Dr. Cathleen Caraballo Shanks, OD

Dr. Cathleen Caraballo Shanks, OD is a licensed Optometrist practicing at her clinic in Cape Coral, FL. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive optometric care, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. Cathleen OD is an optometrist in Cape Coral, FL, committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. She fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health, recognizing that proactive care is key to well-being. Please call (239) 542-2020 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Cathleen OD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Microcornea - Corectopia - Macular Hypoplasia: Don't underestimate the importance of regular eye exams—they're key to catching eye conditions like microcornea, corectopia, and macular hypoplasia early on, so you can get the right care to maintain your vision.
• Blepharitis: Blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelids, is often manageable with simple hygiene practices and early intervention from your optometrist, protecting your vision long-term.
• Midline Field Defects: Protecting your sight starts with knowing your risks: midline field defects can signal serious eye diseases; routine eye checkups help spot these defects early, enabling timely intervention and preserving your vision.
• Lattice Dystrophy: Lattice dystrophy is a rare inherited eye condition that can cause vision loss if not detected early through regular comprehensive eye exams.
• 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.
• Gonococcal Conjunctivitis: Gonococcal conjunctivitis is a serious eye infection that can cause blindness if not treated promptly, highlighting the importance of seeking immediate medical attention for any eye irritation or discharge.
• Blepharoptosis: While blepharoptosis might be a cosmetic concern, early identification through preventative eye care can rule out more serious conditions and ensure timely intervention if necessary.

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

• Intraocular Lens Implant Surgery (Co-management): Proactively managing your cataract surgery with our co-management services ensures the best possible outcome and helps prevent complications.
• Eye Print Prosthetic Contact Lens Treatment: Take a proactive step towards protecting your vision with an eye print prosthetic contact lens, a specialized treatment that helps assess and manage various eye conditions.
• Scleral Contact Lens Treatment: Take proactive steps to improve your vision and comfort by exploring scleral lenses, a specialized option for addressing irregular corneas or dry eye disease.
• Oculoplastics (Co-management): Protecting your vision begins with oculoplastics co-management, a collaborative approach that helps diagnose and treat problems with the eyelids, tear ducts, and surrounding areas promptly, preventing vision loss.
• Laser Trabeculoplasty (Co-management/some states): Laser trabeculoplasty offers a minimally invasive approach to glaucoma management, helping to reduce intraocular pressure and safeguarding your sight.
• Adult Eye and Vision Examination: Ensure your eyes are healthy and functioning optimally with a routine eye exam, which screens for common vision problems and serious eye diseases.
• Device Implantation and Extraction: Protecting your sight involves considering device implantation and extraction; this procedure is crucial for addressing certain eye conditions and optimizing visual outcomes.

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. Cathleen 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 potential vision concerns like microcornea, corectopia, and macular hypoplasia, ensuring the best possible outcome for their vision health.
• By following a personalized eye hygiene plan, a patient significantly reduced their blepharitis symptoms, ensuring comfortable vision and preventing further complications. This proactive approach fostered peace of mind and confidence in their long-term 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. Cathleen OD:

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

An optometrist, like Dr. Cathleen OD, is a primary eye care provider who performs comprehensive eye exams, prescribes glasses and contacts, and manages many eye conditions. An ophthalmologist, on the other hand, is a medical doctor who also specializes in eye care, but can also perform surgery.

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

Even if you see well, a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years is crucial for early detection of vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. These conditions often progress silently, so regular exams are a critical preventive measure.

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

Yes, a dilated 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 the only place where blood vessels can be viewed directly without surgery, allowing for important health insights.

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

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

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 the role of an optometrist in managing cataract surgery?

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

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. Cathleen OD uses this to detect and monitor diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration with great precision.

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

Dry eye is a very common condition. Dr. Cathleen OD can diagnose the underlying cause and recommend a personalized treatment plan, which may include prescription eye drops or in-office procedures, beyond simple artificial tears, to improve comfort and prevent damage.

4120 Del Prado Blvd S
Cape Coral FL 33904
Phone: (239) 542-2020

Dr. Cathleen Caraballo Shanks, 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): 1295266583

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. Cathleen 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.