Dr. Ellen Chasens, OD

Dr. Ellen Chasens, OD is a licensed Optometrist practicing at her clinic in Doral, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is deeply committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive optometric care. As a trusted partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she recognizes that 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. Call (305) 463-9163 to schedule.

Dr. Ellen Catineau Chasens graduated from Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry in May of 1997, following her medical degree from the University of South Florida in 1987. With over 20 years of experience throughout South Florida, she has extensive expertise in diagnosing, managing, and treating diseases of the human eye and visual system. Her practice encompasses general eye exams, the prescription of corrective lenses (glasses and contact lenses), and the comprehensive care needed to maintain optimal vision and well-being. Dr. Ellen OD’s philosophy, "Your Eyes Are the Window to Your World. See Clearly," guides her approach to each patient interaction. She is committed to ensuring clear vision and overall health, and she offers consultations in Spanish.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Ellen 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. Ellen 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. Ellen 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.
• Astigmatism: Managing astigmatism is crucial to prevent potential complications, such as eye strain, headaches, and amblyopia (lazy eye) in children; early detection through routine eye exams allows for timely intervention.
• Corneal Abrasion: Protecting your eyes from potential abrasions through safety measures like wearing goggles during sports or handling chemicals is crucial for preventing vision impairment and discomfort.
• Dry Eyes: Managing dry eyes effectively minimizes irritation and protects your eyes from potential infections and vision impairment associated with chronic dryness.
• Presbyopia: Presbyopia's impact on your daily life can be minimized with early diagnosis and appropriate correction. Regular eye exams help catch this age-related vision change so you can use reading glasses and maintain clear vision.
• Acute Retinal Necrosis: Protecting your vision from the devastating effects of acute retinal necrosis starts with proactive eye care; early detection through routine eye exams is key to preventing severe vision loss.
• Cataract - Aberrant Oral Frenula - Growth Delay: Preventive care, including regular pediatric eye exams, helps catch cataracts and other developmental concerns like growth delays and abnormal frenula, paving the way for timely interventions.

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. Ellen 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: Protect your vision by scheduling contact lens exams; they help detect early signs of eye diseases like dry eye or corneal issues.
• 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 Examination: Take charge of your eye health with a regular eye exam; it's a crucial step in preventing blindness and maintaining clear vision for years to come.
• Eyeglasses: Properly fitted eyeglasses can significantly improve your visual acuity, contributing to better performance in school, work, and daily tasks, while also reducing the risk of eye fatigue.
• Soft Contact Lenses: By opting for soft contact lenses and attending regular eye exams, you proactively take steps to safeguard your vision and detect any emerging eye health concerns.
• Diagnostic Angiography: By using diagnostic angiography, your eye doctor can create a precise picture of your eye's blood supply, facilitating the early detection and treatment of serious conditions before they significantly impact your vision.
• Eye Test: Taking charge of your eye health starts with a routine eye test, which can identify and address developing conditions like macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy.

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. Ellen 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 attending regular eye exams and following a personalized plan, a patient effectively managed their allergic conjunctivitis, avoiding the persistent discomfort and potential vision issues that often accompany the condition. This proactive approach ensured a comfortable and clear vision experience.
• By scheduling routine eye exams, a family proactively managed their child's astigmatism, reducing the risk of long-term vision problems and ensuring a clearer path for their child's future.

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. Ellen OD:

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

An optometrist, like Dr. Ellen OD, is a primary eye care provider. They perform comprehensive eye exams, prescribe glasses and contacts, and manage many eye conditions. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes 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 aren't just about your vision; they're about detecting silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy early, when treatment is most effective. Regular exams are a critical preventive measure for maintaining optimal eye health.

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 detection of these potential health issues.

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. Ellen OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts.

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

Dry eye is a very common condition. Dr. Ellen OD 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 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.

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

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

When should my child have their first eye exam?

Dr. Ellen OD recommends that children have their first comprehensive eye exam between 6 and 12 months of age. This early exam is crucial for detecting potential vision problems like lazy eye or misaligned eyes, ensuring proper vision development.

8425 NW 13th Ter
Doral FL 33126
Phone: (305) 463-9163

Dr. Ellen Chasens, 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): 1104883370

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. Ellen 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.