Dr. Debbie Forrest, OD

Dr. Debbie Forrest, OD is a board-certified Optometrist practicing at her clinic in Orlando, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive optometric care. 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 is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health.

Dr. Debbie OD serves all ages, from infants to seniors, recognizing the importance of eye health at every stage of life. She understands that proactive care is essential for maintaining optimal vision and overall well-being. Her approach emphasizes preventive measures, ensuring early detection of potential eye health issues, and empowering patients to make informed decisions about their eye care. To confirm if Dr. Debbie OD is currently accepting new patients, please call (407) 903-1018. Dr. Debbie Forrest, OD is an optometrist in Orlando, FL, committed to providing exceptional eye care.

Dr. Debbie OD understands the importance of communication and cultural sensitivity. She offers consultations in Spanish, ensuring effective and accessible care for all patients. Her commitment to comprehensive eye care extends beyond the examination room, encompassing patient education, personalized care plans, and a supportive environment conducive to proactive health management.

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

• Corneal Diseases: Protecting your cornea through regular eye exams helps detect corneal diseases early, preventing vision loss and discomfort.
• Macular Dystrophy, Vitelliform, Adult-Onset: Vitelliform macular dystrophy, when diagnosed early in its adult-onset form, allows for better management of symptoms and potential vision complications, emphasizing the value of preventive eye care.
• Convergence Insufficiency: Protecting your vision starts with understanding convergence insufficiency: it's an eye teaming issue impacting near focus, and addressing it early minimizes the risk of eye strain and headaches.
• Visual Hallucinations: Visual hallucinations highlight the need for proactive eye care; scheduling routine eye check-ups helps identify potential problems early, when treatment is most effective and can help prevent vision loss.
• Myopia, Type 6: Preventive eye care is especially important for myopia type 6, as early intervention with appropriate treatment can greatly improve visual outcomes and prevent severe vision problems.
• Neonatal Conjunctivitis: Early detection and prompt treatment of neonatal conjunctivitis are crucial to prevent serious complications like vision impairment, emphasizing the importance of routine newborn eye exams.
• Scleritis: Don't ignore eye pain or redness; these could be signs of scleritis, a serious inflammatory condition where early intervention through regular eye check-ups can greatly reduce the risk of vision loss.

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

• Corrective Lens Services: Corrective lenses are a crucial part of preventative eye care, helping us to detect potential underlying eye conditions early.
• Intraocular Lens Implant Surgery (Co-management): Take a proactive step towards clear vision by choosing our co-management services for intraocular lens implant surgery, optimizing your post-operative care and vision recovery.
• YAG Laser Therapy for the Anterior Segment (Co-management/some states): YAG laser therapy helps prevent vision loss by precisely treating certain eye conditions affecting the front of the eye, often used in conjunction with other eye care procedures.
• Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (Co-management/some states): This laser treatment helps improve fluid flow in your eyes, offering a proactive approach to managing glaucoma and preserving your vision.
• Conjunctivoplasty (Co-management): Co-managing your conjunctivoplasty ensures seamless communication between your surgeon and eye doctor, leading to the best possible results.
• Vision Screening: A vision screening is a quick check-up that helps detect potential eye problems early, allowing for prompt treatment and preventing vision loss.
• Argon Laser Treatment (Co-management/some states): For certain eye conditions, argon laser treatment offers a targeted approach, preserving your vision and preventing more extensive procedures by acting early.

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. Debbie 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 identified and managed early signs of a corneal condition, safeguarding their vision and comfort. This proactive approach allowed them to maintain a clear view of the world and enjoy their activities without worry.
• By diligently following a proactive eye care plan, a patient was able to maintain excellent vision and significantly reduce the risk of vision loss associated with vitelliform macular dystrophy. This early detection and preventative approach brought peace of mind and empowered the patient to maintain an active lifestyle.

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. Debbie OD:

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

An optometrist, like Dr. Debbie OD, is a primary eye care provider. They perform comprehensive eye exams, prescribe eyewear, and diagnose and manage many eye conditions. Ophthalmologists, on the other hand, are medical doctors who can also perform eye surgery.

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

Even if you have good vision, a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years is crucial for early detection of vision-threatening conditions like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. These diseases often develop silently, so regular exams are essential for preventive care.

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

Yes, a comprehensive eye exam can detect other health problems. The eye is uniquely positioned to allow direct visualization of blood vessels, revealing early signs of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases.

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

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

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 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 noticeable symptoms in its early stages. An annual dilated eye exam allows Dr. Debbie OD to detect any changes early and arrange treatment to prevent vision loss.

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

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

What is an OCT scan?

An OCT scan is an advanced imaging technology that uses light to create incredibly detailed, cross-sectional pictures of the retina and optic nerve. Dr. Debbie OD uses this to precisely detect and monitor diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration.

4200 Conroy Rd Ste L201
Orlando FL 32839
Phone: (407) 903-1018

Dr. Debbie Forrest, 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): 1588870505

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. Debbie 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.