Dr. Donald Szabo, OD

Dr. Donald Szabo, OD is a board-certified Optometrist practicing at his Riverview, FL clinic, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive optometric care. Registered with the Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458, he is committed to the principles of preventive 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.

Dr. Donald OD's practice focuses on a collaborative, evidence-based approach to optometry, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He serves all ages, from infants to seniors, understanding the unique eye health needs of each demographic. He is dedicated to providing personalized care plans, tailored to individual circumstances and health goals. Dr. Donald Szabo, OD is an optometrist in Riverview, FL, dedicated to comprehensive eye care. Patients should call (813) 672-8100 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients. He offers consultations in Spanish.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Donald 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. Donald 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. Donald 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: Early detection and treatment of allergic conjunctivitis are key to preventing persistent itching, redness, and potential vision disturbances.
• Acanthamoeba Keratitis: Acanthamoeba keratitis is a devastating eye infection; proactive measures like proper contact lens use and avoiding contaminated water are essential for prevention.
• Peripheral Uveitis: Protecting your sight involves regular eye exams to detect peripheral uveitis early, reducing the risk of serious eye complications.
• Nystagmus 1, Congenital, X-Linked: Because X-linked congenital nystagmus is an inherited eye movement disorder affecting males more often, family history screening and early vision testing in infants are vital preventive measures for early intervention.
• Retinal Telangiectasis: Retinal telangiectasis is a condition where tiny blood vessels in the retina widen, potentially leading to vision loss if not detected and managed early.
• Myopia, Infantile Severe: Early detection of infantile severe myopia is crucial because it allows for timely intervention, reducing the risk of severe vision problems and eye health complications as the child grows.
• 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.

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

• Strabismus Surgery (Co-management): Strabismus surgery co-management helps ensure your child's eye alignment is properly corrected and monitored for optimal vision development.
• Refractive Lens Exchange (Co-management): For those considering cataract surgery or other refractive procedures, co-management ensures coordinated care between your ophthalmologist and optometrist, optimizing your results and minimizing risks.
• Device Implantation and Extraction: Protecting your sight involves considering device implantation and extraction; this procedure is crucial for addressing certain eye conditions and optimizing visual outcomes.
• Pharmacologic Stress Testing: Taking proactive steps for your eye health, pharmacologic stress testing helps your eye doctor assess how well your eyes respond to medication and identify potential issues early.
• Foreign Body Removal from Eye: Foreign body removal helps safeguard your eye health by promptly addressing irritants and minimizing the chance of infection or vision loss.
• 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.
• Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lens Treatment: Invest in your vision's future through RGP contact lens treatment; these lenses provide a comfortable, precise fit that can help correct vision and manage specific corneal conditions.

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. Donald 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 and following a proactive allergy management plan, a patient successfully prevented the recurring itching and discomfort associated with allergic conjunctivitis, ensuring clear vision and comfort.
• By meticulously following the optometrist's guidance on contact lens hygiene and avoiding potentially contaminated water sources, a family gained peace of mind, significantly reducing their risk of developing Acanthamoeba keratitis.

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. Donald 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. Ophthalmologists (MDs) are medical doctors 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 vital for detecting silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy early, when treatment is most effective. Early detection is key to preserving your vision.

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 unique in that blood vessels are visible without surgery, allowing for the detection of conditions 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. Donald OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts to help you maintain clear vision.

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

Dr. Donald OD diagnoses cataracts, determines when surgery is needed, refers patients to a trusted ophthalmologist, and provides essential post-operative care and follow-up vision correction.

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.

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 eye exam allows Dr. Donald OD to detect any changes early and arrange treatment to prevent vision loss.

When should my child have their first eye exam?

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

11649 Boyette Rd
Riverview FL 33569
Phone: (813) 672-8100

Dr. Donald Szabo, 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): 1558587733

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. Donald 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.