Dr. Christa Morris, OD

Dr. Christa Morris, OD is a dedicated Optometrist practicing at her clinic in Gainesville, FL, committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive optometric care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a vital partner in your lifelong eye health journey. 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. Morris's expertise extends beyond routine eye exams. She earned her undergraduate degree from Mercer University in 2009 and graduated from Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry in 2014. Furthering her commitment to comprehensive eye care, she completed her residency training in primary eye care with an emphasis in ocular disease at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center. This extensive training, combined with her work at North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care, positions her to provide exceptional care. At North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care, patient satisfaction is our top priority. Our experienced physicians and staff are committed to meeting your needs and providing the finest eye care possible. She is the daughter of Dr. Gregory Snodgrass, continuing a legacy of compassionate eye care. Dr. Christa OD provides consultations primarily in English, and new patients can schedule appointments by calling (352) 373-4300.

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

• Foreign Body in Eye: Even small foreign bodies in your eye can cause significant discomfort and potential long-term damage if not addressed promptly, emphasizing the value of proactive eye health management.
• Dry Eyes: Regular eye exams are crucial for diagnosing and treating dry eye disease, helping to maintain your vision and overall eye health.
• 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.
• Tear Duct Disorders: Tear duct disorders, if left untreated, can lead to serious eye infections and vision problems, highlighting the importance of early detection and prompt medical attention.
• Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Bacterial conjunctivitis is often easily treatable, but delaying care can lead to more severe problems. Regular eye exams help with early identification and effective management of the infection.
• Corneal Diseases: Protecting your cornea through regular eye exams helps detect corneal diseases early, preventing vision loss and discomfort.
• 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.
• Corneal Ulcer: Protecting your eyes from injury and infection is crucial for preventing corneal ulcers, a painful condition that can lead to permanent vision damage if left untreated.
• Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye condition that can lead to vision loss, but early detection through regular eye exams can help manage its progression and prevent severe vision impairment.
• Diabetic Eye Disease: Don't let diabetes steal your sight – regular eye exams are your best defense against diabetic eye disease, allowing for early intervention and better outcomes.
• Visual Field Defects: Visual field defects, where parts of your vision are missing, can be managed effectively when diagnosed early through routine eye checks, often helping prevent severe vision impairment.
• Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a gradual eye disease, often without early symptoms, highlighting the importance of preventative eye exams to detect and manage it before irreversible damage occurs.

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

• Vision Screening: A vision screening is a preventative measure to safeguard your vision. It helps identify eye conditions in their early stages, often before you experience any symptoms.
• Macular Degeneration Treatment: Take proactive steps to preserve your sight! Macular degeneration treatment involves screenings and therapies that can help slow the progression of AMD and maintain your visual quality of life.
• Diabetes Eye Care: Early detection is key: diabetic eye exams screen for eye diseases linked to diabetes, enabling prompt treatment and preserving your vision.
• Contact Lens Exams: Contact lens exams are crucial for maintaining clear vision and preventing damage to your eyes from improper lens fit or wear.
• Ocular Inflammation (Uveitis) Treatment: Protecting your vision starts with proactive care: uveitis treatment addresses eye inflammation, preventing potential vision loss and preserving your sight.
• Glaucoma Treatment: Protecting your sight starts with glaucoma treatment; proactive management helps prevent vision loss from this often-silent disease.
• Foreign Body Removal from Eye: Don't let a speck of dust or other foreign body jeopardize your vision; our quick removal process ensures your eyes remain healthy.
• Multifocal Contact Lens Treatment: Improve your quality of life and proactively address age-related vision changes with multifocal contact lenses; regular eye exams with these lenses can help detect eye diseases early.
• Eyeglasses: Regular eye exams and appropriate eyeglasses help protect your vision by detecting problems like astigmatism or nearsightedness early, facilitating timely intervention and preventing potential complications.
• Diabetic Eye Exam: A diabetic eye exam helps detect early signs of diabetic retinopathy, a serious eye complication that can lead to vision loss, allowing for timely treatment and preventing blindness.
• Soft Contact Lenses: By opting for soft contact lenses and attending regular eye exams, you proactively take steps to safeguard your vision and detect any emerging eye health concerns.
• Humphrey Visual Field Test for Glaucoma: Ensure your eye health with a Humphrey Visual Field Test, a vital tool used to identify vision loss patterns indicative of glaucoma, enabling prompt treatment and preserving your sight.

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. Christa 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:

• A young child, after experiencing a sudden, irritating feeling in their eye, immediately sought guidance from an optometrist. Early intervention prevented potential long-term eye damage, bringing peace of mind to the family.
• By scheduling regular eye exams, a patient proactively managed their dry eye symptoms, ensuring comfortable vision and preventing further discomfort. This proactive approach allowed them to maintain a healthy lifestyle without vision-related limitations.

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. Christa OD:

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

An optometrist, like Dr. Christa OD, is a primary eye care provider who performs comprehensive eye exams, prescribes glasses and contact lenses, and diagnoses and manages many eye diseases. An ophthalmologist, on the other hand, is a medical doctor 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 aren't just about your vision; they're a vital preventive measure to detect silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy early, before symptoms appear.

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

Yes, a comprehensive eye exam can detect early signs of systemic diseases. The eye is the only place where blood vessels can be viewed directly without surgery, allowing our doctors to identify potential issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.

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 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, and regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management to preserve sight.

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. Christa OD focuses on maximizing remaining vision through tools like magnifiers, special lighting, and adaptive devices to help patients maintain independence.

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

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

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 blindness.

4313 NW 8th Ave
Gainesville FL 32605
Phone: (352) 373-4300

Dr. Christa Morris, 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): 1366857534

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. Christa 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.