Dr. Bradley Kirchner, OD

Dr. Bradley Kirchner, OD is a Jacksonville, FL-based optometrist 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), he 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. He serves all ages, from infants to seniors, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (904) 781-7717 to schedule.

Dr. Kirchner received his undergraduate degree from Holy Cross College in 1972, followed by four years of service in the U.S. Navy as a Hospital Corpsman. He then enrolled in the New England College of Optometry, earning his Doctor of Optometry degree in 1982. After extensive practice in Norfolk and Richmond, Virginia, Dr. Kirchner joined Dr. Ted Brink and Associates in 2008, primarily practicing in the Orange Park office. He resides in Fleming Island with his wife, Elizabeth, a registered nurse, and enjoys swimming, golf, and spending time with his grandson. Dr. Brink & Associates, committed to North East Florida for over 20 years, utilizes advanced diagnostic technology and offers patients the latest in contact lens technology. Dr. Bradley OD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Astigmatism: Astigmatism is a common vision problem that causes blurry vision due to an irregularly shaped cornea, and early detection through regular eye exams can help ensure you receive the appropriate correction to prevent eye strain and headaches.
• 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.
• Blurred Vision: Experiencing blurry vision? Don't ignore it – early intervention through comprehensive eye care can significantly reduce the risk of serious eye conditions.
• Cataract: Managing your risk for cataracts involves understanding your family history and making healthy lifestyle choices, complemented by regular eye exams for early detection and treatment.
• 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.
• Glaucoma: Early detection of glaucoma through regular comprehensive eye exams is key to preventing vision impairment and preserving your eyesight.
• Night Blindness: If you're struggling to see clearly at night, schedule an eye exam. Addressing night blindness promptly can help prevent the condition from worsening and potentially safeguard your long-term vision.
• Watering Eyes: Protecting your vision starts with noticing changes like excessive watering; visiting your eye doctor regularly ensures prompt diagnosis and treatment of any potential issues.

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

• Contact Lens Exams: Regular contact lens exams ensure your lenses fit comfortably and safely, preventing potential eye infections and complications.
• Contact Lens Fitting Services: Take a proactive step towards clear vision and healthy eyes with a professional contact lens fitting, ensuring the right lenses for your lifestyle and vision needs.
• Eye Test: Protect your eyesight with a comprehensive eye test; it's a simple way to screen for common eye conditions and maintain optimal visual health.
• Eyeglasses: Regular eye exams and appropriate eyeglasses help protect your vision by detecting problems like astigmatism or nearsightedness early, facilitating timely intervention and preventing potential complications.
• Soft Contact Lenses: Soft contact lenses offer a comfortable and convenient way to correct your vision, improving your daily life and reducing eye strain.
• Vision Screening: A vision screening is a quick check-up that helps detect potential eye problems early, allowing for prompt treatment and preventing vision loss.
• YAG Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (Co-management/some states): This laser treatment, called YAG laser trabeculoplasty, helps lower the pressure inside your eyes, a crucial step in preventing glaucoma-related vision loss.

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. Bradley 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 astigmatism, avoiding potential eye strain and headaches, and enjoying clear vision.
• By scheduling regular eye exams, a patient proactively identified and addressed potential blepharitis concerns, reducing the risk of further eye complications and maintaining excellent vision.

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. Bradley OD:

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

An optometrist, like Dr. Bradley OD, is a primary eye care provider who performs comprehensive exams, prescribes eyewear, and manages many eye conditions. Ophthalmologists, on the other hand, are medical doctors who can also perform eye surgery.

How often should I get a comprehensive eye exam, even if I see well?

Even if you see well, a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years is crucial for early detection of silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. These exams go beyond simple vision testing, helping to identify potential problems before symptoms arise. Dr. Bradley OD prioritizes preventative care to safeguard your vision health.

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

Yes, a comprehensive eye exam with Dr. Bradley OD can detect other health problems. The eye is the only place where blood vessels can be viewed directly without surgery, allowing for early signs of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases to be detected during a dilated eye exam.

When should my child have their first eye exam?

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

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

Dry eye is very common. Dr. Bradley can diagnose the cause and recommend a personalized treatment plan, potentially including prescription eye drops or in-office procedures, beyond just artificial tears, to improve your comfort and prevent further issues.

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 central vision. There are "dry" and "wet" forms, and regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management to preserve sight.

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 the role of an optometrist in managing cataract surgery?

Dr. Bradley OD plays a vital role in managing your cataract journey. We will diagnose the cataract, determine if surgery is needed, and refer you to a trusted ophthalmologist. Following surgery, we provide all necessary post-operative care and vision correction follow-up.

7077 Normandy Blvd Ste 7
Jacksonville FL 32205
Phone: (904) 781-7717

Dr. Bradley Kirchner, 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): 1710026653

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. Bradley 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.