Dr. Douglas Johnson, OD

Dr. Douglas Johnson, OD is an Optometrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Optometric care. He practices at his clinic in Largo, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, adhering to Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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 (727) 584-5748 to schedule.

Dr. Douglas Johnson has been providing comprehensive eye care for families in Pinellas County for over 29 years. He earned his medical degree from New England College Of Optometry and has the training and experience necessary to initiate diagnostic testing for virtually all eye and vision conditions, treating patients with many eye diseases and abnormalities. He is well-known for the personal attention he provides, taking the time to answer questions and personally explain test results. This meticulous approach, coupled with his kind nature, has earned him a reputation for providing highly accurate prescriptions for eyeglasses and contact lenses. His care philosophy prioritizes individualized vision solutions, ensuring flawless natural vision for all patients, from adults to teens to children. Dr. Douglas OD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Herpetic Keratitis: Managing underlying health conditions and practicing good hygiene can reduce your risk of developing herpetic keratitis, a painful and potentially blinding corneal infection.
• Retrobulbar Neuritis: Maintaining good eye health means being aware of conditions like retrobulbar neuritis, an inflammation of the optic nerve. Scheduling regular eye exams can aid in early detection, potentially preventing permanent vision loss.
• Mucocutaneous and Ocular Herpes, Neonatal: Protecting newborns from contracting herpes simplex virus through careful hygiene and medical interventions reduces the risk of devastating eye and skin complications.
• Iridocyclitis: Protecting your eye health involves being aware of iridocyclitis, an inflammation affecting the iris and ciliary body, as prompt diagnosis and treatment can help manage this condition and safeguard your sight.
• Keratitis Fugax Hereditaria: Because keratitis fugax hereditaria is inherited, preventative eye care involves family history screening and regular check-ups to catch any early warning signs and avoid potential vision impairment.
• Tear Duct Disorders: Preventing complications from tear duct issues involves regular eye exams to identify and manage blockages or infections early, protecting your overall eye health.
• Ocular Albinism: Regular eye check-ups are crucial for individuals with a family history of ocular albinism, as early detection and management can significantly improve visual acuity and 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. Douglas OD offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Electrophysiological Study: Safeguarding your vision is key, and an electrophysiological study plays a critical role in the early diagnosis of retinal and optic nerve issues, allowing for timely intervention.
• Lucentis® Injection (Co-management): Protecting your sight is key; Lucentis® injection co-management allows for early intervention and treatment of conditions that can lead to blindness.
• Orbit Evisceration (Co-management): To ensure optimal healing and minimize risks after an orbit evisceration procedure, co-management coordinates specialist care to detect and address any complications quickly and effectively.
• Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (ALK) (Co-management): To enhance the success of your ALK procedure and prevent potential complications, co-management offers comprehensive monitoring and support from your eye care professional.
• Contact Lens Fitting Services: Invest in your eye health; a contact lens fitting helps determine the best contact lens type for your eyes, reducing the risk of infections and complications.
• Contact Lens Exams: Take a proactive step towards healthy eyes with contact lens exams – they assess your vision and eye health while wearing contacts.
• Vitrectomy (Co-management): Protecting your vision after a vitrectomy is crucial, and co-management allows your eye doctor to play an active role in monitoring your progress and addressing any concerns.

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. Douglas 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 understanding the importance of good hygiene and proactive eye care, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing herpetic keratitis, ensuring a healthier future for their eyes.
• By scheduling consistent eye exams, a patient proactively monitored their eye health, reducing the risk of retrobulbar neuritis and gaining peace of mind about their vision future.

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. Douglas 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?

A comprehensive eye exam every one to two years is crucial for most adults, even if you see well. These exams are not just about checking your vision; they're about detecting silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy early, when treatment is most effective.

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 doctors to identify potential issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and 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.

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

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

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. Douglas 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. Douglas OD diagnoses cataracts, determines the need for surgery, and refers patients to a trusted ophthalmologist. Following surgery, Dr. Douglas provides essential post-operative care and vision correction follow-up.

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, while causing irreversible peripheral vision loss. Regular eye exams are the only way to detect glaucoma early and prevent blindness.

148 13th St SW
Largo FL 33770
Phone: (727) 584-5748

Dr. Douglas Johnson, 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): 1114925773

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. Douglas 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.