Dr. Ben Larson, OD

Dr. Ben Larson, OD is a dedicated Optometrist practicing at EyeCare Specialties of Florida in Sanford, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Optometric care, as a key partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org. 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. He serves all ages, from infants to seniors, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (407) 333-3937 to schedule.

Dr. Larson's practice is deeply rooted in his extensive background in optometry. He earned his Doctor of Optometry from Indiana University and completed a residency at the University of Alabama. Dr. Larson is a board-certified Optometric Physician, certified by the National Board of Optometry and the state of Florida, a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, and a member of numerous esteemed optometric organizations. His experience extends to orthokeratology, and he has been published in the Review of Optometry. Recognized for his outstanding service and expertise, Dr. Larson has received numerous awards, including "Best Optometrist in Seminole County" and "Best Eye Care Center in Seminole County," reflecting his dedication to improving the health of the community. We are dedicated to improving the health of our community by helping our neighbors look and feel their best, one patient at a time. Our local doctors and associates are here to care for your family's vision, providing high-quality eyewear and a personalized patient-first approach. Dr. Ben OD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Myopia, Infantile Severe: Infantile severe myopia, a condition characterized by extreme nearsightedness in young children, highlights the importance of proactive eye care to minimize the risk of future vision complications.
• Episcleritis Periodica Fugax: Preventive eye care, including regular checkups, is vital for identifying Episcleritis Periodica Fugax and ensuring effective management to avoid potential complications.
• Hordeolum: Catching a stye (hordeolum) early and managing it properly can prevent it from becoming more painful and potentially spreading the infection.
• Chorioretinitis: Because chorioretinitis can cause serious vision problems, it's important to prioritize routine eye exams to catch and treat it early, thus preventing vision loss.
• Macular Degeneration, Polymorphic: Polymorphic macular degeneration is a type of age-related macular degeneration that affects central vision, and regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management to prevent vision loss.
• 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.
• Vitreous Hemorrhage: Preventing serious vision problems from a vitreous hemorrhage starts with routine eye exams, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment.

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

• Eye Surgery (General term for co-management): For best outcomes, co-management ensures post-surgical care is tailored to your needs and addresses complications efficiently.
• 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.
• Argon Laser Treatment (Co-management/some states): Argon laser treatment, sometimes managed in collaboration with other specialists, helps prevent vision loss by precisely targeting and treating specific eye conditions.
• Strabismus Surgery (Co-management): Proactive co-management of strabismus surgery helps prevent future vision problems and ensures your child's eyes work together effectively.
• Orbit Evisceration (Co-management): Taking a proactive approach to your eye health after an eye injury or procedure, co-management helps prevent infections and other complications through collaborative care between your surgeon and eye doctor.
• BlephEx™ for Blepharitis: Early detection and treatment of blepharitis is key to preventing long-term damage. BlephEx™ offers a convenient and effective way to manage this common condition and safeguard your vision.
• 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.

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. Ben 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 family proactively managed their child's risk of developing infantile severe myopia, gaining peace of mind about their child's future vision.
• By attending regular eye exams and following a proactive care plan, a patient experienced a significant reduction in the frequency and severity of Episcleritis Periodica Fugax episodes, gaining greater 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. He 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. Ben 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. 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?

Even if your vision is good, a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years is crucial. These exams look beyond your vision, detecting silent diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy that can threaten your sight. Early detection is key to preserving your vision.

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 for the detection of early signs of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases.

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

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

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

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

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.

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. Ben OD uses this to detect and monitor diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration with great precision.

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.

EyeCare Specialties of Florida
5680 Wayside Dr
Sanford FL 32771
Phone: (407) 333-3937

Dr. Ben Larson, 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): 1316047079

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. Ben 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.