Dr. Brett-Ashley Palmer, OD

Dr. Brett-Ashley Palmer, OD is a dedicated Optometrist practicing at her clinic in Lake City, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Optometric care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she understands that 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.

Dr. Brett-Ashley Palmer, OD is an optometrist in Lake City, FL, dedicated to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care. Her practice emphasizes creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She is passionate about preventive medicine and believes in the importance of early detection and personalized strategies to maintain optimal eye health. To confirm if Dr. Brett-Ashley OD is currently accepting new patients, please call (386) 755-3016. Dr. Brett-Ashley OD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Red-Green Color Blindness: Early detection of red-green color blindness through routine eye checkups allows individuals to make informed decisions about their daily activities and pursue assistive technologies if needed.
• Keratitis, Hereditary: Early detection of hereditary keratitis through routine eye check-ups is crucial to slow its progression and manage any complications that may arise.
• Iridocyclitis: Regular comprehensive eye exams are important because they can detect iridocyclitis, an inflammation of the eye's iris and ciliary body, early, allowing for timely intervention and preventing long-term vision problems.
• Blepharoconjunctivitis: Understanding your risk factors for blepharoconjunctivitis, such as allergies or bacterial infections, empowers you to take steps to prevent it or manage it effectively.
• Macular Dystrophy, Atypical Vitelliform: Early diagnosis of atypical vitelliform macular dystrophy is vital because treatment can help slow its progression and reduce the risk of significant vision impairment.
• Peripheral Uveitis: Don't underestimate the importance of routine eye checkups; they're essential for detecting peripheral uveitis and preventing irreversible damage.
• Optic Atrophy - Ophthalmoplegia - Ptosis - Deafness - Myopathy: Experiencing symptoms such as drooping eyelids (ptosis), muscle weakness (ophthalmoplegia), or hearing loss (deafness) alongside vision changes warrants immediate consultation with an ophthalmologist to rule out conditions like optic atrophy and start timely management.

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

• LipiFlow® Procedure: Take a proactive step towards better eye health with the LipiFlow® procedure, a treatment designed to alleviate dry eye symptoms and improve tear film quality.
• YAG Laser Therapy for the Anterior Segment (Co-management/some states): YAG laser therapy helps prevent vision loss by precisely treating certain eye conditions affecting the front of the eye, often used in conjunction with other eye care procedures.
• Vitrectomy (Co-management): Co-managing your vitrectomy helps ensure your eye heals properly and prevents complications after surgery.
• YAG Laser Capsulotomy (Co-management/some states): Maintain optimal vision following cataract surgery: A YAG laser capsulotomy can address vision issues caused by a clouded lens after cataract surgery.
• BlephEx™ for Blepharitis: Improve your eye comfort and overall eye health with BlephEx™, a treatment for blepharitis that helps remove bacteria and debris from your eyelids, reducing irritation and improving your quality of life.
• Eye Injection (Prescribing/Co-management in some states): Early detection is key to preserving your eyesight. Your eye doctor may use injections as a diagnostic tool or treatment to address specific eye health concerns.
• Mechanical Circulatory Support System: Protecting your vision starts with understanding your eye health; a comprehensive eye exam helps detect potential problems 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. Brett-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 routine eye exams, a patient proactively identified potential red-green color vision deficiencies, enabling informed decisions about career paths and hobbies.
• By attending regular eye exams, a family proactively identified early signs of hereditary keratitis, allowing for timely interventions and significantly reducing the risk of vision impairment. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and enabled them to confidently plan for a future with optimal 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. Brett-Ashley OD:

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

An optometrist, like Dr. Brett-Ashley OD, is a primary eye care provider. They perform comprehensive eye exams, prescribe glasses and contact lenses, and diagnose and manage many eye diseases. Ophthalmologists, on the other hand, are medical doctors who can also treat eye diseases and perform 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 for most adults, even if your vision is good. These exams aren't just about checking your eyesight; they're a critical preventive measure to detect silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy early. Early detection allows for prompt treatment 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 like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases. The eye is unique in that blood vessels can be viewed directly without surgery, allowing for the potential detection of these conditions.

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

Dr. Brett-Ashley OD diagnoses cataracts, determines when surgery is necessary, and refers patients to a trusted ophthalmologist. We then provide all essential post-operative care and follow-up vision correction.

When should my child have their first eye exam?

Dr. Brett-Ashley OD recommends a comprehensive eye exam for children between 6 and 12 months old. This early exam is vital to identify potential issues like lazy eye or misaligned eyes, ensuring proper vision development.

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. Brett-Ashley OD to detect these changes early and arrange treatment to 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 in the eye, 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.

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

Dry eye is a very common condition. Dr. Brett-Ashley 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, beyond just artificial tears.

619 S Marion Ave
Lake City FL 32025
Phone: (386) 755-3016

Dr. Brett-Ashley Palmer, 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): 1215318654

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. Brett-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.