Dr. Bruce Barbon, OD

Dr. Bruce Barbon, OD is a dedicated Optometrist practicing at his clinic in Cape Coral, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), he is committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Optometric care. He 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. He serves all ages, from infants to seniors, and is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health.

Dr. Bruce Barbon, OD is an optometrist in Cape Coral, FL, focused on preventive care. His approach to eye health is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine. He believes in creating a patient-centered environment where you're not just a patient, but a partner in your own well-being. He recognizes that proactive eye care is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being. For inquiries about accepting new patients, please call (239) 652-1800. Dr. Bruce OD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Lattice Dystrophy: Early detection of lattice dystrophy through routine eye exams is crucial for preventing or slowing the progression of vision impairment and potential complications.
• Visual Field Loss: Protecting your sight involves understanding visual field loss, a condition where you lose part of your vision, and scheduling regular eye checkups to detect and treat it before further vision loss occurs.
• Macular Degeneration, Polymorphic: Protecting your sight from polymorphic macular degeneration starts with proactive eye health; yearly checkups can help detect this condition early, allowing for timely intervention and reducing the risk of severe vision impairment.
• Demodex Blepharitis: Don't let Demodex blepharitis, a condition involving tiny mites on your eyelids, impact your vision. Early diagnosis and treatment, facilitated by regular eye exams, are key to preventing complications.
• Microcornea - Cataract - Coloboma Syndrome: Microcornea-cataract-coloboma syndrome is a rare combination of eye conditions that requires early detection through regular comprehensive eye exams to manage potential vision loss and complications.
• Myopia, Type 6: While rarer, type 6 myopia requires careful monitoring through routine eye check-ups to ensure appropriate vision correction and prevent potential complications later in life.
• Pars Planitis: Preventative eye care is essential for managing pars planitis, as early detection through routine checkups helps doctors intervene before it leads to severe vision problems.

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

• YAG Laser Capsulotomy (Co-management/some states): Ensure lasting clarity after cataract surgery: This laser procedure helps prevent vision blurring and loss that can sometimes develop after cataract removal.
• Irregular Cornea Treatment With Scleral Contact Lenses: Invest in your eye health: Scleral contact lenses can provide a customized solution for irregular corneas, improving your vision and quality of life.
• Medical and Surgical Management of Glaucoma (Medical part by OD, Surgical co-managed): Proactively manage glaucoma risk and preserve your sight with this combined approach, involving medical eye care from your optometrist and co-managed surgical options as needed.
• Eyelash Epilation: As part of a comprehensive eye exam, the careful examination of your eyelashes can help detect early signs of infections, allergies, or other eyelid disorders.
• Maze Procedure: To proactively safeguard your vision, routine eye exams help detect potential issues early, even before symptoms appear.
• Monovision: Monovision offers a convenient way to correct both near and farsightedness, simplifying your vision needs and potentially preventing future vision problems.
• YAG Iridotomy (Co-management/some states): A YAG Iridotomy is a laser procedure that can help prevent serious eye problems by creating a small opening in the iris, reducing pressure and the risk of glaucoma.

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. Bruce 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 monitored their eye health, significantly reducing the risk of vision impairment associated with lattice dystrophy. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and empowered them to make informed decisions about their future.
• By scheduling regular eye exams, a patient proactively monitored their visual health, reducing the risk of visual field loss and gaining peace of mind about their future 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. Bruce OD:

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

An optometrist, like Dr. Bruce OD, is a primary eye care provider. They conduct comprehensive eye exams, prescribe corrective lenses, and manage many eye conditions. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors specializing in eye 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, even if you see well. These exams are about more than just your vision; they help detect silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Early detection allows for timely treatment and can help preserve your sight.

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

Yes, a comprehensive eye exam, including dilation, 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 it allows direct visualization of blood vessels without surgery, making it a valuable tool for health screenings.

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 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. Bruce OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts to ensure appropriate care.

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

Is it safe to buy contact lenses online without an exam?

No, it is unsafe and illegal to purchase contact lenses online without an eye exam. Contact lenses are medical devices that sit directly on your eye, and a proper fitting and annual exam with Dr. Bruce OD is essential to ensure the lenses fit correctly and are not damaging your eye, which can prevent serious infections and vision loss.

When should my child have their first eye exam?

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

2489 Diplomat Pkwy E
Cape Coral FL 33909
Phone: (239) 652-1800

Dr. Bruce Barbon, 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): 1013291566

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. Bruce 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.