Dr. Candace Suggs, OD

Dr. Candace Suggs, OD is a dedicated Optometrist practicing at her clinic in Gainesville, FL. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). She's committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive optometric care, recognizing 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, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey.

Dr. Candace OD's approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She understands that preventive care is crucial for maintaining optimal vision and overall well-being. This commitment extends to developing personalized health plans tailored to individual needs and goals. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Candace Suggs, OD, please call (352) 331-7771. Dr. Candace OD provides consultations primarily in English.

Dr. Candace Suggs, OD is an optometrist in Gainesville, FL. She is accepting new patients.

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

• Retinal Edema: Retinal edema, or swelling of the retina, can significantly impair vision, highlighting the importance of regular eye exams for early detection and prompt treatment to prevent vision loss.
• Visual Field Loss: Visual field loss can affect your daily life and quality of life. Regular eye exams enable early detection, facilitating prompt treatment that may preserve your sight and minimize vision loss.
• Macular Dystrophy, Concentric Annular: Protecting your sight from the effects of concentric annular macular dystrophy starts with routine eye checkups, allowing for early diagnosis and slowing the progression of this inherited eye disease.
• Dry Eyes: Early detection of dry eye symptoms, like burning or itching, allows for timely intervention, preventing more serious problems such as corneal damage.
• Eye Pain: Persistent eye pain shouldn't be dismissed. Addressing it promptly with a visit to your eye doctor helps ensure your eye health and prevent future problems.
• Poor Ocular Motion: Limited eye movement may indicate a serious condition, emphasizing the importance of proactive eye care to manage risks and protect your sight.
• Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: Protecting your vision starts with managing Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), a condition affecting the oil glands in your eyelids that, if left untreated, can cause chronic dry eye and potential vision impairment.

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

• Diagnostic Angiography: By using diagnostic angiography, your eye doctor can create a precise picture of your eye's blood supply, facilitating the early detection and treatment of serious conditions before they significantly impact your vision.
• Refractive Lens Exchange (Co-management): For those considering cataract surgery or other refractive procedures, co-management ensures coordinated care between your ophthalmologist and optometrist, optimizing your results and minimizing risks.
• Pediatric Eye and Vision Examination: A pediatric eye exam proactively checks your child's vision development, ensuring early detection of potential problems and preventing future vision impairment.
• ACE Inhibitor or Beta-Blocker Therapy: Protecting your eyes starts with managing overall health. Ask your doctor if ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers are right for you to help control blood pressure and support eye health.
• Arterial Doppler Ultrasound: An arterial Doppler ultrasound is a simple, non-invasive procedure that can help screen for eye conditions linked to blood flow, enabling early diagnosis and reducing the risk of vision loss.
• Monovision: By exploring monovision, you're taking charge of your eye health, correcting your vision for near and far vision tasks, potentially preventing the need for bifocals or reading glasses.
• Dacryocystorhinostomy (Co-management): This procedure, a dacryocystorhinostomy, offers a solution for individuals struggling with excessive tearing and potential infections, preventing long-term damage.

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. Candace 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 managed their risk factors for retinal edema, gaining peace of mind and ensuring optimal vision health.
• By scheduling regular eye exams, a patient proactively managed their visual health, reducing the risk of visual field loss and maintaining a positive outlook on their future. Early detection, guided by the eye care professional, empowered the patient to maintain optimal vision.

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. Candace 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 diseases. Ophthalmologists (MDs) 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 screen for silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, enabling early detection and treatment. Regular exams are a vital preventive measure for maintaining good eye health.

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 the only place where blood vessels can be viewed directly without surgery, making it a valuable tool for overall health assessment.

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. Candace OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts for you.

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

What is an OCT scan?

An OCT scan is an advanced imaging technology, similar to an ultrasound, that uses light to create incredibly detailed cross-sectional pictures of your retina and optic nerve. Dr. Candace OD uses this to precisely detect and monitor diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration.

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 of AMD, and regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management to preserve vision.

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

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

832 NW 57th St
Gainesville FL 32605
Phone: (352) 331-7771

Dr. Candace Suggs, 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): 1376072280

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. Candace 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.