Dr. Elena Monks, OD

Dr. Elena Monks, OD is an Optometrist practicing at her Royal Palm Beach, 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 (Medical Practice), she is a key partner in preventive health, recognizing that your optometrist is your primary partner in lifelong eye health. This involves 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. Elena OD's approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. As an optometrist, she puts your eye care first, providing comprehensive eye exams, vision correction, and diagnosis of related conditions, ensuring an easy, straightforward, and satisfactory experience. She prioritizes your specific vision needs and is committed to providing the best in eye health services. Please call (561) 270-5520 to schedule your appointment. Dr. Elena OD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Astigmatism: Astigmatism is a common vision problem that causes blurry vision due to an irregularly shaped cornea, and early detection through regular eye exams can help ensure you receive the appropriate correction to prevent eye strain and headaches.
• Blepharitis: Don't let blepharitis impact your vision; proactive eyelid care and routine eye exams can help catch and treat this condition before it causes further issues.
• Blurred Vision: Blurred vision can be a sign of developing eye problems, so scheduling regular eye exams is crucial for early detection and preventing vision loss.
• Cataract: Managing your risk for cataracts involves understanding your family history and making healthy lifestyle choices, complemented by regular eye exams for early detection and treatment.
• Dry Eyes: Preventing dry eye disease through proactive hydration and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce discomfort and long-term eye health complications.
• Glaucoma: Early detection of glaucoma through regular comprehensive eye exams is key to preventing vision impairment and preserving your eyesight.
• Night Blindness: Protecting your vision includes recognizing symptoms like night blindness. Early detection through regular eye checkups can help manage the condition and prevent significant vision impairment.
• Watering Eyes: Don't ignore constantly watering eyes – they could signal an infection or allergy; proactive care with regular eye exams can help manage and prevent complications.

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. Elena 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.
• Contact Lens Fitting Services: Protect your eye health with a contact lens fitting; our optometrists assess your vision and eye health, identifying potential problems early.
• Eye Test: An eye test is a proactive step to detect potential vision problems and eye diseases early, allowing for timely treatment and preventing vision loss.
• Eyeglasses: Eyeglass prescriptions are an essential part of regular eye exams, allowing for early detection of underlying eye conditions that, if left untreated, could lead to vision loss.
• Soft Contact Lenses: Choosing soft contact lenses allows for personalized vision correction, enhancing your quality of life and potentially reducing the risk of eye-related accidents.
• Vision Screening: Invest in your eyesight by getting a vision screening. It's a proactive step towards identifying and managing conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
• Glaucoma Medical Therapy: Protecting your sight starts with glaucoma medical therapy; this treatment helps prevent vision impairment by addressing the underlying causes of glaucoma.

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. Elena 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 routine eye exams, a patient proactively managed potential astigmatism, ensuring clear vision and preventing future eye strain. Early detection allowed for prompt corrective lenses, promoting overall comfort and reducing the risk of long-term vision issues.
• By diligently following a proactive eyelid care routine recommended by an optometrist, a patient effectively managed their blepharitis, preventing further vision complications and maintaining clear, comfortable vision.

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. Elena OD:

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

An optometrist, like Dr. Elena 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?

A comprehensive eye exam every one to two years is crucial, even if you see well. These exams are more than just checking your vision; they help detect 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 other health problems. The eye is unique in that its blood vessels are visible without surgery, allowing our doctors to spot early signs of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and even certain cancers or autoimmune disorders. A dilated eye exam is crucial for these important screenings.

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. It exists in "dry" and "wet" forms, and regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management to preserve sight.

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. Elena OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts.

Is it safe to buy contact lenses online without an exam?

No, it is unsafe and illegal to purchase contact lenses online without a comprehensive eye exam. Contact lenses are medical devices that sit directly on your eye, and a proper fitting and annual exam with Dr. Elena OD is essential to ensure a safe and correct fit, preventing potential eye damage and serious infections.

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

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

Dr. Elena OD plays a crucial role in managing your cataract journey. She will diagnose the cataract, determine when surgery is needed, refer you to a trusted ophthalmologist, and then provide all the essential post-operative care and follow-up vision correction.

11925 Southern Blvd Ste 4
Royal Palm Beach FL 33411
Phone: (561) 270-5520

Dr. Elena Monks, 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): 1518195353

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. Elena 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.