculoplastics (Co-management): For comprehensive eye care, oculoplastics co-management provides coordinated care between your eye doctor and an oculoplastic surgeon, ensuring optimal management of conditions affecting the delicate structures around your eyes.
• Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (ALK) (Co-management): Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (ALK) co-management helps ensure the best possible outcome by carefully monitoring your progress during and after this corneal surgery.
• Punctal Plug Removal: As part of your comprehensive eye care, punctal plug removal might be recommended to treat persistent dry eye, helping you maintain clear and comfortable vision.

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. Ann-Marie 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 proactively managed their eye health, reducing the risk of cataracts and maintaining clear vision for years to come. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and confidence in their vision future.
• By scheduling regular eye exams, a patient proactively monitored their eye health, ensuring early detection and management of potential steroid-induced glaucoma, preventing further 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. Ann-Marie 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 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 are not just about your vision; they help detect 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.

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, while causing irreversible peripheral vision loss. Regular eye exams are the only way to detect it early and prevent blindness.

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. Ann-Marie OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts.

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. Ann-Marie OD is essential to ensure a correct fit and prevent potential eye damage, infections, and vision loss.

What is an OCT scan?

An OCT scan is an advanced imaging technology, similar to ultrasound but using light, to create incredibly detailed cross-sectional pictures of your retina and optic nerve. Dr. Ann-Marie OD uses this 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 a very common condition. Dr. Ann-Marie 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.

10300 Southside Blvd Ste 238
Jacksonville FL 32256
Phone: (904) 363-8282

Dr. Ann-Marie Connolly, 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): 1942724893

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. Ann-Marie 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.