Dr. Craig Fidler, OD

Dr. Craig Fidler, OD is a dedicated Optometrist practicing at his clinic in Fort Lauderdale, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and adheres to Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, Dr. Fidler is committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Optometric care. He understands 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. He serves all ages, from infants to seniors, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (954) 467-3777 to schedule.

Dr. Fidler earned his Doctor of Optometry degree in 1979 from Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University in Big Rapids Michigan. He founded Clare Vision Center where he practiced for four years before relocating to Fort Lauderdale in 1982. With extensive postgraduate education and certifications, Dr. Fidler is board certified to treat external eye disease and Glaucoma. He is re-certified biannually by the Florida Board of Optometry, demonstrating a commitment to ongoing learning and best practices. Dr. Fidler's experience also includes serving on the advisory boards of Millennium Laser Eye Center and TLC Lasik center. He is a member of numerous National and local Optometric associations. His approach to care is collaborative and evidence-based, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to actively participate in their long-term eye health. Dr. Craig OD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Allergic Conjunctivitis: Regular eye exams help detect and manage allergic conjunctivitis, reducing the risk of long-term eye problems like corneal damage.
• Astigmatism: Don't let blurry vision caused by astigmatism affect your daily life. Regular eye exams are critical for early diagnosis so you can get the right correction and prevent future complications like eye strain or headaches.
• Cataract: Early detection of cataracts is key to preventing significant vision impairment. Regular comprehensive eye exams are vital for timely intervention and improved outcomes.
• Corneal Abrasion: Early detection of corneal abrasions is key to rapid healing and preventing serious complications like corneal ulcers; regular comprehensive eye exams are essential.
• Diabetic Eye Disease: Diabetic eye disease is a serious complication of diabetes that can lead to blindness, but regular eye exams can help detect and manage it early, preventing vision loss.
• Dry Eyes: Early detection of dry eye symptoms, like burning or itching, allows for timely intervention, preventing more serious problems such as corneal damage.
• Eyelid Inflammation: Eyelid inflammation, or blepharitis, can be a sign of an underlying condition and requires prompt attention to prevent vision problems and further complications.
• Foreign Body in Eye: Protecting your eyes from foreign bodies is crucial preventive care; immediate removal prevents potential scratches, infections, and lasting vision problems.
• 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.
• Presbyopia: Presbyopia is a common age-related change that makes it harder to focus on nearby objects, and regular eye exams help detect it early so you can get glasses or other vision correction to maintain your quality of life.

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

• Contact Lens Exams: Contact lens exams are crucial for maintaining clear vision and preventing damage to your eyes from improper lens fit or wear.
• Diabetes Eye Care: Protect your vision by scheduling regular diabetic eye exams to detect and manage diabetic retinopathy early.
• Diabetic Eye Exam: Regular diabetic eye exams are crucial for people with diabetes, as they help detect and treat diabetic retinopathy, preventing vision loss and improving long-term eye health.
• Eye Examination: Take charge of your eye health with a regular eye exam; it's a crucial step in preventing blindness and maintaining clear vision for years to come.
• Eyeglasses: Getting the right eyeglasses ensures clear vision, reducing the risk of accidents and improving your quality of life by enabling better participation in work and leisure activities.
• 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.
• Glaucoma Treatment: Early intervention is crucial for glaucoma; treatment helps slow or halt vision loss and maintain your quality of life.
• Punctal Plug Insertion: To combat dry eyes, punctal plugs are small devices inserted into tear ducts to reduce tear drainage and improve eye lubrication.
• Soft Contact Lenses: Regular soft contact lens check-ups with your optometrist help ensure proper fit and hygiene, preventing potential complications and infections.

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. Craig 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 their allergic conjunctivitis, significantly reducing the risk of future eye complications and ensuring comfort and clear vision.
• By scheduling routine eye exams, a patient proactively managed potential astigmatism, ensuring clear vision and preventing future eye strain. This proactive approach allowed the patient to maintain a comfortable lifestyle and enjoy a sharper focus on daily activities.

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. Craig 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. 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?

Even if your vision is good, a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years is crucial. These exams aren't just about seeing clearly; they detect silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Early detection allows for timely treatment and preserves your sight.

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 optometrist to spot potential issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases.

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.

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 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, yet causes irreversible peripheral vision loss. Regular eye exams are the only way to detect it early and prevent blindness.

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. Craig OD focuses on maximizing your remaining vision through tools like magnifiers, special lighting, and other adaptive devices to help you maintain independence.

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

Dr. Craig OD diagnoses cataracts, determines if surgery is necessary, and refers patients to trusted ophthalmologists. We then provide all essential post-operative care and follow-up vision correction.

2120 S Federal Hwy
Fort Lauderdale FL 33316
Phone: (954) 467-3777

Dr. Craig Fidler, 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): 1417067851

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. Craig 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.