Dr. Craig Versil, OD

Dr. Craig Versil, OD is a board-certified Optometrist practicing at his clinic in Margate, FL. He is committed 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). Dr. Craig OD 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.

Dr. Craig OD, born and raised in South Florida, prioritizes thorough eye exams, often taking an hour or more to ensure your eyes receive the attention they deserve. His approach reflects a commitment to patient-centered care, offering recommendations and options, ultimately empowering you to make informed choices. He earned his medical degree from the University of Missouri, Saint Louis Campus, College of Optometry and adheres to a patient-centric philosophy rooted in the individualized care he would want as a patient. Dr. Craig OD offers consultations in several languages, including Haitian Creole, Hebrew, Portuguese, and Spanish. Call (954) 977-9500 to schedule your appointment.

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: Managing astigmatism is crucial to prevent potential complications, such as eye strain, headaches, and amblyopia (lazy eye) in children; early detection through routine eye exams allows for timely intervention.
• Binocular Vision Disorder: Protecting your vision involves checking for binocular vision disorders; early detection through preventive eye care helps avoid difficulties with depth perception and reading.
• Corneal Abrasion: Corneal abrasions, often caused by minor injuries, can lead to significant eye problems if left untreated; proactive eye safety and immediate medical attention are vital for prevention and quick recovery.
• Diabetic Eye Disease: Protecting your vision from the damaging effects of diabetes starts with regular eye check-ups to detect diabetic eye disease early and minimize long-term complications.
• 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.
• 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 can be a warning sign of underlying eye health issues; regular eye exams and prompt treatment are vital in preventing long-term damage.
• Presbyopia: Preventive eye care is essential for managing presbyopia, a gradual decline in near vision that occurs with age; early detection through regular exams allows for timely correction and reduces eye fatigue.
• Strabismus: Prevent potential long-term vision issues associated with strabismus by scheduling routine eye check-ups for your children. Early diagnosis and intervention significantly improve visual outcomes.

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: Ensure your contact lenses are the right fit and aren't harming your eyes by getting regular contact lens exams, allowing for early detection of problems.
• 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: 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.
• Foreign Body Removal from Eye: Taking proactive steps to remove foreign bodies from your eyes prevents discomfort, infection, and potential long-term vision problems.
• Soft Contact Lenses: Soft contact lenses can be a part of managing certain eye conditions, allowing for clearer vision and contributing to the early detection of potential problems.
• 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.

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:

• Regular eye exams helped a patient identify and manage allergic conjunctivitis early, significantly reducing the risk of future eye complications and ensuring comfortable vision.
• By scheduling regular eye exams, a family proactively managed astigmatism, reducing the risk of eye strain and other vision-related issues, and fostering peace of mind.

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, like Dr. Craig OD, is a primary eye care provider. They conduct comprehensive eye exams, prescribe eyewear, and manage many eye conditions. 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?

Even if your vision is good, a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years is crucial for early detection of silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. These exams help identify potential problems before symptoms arise, safeguarding your eye health.

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

Yes, a comprehensive 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 screenings.

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 noticeable symptoms in its early stages, causing irreversible peripheral vision loss. Regular eye exams are the only way to detect glaucoma early and prevent vision loss.

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

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

What are the signs of a cataract?

Common signs of cataracts include blurry or dim vision, increased glare, fading or yellowing of colors, and frequent changes in glasses prescription. Dr. Craig OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts to ensure proper care.

What is an OCT scan?

An OCT scan is an advanced imaging technology, similar to ultrasound but using light, to create incredibly detailed cross-sectional pictures of your retina and optic nerve. Dr. Craig uses this to precisely detect and monitor diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration.

I have diabetes. Why do I need a special dilated eye exam every year?

Diabetes can damage the small blood vessels in your retina, a condition called diabetic retinopathy. This is a leading cause of blindness, but often has no symptoms in its early stages. An annual dilated exam allows Dr. Craig to detect changes early and arrange treatment to prevent vision loss.

6000 W Atlantic Blvd Ste 3
Margate FL 33063
Phone: (954) 977-9500

Dr. Craig Versil, 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): 1033178041

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.