Dr. Ashley Seymour, OD

Dr. Ashley Seymour, OD is a Optometrist practicing at her clinic in Gainesville, 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 (Medical Practice), she is a vital partner in your lifelong eye health journey. 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, recognizing the unique eye health needs of each stage of life.

Dr. Ashley OD is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Florida and her Doctor of Optometry from the University of Houston College of Optometry. Following a residency at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, focusing on a wide range of specialty eye care, including ocular diseases and refractive challenges, Dr. Seymour joined the North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care team in 2022. At North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care, patient satisfaction is our top priority. Our experienced physicians and staff are committed to meeting your needs and providing the finest eye care possible. She is eager to meet and partner with you in maintaining your eye health. Call (352) 373-4300 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Ashley OD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Blepharitis: Blepharitis is an inflammation of your eyelids that, if left untreated, can lead to more serious eye problems, highlighting the importance of regular eye exams for early detection and prevention.
• Visual Field Defects: Visual field defects, where parts of your vision are missing, can be managed effectively when diagnosed early through routine eye checks, often helping prevent severe vision impairment.
• Visual Field Loss: Visual field loss, a gradual or sudden decrease in your ability to see to the sides, is often preventable with regular comprehensive eye exams that detect it early and allow for timely treatment.
• Presbyopia: Presbyopia is a common age-related change that makes it harder to focus on nearby objects, and regular eye exams help detect it early so you can get glasses or other vision correction to maintain your quality of life.
• Foreign Body in Eye: Early detection and removal of a foreign body in your eye is key to preventing further damage, such as corneal abrasions or infections, ensuring optimal eye health.
• Corneal Abrasion: Corneal abrasions, often caused by minor injuries, can lead to significant eye problems if left untreated; proactive eye safety and immediate medical attention are vital for prevention and quick recovery.
• Corneal Scar: Protecting your eyes from injuries and infections is crucial, as these can lead to corneal scarring, impacting vision clarity and potentially requiring treatment to avoid further complications.
• Eyelid Inflammation: Don't ignore swollen or irritated eyelids – early detection and treatment of eyelid inflammation are key to protecting your overall eye health.
• Dry Eyes: By addressing dry eye symptoms early and following your eye doctor's recommendations, you can preserve the health of your ocular surface and prevent vision loss.
• Astigmatism: Astigmatism, a refractive error causing blurry vision, can be effectively managed with corrective lenses or surgery, but early detection and treatment through proactive eye care are key to optimizing visual health.
• Tear Duct Disorders: Regular check-ups with your eye doctor are crucial for preventing vision problems caused by tear duct disorders, enabling early intervention and better outcomes.
• Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Pink eye, or bacterial conjunctivitis, is a highly contagious eye infection that can be prevented through good hygiene practices, like frequent handwashing, and early treatment helps prevent vision complications.

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

• Humphrey Visual Field Test for Glaucoma: Take a proactive step towards protecting your sight with a Humphrey Visual Field Test, a comprehensive screening that helps detect glaucoma early, before significant vision loss occurs.
• Glaucoma Treatment: Glaucoma treatment is a key step in safeguarding your vision by addressing elevated eye pressure and preserving your eyesight.
• Soft Contact Lenses: Soft contact lenses offer a comfortable and convenient way to correct your vision, improving your daily life and reducing eye strain.
• Diabetes Eye Care: Take proactive steps to safeguard your eyesight – diabetic eye care helps identify and treat potential eye complications from diabetes.
• Contact Lens Fitting Services: Get a personalized contact lens fitting to ensure optimal vision correction and comfortable wear, preventing potential eye strain and discomfort.
• Foreign Body Removal from Eye: Don't let a speck of dust or other foreign body jeopardize your vision; our quick removal process ensures your eyes remain healthy.
• Ocular Inflammation (Uveitis) Treatment: Invest in your eyesight's future: uveitis treatment effectively manages inflammation, preventing severe vision impairments and preserving your eye health.
• Diabetic Eye Exam: Regular diabetic eye exams are crucial for people with diabetes, as they help detect and treat diabetic retinopathy, preventing vision loss and improving long-term eye health.
• Eye Test: An eye test is a proactive step to detect potential vision problems and eye diseases early, allowing for timely treatment and preventing vision loss.
• Dry Macular Degeneration Management: Take proactive steps to protect your vision by managing dry macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss, through regular eye exams and personalized treatment plans.
• Color Vision Testing: Protecting your sight starts with a simple color vision test, which screens for potential problems that could impact your vision later on.
• Multifocal Contact Lens Treatment: Take a proactive step towards eye health with multifocal contact lenses; they correct near and farsightedness, improving your quality of life and potentially preventing eye strain.

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. Ashley 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 and following the optometrist's recommendations, a patient successfully managed their blepharitis, avoiding more serious eye issues and maintaining clear vision.
• By scheduling routine eye exams, a patient proactively detected early signs of visual field defects, significantly reducing the risk of future vision impairment and gaining peace of mind.

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. Ashley OD:

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

An optometrist, like Dr. Ashley OD, is a primary eye care provider. They perform comprehensive eye exams, prescribe glasses and contact lenses, and diagnose and manage many common eye conditions. Ophthalmologists, on the other hand, are medical doctors who specialize in surgery and more complex eye conditions.

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 for most adults, even if your vision is currently excellent. These exams are not just about your eyesight, but also about 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 other health problems. The eye is the only place where blood vessels can be viewed directly without surgery, allowing our doctors to spot early signs of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases during a dilated eye exam.

I have diabetes. Why do I need a special dilated eye exam every year?

Diabetes can damage the small blood vessels in your retina, called diabetic retinopathy. This is a leading cause of blindness, but often has no symptoms initially. An annual dilated exam allows Dr. Ashley to detect any changes early and arrange treatment to prevent vision loss.

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 vision loss.

I have something in my eye. Should I come here first?

Yes, absolutely. For issues like eye infections, corneal scratches, or foreign objects, an optometrist is the ideal first point of contact. We are equipped to diagnose and treat these urgent issues, often preventing a long and costly visit to the emergency room.

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. Ashley OD is essential to ensure correct lens fit and prevent eye damage, which can lead to serious infections and vision loss.

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

4313 NW 8th Ave
Gainesville FL 32605
Phone: (352) 373-4300

Dr. Ashley Seymour, 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): 1285209106

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. Ashley 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.