Dr. Gary Akel, OD

Dr. Gary Akel, OD is a Jacksonville, 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, he is a key partner in preventive health, committed to ensuring optimal vision and overall well-being. 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. Gary OD serves all ages, from infants to seniors, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health.

Dr. Gary Akel, OD is an optometrist in Jacksonville, FL, committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. He understands the crucial role of preventive care in maintaining optimal eye health throughout life. He emphasizes early disease detection and personalized health plans, and he actively coordinates necessary screenings. This approach ensures that patients receive the best possible care, promoting a proactive mindset and empowering them to make informed decisions about their health. Please call (904) 786-4442 to confirm if Dr. Gary OD is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Gary OD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: AION can lead to permanent vision impairment, emphasizing the necessity of preventative healthcare, including regular eye check-ups, to detect and address underlying conditions that increase your risk.
• Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid: Managing ocular cicatricial pemphigoid effectively relies on prompt diagnosis and consistent monitoring to minimize scarring and preserve your vision, highlighting the value of preventive eye care.
• Congenital Sensory Neuropathy With Neurotrophic Keratitis: CSNNK is a birth defect affecting corneal sensitivity and health; routine pediatric eye exams are vital for early detection and treatment, significantly improving outcomes and reducing long-term vision issues.
• Visual Deprivation Nystagmus: Visual deprivation nystagmus is a vision problem in infants where limited sight leads to involuntary eye movements, and early detection through regular eye exams is crucial for preventing permanent vision loss.
• 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.
• Corneal Diseases: Maintaining good eye hygiene and scheduling regular checkups are key preventive measures to identify and manage corneal diseases before they worsen.
• Primary Open Angle Glaucoma: Primary open-angle glaucoma is a gradual eye disease that damages the optic nerve, and early detection through regular eye exams is crucial for preventing vision loss.

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

• Hemodynamic Monitoring: For optimal eye health, proactive blood flow monitoring within the eyes is essential and helps us screen for conditions that may not have noticeable symptoms.
• Dry Macular Degeneration Management: Invest in your vision health by actively participating in dry macular degeneration management, which can help preserve your ability to see clearly and enjoy life to the fullest.
• Optomap® Retinal Exam: An Optomap® retinal exam is a simple yet powerful tool for proactive eye care, helping your eye doctor screen for various conditions and recommend treatment if needed, preserving your vision for years to come.
• Peripheral Angiograms: To proactively safeguard your vision, a peripheral angiogram allows your doctor to thoroughly examine the blood vessels supplying your retina, helping identify potential problems before they affect your sight.
• Phakic Refractive Lens Implantation (Co-management): For lasting vision correction, explore phakic lens implants – we collaborate with your surgeon to ensure your procedure is well-managed and your results are optimized.
• Eye Print Prosthetic Contact Lens Treatment: Proactively safeguard your eye health by undergoing an eye print prosthetic contact lens assessment, helping identify and address potential issues early on.
• Refractive Surgery (Co-management): Protecting your sight after refractive surgery is our priority. Our co-management services help identify and address any potential issues for the best possible long-term vision health.

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. Gary 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 addressing underlying risk factors, a patient proactively managed their health, significantly reducing the chance of developing Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy and maintaining clear vision. This proactive approach provided peace of mind, enabling them to confidently pursue their daily activities.
• By diligently adhering to the proactive eye care plan, a patient significantly reduced the risk of vision loss associated with ocular cicatricial pemphigoid, fostering a sense of well-being and confidence in their 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. Gary 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?

Even if you have good vision, a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years is crucial. These exams are essential for detecting silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, often before any symptoms appear. It's a proactive way to safeguard your 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, as the eye is the only place where blood vessels can be viewed directly without surgery. A dilated eye exam can reveal early signs of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases.

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. Gary OD to detect any changes early and arrange treatment to prevent vision loss.

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

Dr. Gary OD plays a crucial role in managing your cataract journey. We diagnose the cataract, determine if surgery is necessary, and refer you to a trusted ophthalmologist. Then, we provide all essential post-operative care and follow-up vision correction.

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 glaucoma early and prevent blindness.

What is an OCT scan?

An OCT scan is an advanced imaging technology that uses light to create incredibly detailed, cross-sectional pictures of your retina and optic nerve. Dr. Gary OD uses this to detect and monitor diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration with great precision.

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

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

953 Lane Ave S
Jacksonville FL 32205
Phone: (904) 786-4442

Dr. Gary Akel, 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): 1699742734

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. Gary 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.