Dr. Donna Shotwell, OD

Dr. Donna Shotwell, OD is a Sarasota, FL-based optometrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive eye care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is deeply committed to 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. She serves all ages, from infants to seniors, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey.

Dr. Donna OD's approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine. She creates a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She is dedicated to helping patients understand their eye health needs and work together to develop strategies for maintaining optimal vision and overall well-being. Dr. Donna Shotwell, OD is an optometrist in Sarasota, FL. She is accepting new patients. Please call (941) 371-7644 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Donna OD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Keratitis Fugax Hereditaria: Regular comprehensive eye exams are crucial for detecting keratitis fugax hereditaria early, as prompt identification and management can minimize the risk of lasting corneal damage.
• Coloboma of Lens: Regular checkups with your eye doctor are crucial for detecting coloboma of the lens early, allowing for timely intervention and minimizing its impact on your vision throughout life.
• Open-Angle Glaucoma: Open-angle glaucoma is a gradual eye disease that damages the optic nerve, often without noticeable symptoms, highlighting the importance of regular eye exams for early detection and prevention of vision loss.
• Eyelid Inflammation: Preventing vision impairment starts with addressing eyelid inflammation early; timely treatment can help manage discomfort and reduce the risk of more serious eye issues.
• Congenital Sensory Neuropathy With Neurotrophic Keratitis: Congenital sensory neuropathy with neurotrophic keratitis (CSNNK) is a rare condition affecting the cornea's sensation and health from birth, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis and proactive care to prevent vision loss.
• Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma: Managing primary angle closure glaucoma involves regular monitoring and treatment to maintain healthy eye pressure and reduce the risk of vision impairment—early diagnosis is vital.
• Nystagmus: Don't underestimate the importance of routine eye exams; they are crucial for the early detection of nystagmus. Early detection and appropriate management can help improve visual outcomes and overall health.

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

• Intraocular Lens Implant Surgery (Co-management): Ensure a smooth and successful intraocular lens implant surgery by utilizing our co-management services, which provide comprehensive pre- and post-operative care to maximize your vision outcome.
• Strabismus Treatment: Strabismus treatment corrects misaligned eyes, reducing double vision and improving your quality of life.
• Enucleation of Eye (Co-management): Partnering for better eye health: Enucleation co-management means working closely with your surgeon for the best possible care and outcome following eye removal.
• Low Vision Rehabilitation: Low vision rehabilitation helps you learn strategies and techniques to maximize your remaining vision, improving your independence and quality of life.
• Device Implantation and Extraction: Taking proactive steps with device implantation and extraction helps ensure the accuracy and longevity of your vision correction and allows for early detection of any complications.
• BlephEx™ for Blepharitis: Take proactive steps to manage blepharitis and improve your eye health with BlephEx™, a simple in-office procedure that cleanses your eyelids to reduce inflammation and prevent further complications.
• Minimally Invasive Valve Surgery: Protecting your sight starts with early detection. Minimally invasive valve surgery is a procedure that can help detect and address underlying eye issues before they significantly impact your vision.

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. Donna 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 consistently attending regular eye exams, a family proactively managed their risk of keratitis fugax hereditaria, ensuring the best possible long-term eye health. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and minimized the potential for future complications.
• By scheduling regular eye exams, a patient proactively monitored their eye health, ensuring early detection of any potential lens abnormalities and minimizing the risk of vision impairment. This proactive approach allowed the patient to maintain optimal vision and 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. 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. Donna OD:

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

An optometrist, like Dr. Donna OD, is a primary eye care provider. They perform comprehensive eye exams, prescribe glasses and contact lenses, and manage many eye conditions. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors and eye surgeons.

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 screen for silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, allowing for early detection and treatment. Early intervention significantly improves outcomes.

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 unique in that its blood vessels can be viewed directly without surgery, allowing for the potential detection of these health issues.

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. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management to preserve sight.

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

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. Donna OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts to ensure your vision remains optimal.

When should my child have their first eye exam?

Dr. Donna OD recommends a comprehensive eye exam for children between 6 and 12 months of age. This early exam is essential for detecting potential vision problems like lazy eye or misaligned eyes, which can impact a child's vision development.

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

Dr. Donna OD plays a crucial role in managing your cataract journey. She will diagnose the cataract, determine the need for surgery, and refer you to a trusted ophthalmologist. Following surgery, she will provide all necessary post-operative care and vision correction follow-up.

4934 Fruitville Rd
Sarasota FL 34232
Phone: (941) 371-7644

Dr. Donna Shotwell, 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): 1881785970

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. Donna 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.