Dr. Brandi Slapkunas, OD

Dr. Brandi Slapkunas, OD is a Pensacola, FL-based optometrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive eye care. Registered with the Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458, she is a vital partner in preventive health, committed to providing personalized care for all ages, 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. Patients should call (850) 477-1499 to confirm if the doctor is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Brandi OD is an optometrist in Pensacola, FL, with a deep understanding of the critical role eye health plays in overall well-being. Her approach to care is rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, empowering patients to actively participate in their health journey. She fosters a supportive environment where patients feel comfortable asking questions, understanding their options, and developing personalized plans for optimal vision and wellness. Dr. Brandi OD offers consultations in Filipino, further demonstrating her commitment to serving a diverse patient population.

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

• Internuclear Opthalmoplegia: Prevent vision complications associated with internuclear ophthalmoplegia by prioritizing regular comprehensive eye examinations. Early diagnosis is key to successful management of this eye movement disorder.
• Eye Palsy: Eye palsy can significantly impact vision; proactive eye care, including regular checkups, enables early diagnosis and prompt treatment, potentially avoiding permanent vision problems.
• Malignant Glaucoma: Managing glaucoma effectively, through regular eye exams and medication, is key to preventing the potentially blinding complication of malignant glaucoma.
• Visual Hallucinations: Protecting your eyesight involves being aware of unusual visual experiences like hallucinations. Regular check-ups with your eye doctor can aid in early diagnosis and treatment to prevent serious eye disease or vision impairment.
• Ocular Herpes (Herpes of the Eye): Protecting your eyes from ocular herpes involves understanding your risk factors and seeking prompt medical attention at the first sign of symptoms to prevent potential vision-threatening complications.
• Vitreous Diseases: Regular eye exams are your best defense against the vision-threatening complications of vitreous diseases; early detection allows for prompt treatment and helps preserve your sight.
• Hordeolum: Preventative eye care includes maintaining good hygiene to minimize the risk of developing a hordeolum, a painful eyelid infection.

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

• Epi-LASIK Eye Surgery (Co-management): Take a proactive step toward clearer vision: Epi-LASIK co-management supports your surgeon, optimizing your eye health throughout your LASIK journey.
• Enucleation of Eye (Co-management): Empowering your recovery: Co-managing your enucleation procedure supports a thorough and coordinated approach to your post-surgical care.
• Contact Lens Treatment: Taking care of your contact lenses through regular checkups helps detect early signs of eye problems like corneal abrasions or infections.
• Visian Impantable Collamer Lens (ICL) (Co-management): Invest in your eyesight with ICL co-management, offering comprehensive care to achieve optimal vision correction and address any potential issues.
• Eye Test: An eye test is a crucial preventive measure, helping you maintain clear vision and detect eye diseases early, maximizing the chances of successful treatment.
• Glaucoma Surgery (Co-management): Protecting your vision long-term: This service supports your glaucoma surgery, enabling closer monitoring and timely intervention to prevent vision loss and improve your eye health outcomes.
• Prism Lenses: As part of your comprehensive eye exam, prism lenses may be recommended to correct binocular vision problems, ensuring proper eye coordination and preventing future vision complications.

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. Brandi 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:

• A patient proactively scheduled regular eye exams, enabling early detection of potential internuclear ophthalmoplegia symptoms, leading to a more effective management plan and peace of mind.
• By scheduling routine eye exams, a patient proactively identified potential signs of eye palsy, allowing for early intervention and preventing further vision impairment. This proactive approach provided the patient with peace of mind and confidence in their eye health.

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. Brandi OD:

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

An optometrist, like Dr. Brandi OD, is a primary eye care provider. They perform comprehensive eye exams, prescribe glasses and contacts, and manage many eye conditions. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who also specialize in eye care, but they can also perform surgery.

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

Dr. Brandi OD recommends a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years, even if you see well. These exams are crucial for detecting silent vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, often before symptoms appear. Early detection allows for timely intervention and better outcomes.

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 unique in that blood vessels are visible without surgery, allowing our doctors to spot potential issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers. A dilated eye exam can reveal important clues about your overall health.

What are the signs of a cataract?

Common signs of cataracts include blurry or dim vision, increased glare, fading or yellowing of colors, and frequent changes in glasses prescription. Dr. Brandi OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts.

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

Dr. Brandi OD will diagnose your cataract, determine when surgery is needed, and refer you to a trusted ophthalmologist. She will then provide all the essential post-operative care and follow-up vision correction.

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. Brandi to detect any changes early and arrange treatment to prevent vision loss.

What is 'low vision' and how can you help?

Low vision is vision impairment not fully correctable with glasses, contacts, or surgery. A low vision evaluation with Dr. Brandi OD focuses on maximizing remaining vision through tools like magnifiers, special lighting, and adaptive devices to help maintain independence.

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. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management, helping preserve sight.

460 E Nine Mile Rd
Pensacola FL 32514
Phone: (850) 477-1499

Dr. Brandi Slapkunas, 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): 1619257789

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. Brandi 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.