Dr. Cindy Couzens, OD

Dr. Cindy Couzens, OD is a dedicated Optometrist practicing at her clinic in Jacksonville, FL. As a trusted 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). Her commitment extends beyond simply correcting vision; she empowers patients with proactive, comprehensive optometric care, focusing on the crucial role of preventive eye health. 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 committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care, creating a supportive environment where you feel empowered to take an active role in your long-term health.

Dr. Cindy OD is an optometrist in Jacksonville, FL, dedicated to the well-being of her patients. Her practice prioritizes comprehensive eye care, emphasizing preventive measures to maintain optimal vision and overall health. She recognizes that consistent, proactive care is key to early detection and management of potential eye-related issues. Patients should call (904) 262-6778 to confirm if the doctor is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Cindy OD provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Cindy 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. Cindy 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. Cindy 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 Telangiectasis: Retinal telangiectasis, involving abnormally dilated blood vessels in your retina, may not show symptoms initially. Prevent vision loss by scheduling routine eye exams for early detection and proactive management.
• Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid: Because ocular cicatricial pemphigoid can cause irreversible eye damage if left untreated, routine eye exams are essential for early identification and management of this serious condition.
• Strabismus-Like Double Vision: Experiencing double vision similar to crossed eyes could be a sign of an underlying eye problem, making early detection through regular eye exams crucial for preventing potential vision loss.
• Diabetic Retinopathy: Diabetic retinopathy is a serious eye condition affecting people with diabetes, and regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and preventing vision loss.
• Juvenile Glaucoma: Don't underestimate the power of preventive eye care: early diagnosis of juvenile glaucoma in children allows for timely treatment, minimizing the long-term impact on their eyesight.
• Serous Detachment Retina: Serous retinal detachment is a condition where fluid builds up under the retina, blurring vision, and early detection through regular eye exams is crucial for preventing vision loss.
• Neuromyelitis Optica: Regular comprehensive eye exams are vital in managing the risks associated with neuromyelitis optica, a rare condition impacting both vision and neurological function; early detection offers the best chance of preserving your vision and overall well-being.

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

• Pterygium Surgery (Co-management): Taking charge of your eye health: pterygium surgery co-management supports optimal surgical outcomes and protects your vision.
• Corrective Lens Services: Ensure clear vision and protect your eye health with corrective lens services, addressing refractive errors and preventing eye strain.
• Eye Exams for Glasses: Schedule regular eye exams to ensure your glasses prescription is accurate and up-to-date, helping you maintain clear vision and prevent eye strain.
• Vision Therapy (Orthoptics Therapy): Take a proactive step towards better vision by undergoing vision therapy; it can address eye muscle imbalances and improve your overall visual comfort.
• Extraocular Muscle Surgery (Co-management): This service proactively supports your eye muscle surgery, helping you achieve optimal vision and minimizing potential complications.
• Refractive Lens Exchange (Co-management): Protect your long-term eye health with Refractive Lens Exchange co-management; this collaborative approach helps identify and address potential complications before, during, and after surgery.
• Astigmatism Correction Surgery (Co-management): Invest in your future vision: this co-managed surgical approach corrects astigmatism, reducing eye strain and improving visual acuity.

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. Cindy 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 regular eye exams, a patient proactively managed the risk of retinal telangiectasis, gaining peace of mind about their eye health and future vision.
• By attending regular eye exams, a patient proactively managed their ocular health, reducing the risk of irreversible eye damage from ocular cicatricial pemphigoid. This proactive approach ensured peace of mind and allowed for a positive outlook on their future eye care.

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. Cindy 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 manages many eye diseases. An Ophthalmologist (MD) 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 are more than just vision checks; they help detect silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, often before symptoms appear. Regular exams are a vital preventive measure for maintaining healthy vision.

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, and a dilated exam can reveal early signs of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases.

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. Cindy OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts to ensure the best possible vision care.

When should my child have their first eye exam?

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

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

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 your eye, and a proper fitting and annual exam with Dr. Cindy OD is essential to ensure they fit correctly and are not damaging your eye, which can prevent serious infections and vision loss.

10991 San Jose Blvd Ste 1
Jacksonville FL 32223
Phone: (904) 262-6778

Dr. Cindy Couzens, 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): 1063534576

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. Cindy 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.