Dr. Carl Doughty, OD

Dr. Carl Doughty, OD is a dedicated Optometrist practicing at his clinic in Palm Bay, 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. 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 is dedicated to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care, fostering an environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health.

Dr. Carl OD serves all ages, from infants to seniors, recognizing the importance of comprehensive eye health at every stage of life. He understands that proactive care is key to preserving your vision and overall well-being. Dr. Carl Doughty, OD is an optometrist in Palm Bay, FL, dedicated to preventive eye care. To confirm his availability for new patients, please call (321) 723-9350. Dr. Carl OD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Aniridia: Preventing vision loss from Aniridia starts with early detection; regular checkups with an eye doctor can help monitor the condition and potentially slow the progression of related problems.
• Steroid-Induced Glaucoma: Long-term steroid use can raise your risk of glaucoma, a serious eye condition, so regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and preventing vision loss.
• Inflammatory Glaucoma: Regular eye exams are crucial for managing inflammatory glaucoma, as early intervention with medication and other treatments helps prevent further complications and preserve your vision.
• Corneal Abrasion: A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the surface of your eye that can cause pain and blurry vision, highlighting the importance of wearing protective eyewear to prevent injury and seeking prompt treatment to avoid infection.
• Ocular Hypertension: Early detection of ocular hypertension is key; even without symptoms, it can lead to glaucoma if left untreated, so proactive eye care is essential.
• Squamous Blepharitis: Preventing complications from squamous blepharitis starts with early detection; regular eyelid hygiene and prompt treatment from your eye doctor can significantly reduce its impact on your vision.
• Severe Myopia: Managing severe myopia effectively through regular eye exams and appropriate vision correction can significantly reduce your risk of developing future eye complications.

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

• Adult Eye and Vision Examination: Protect your sight by scheduling an adult eye and vision examination; it's a crucial step in preventing vision loss from conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration.
• Eye Test: An eye test is a proactive step to detect potential vision problems and eye diseases early, allowing for timely treatment and preventing vision loss.
• Soft Contact Lenses: Choosing soft contact lenses allows for personalized vision correction, enhancing your quality of life and potentially reducing the risk of eye-related accidents.
• BlephEx™ for Blepharitis: BlephEx™ is a safe and effective treatment for blepharitis, helping to relieve symptoms like redness, itching, and burning by gently exfoliating your eyelids.
• Diabetes Eye Care: Protect your vision by scheduling regular diabetic eye exams to detect and manage diabetic retinopathy early.
• Pediatric Eye and Vision Examination: Give your child the gift of clear vision with a comprehensive pediatric eye exam, which helps identify and correct refractive errors, amblyopia, and other vision problems.
• Wet Macular Degeneration Laser Treatment (Co-management): Safeguard your vision with this co-managed laser treatment for wet macular degeneration, a crucial step in preserving your sight and quality of life.

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. Carl 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 diligently attending regular eye exams, a family proactively monitored their child's aniridia, allowing for early intervention and reducing the risk of vision-related complications. This proactive approach provided the family with peace of mind and a clearer path forward.
• By scheduling regular eye exams, a patient proactively managed their steroid use and reduced the risk of steroid-induced glaucoma, ensuring continued clear 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. Carl OD:

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

An optometrist (OD) is the primary eye care provider, performing comprehensive eye exams, prescribing glasses and contacts, and diagnosing and managing many eye diseases. They differ from ophthalmologists (MDs), who 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, even if you see well, is crucial for early detection of vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. We recommend a comprehensive exam every one to two years for most adults to ensure your eye health is optimal. These exams help catch potential problems before symptoms arise, which is key to preventing vision loss.

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

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

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

Dr. Carl OD plays a crucial role in managing your cataract journey. We diagnose the cataract, determine when surgery is needed, and refer you to a trusted ophthalmologist. Following surgery, we provide essential post-operative care and vision correction follow-up.

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

No, it is unsafe and illegal to purchase contact lenses online without a comprehensive eye exam. Contact lenses are medical devices that sit directly on the eye, and a proper fitting and annual exam with Dr. Carl OD is essential to ensure the lenses are safe and fit correctly, preventing serious eye infections and 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. Carl OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts to ensure the best possible vision care.

I have something in my eye. Should I come here first?

Yes, absolutely. For issues like eye infections, corneal scratches, or foreign objects, 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.

What is an OCT scan?

An OCT scan is an advanced imaging technology, similar to an ultrasound but using light, to create incredibly detailed cross-sectional pictures of your retina and optic nerve. This allows Dr. Carl to detect and monitor diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration with great precision.

1051 Port Malabar Blvd NE Ste 14
Palm Bay FL 32905
Phone: (321) 723-9350

Dr. Carl Doughty, 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): 1962594119

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. Carl 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.