Dr. Gary Barker, OD

Dr. Gary Barker, OD is a Board-Certified Optometrist practicing at Eye Associates of Winter Park, Florida. He is a dedicated partner in preventive health, committed 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), Dr. Barker is deeply invested in ensuring optimal vision and overall wellness for his patients. His focus on prevention extends beyond routine exams, encompassing personalized health plans, and coordinating screenings to catch potential issues early.

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. Barker serves all ages, from infants to seniors, with a particular focus on pediatric eye care. He is a respected expert in the field, having earned his Doctor of Optometry from the University of Houston College of Optometry and completing specialized training at the University of Texas Health Science Center At Houston. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, and his experience includes research as a Research Optometrist at the University of Texas Medical Science Center-Houston in the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS). Dr. Gary OD offers consultations in Spanish. While he is not currently accepting new patients, inquiries about waitlists or future openings can be made by calling (407) 671-5445.

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:

• Allergic Conjunctivitis: Managing allergic conjunctivitis through preventative measures like eye drops and allergen avoidance can prevent further complications such as eye infections.
• Cataract: Cataracts, a clouding of the eye's lens, can be detected early through regular eye exams, helping prevent vision loss and the need for more complex treatments later.
• Corneal Abrasion: Minor eye injuries can easily cause corneal abrasions, emphasizing the need for preventive measures such as wearing safety glasses and seeking professional care for any eye irritation or pain to avoid vision-threatening complications.
• Diabetic Eye Disease: Early detection of diabetic eye disease through routine eye exams is crucial for preserving your sight and preventing severe vision impairment associated with diabetes.
• Dry Eyes: Early detection of dry eye symptoms, like burning or itching, allows for timely intervention, preventing more serious problems such as corneal damage.
• Eye Injuries: Preventing eye injuries through safety measures at work and play is a key step in proactive eye care.
• Eyelid Inflammation: Managing eyelid inflammation is crucial for preventing potential vision loss and chronic eye problems; schedule an eye exam if you experience symptoms.
• Foreign Body in Eye: Protecting your eyes from foreign bodies is crucial preventive care; immediate removal prevents potential scratches, infections, and lasting vision problems.
• Glaucoma: Protecting your sight from glaucoma involves proactive steps like routine eye pressure checks and early diagnosis, helping manage this condition and avoid 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:

• Contact Lens Exams: Take a proactive step towards healthy eyes with contact lens exams – they assess your vision and eye health while wearing contacts.
• Diabetic Eye Exam: Take charge of your eye health: a diabetic eye exam is a vital preventive measure for diabetics, identifying potential problems before they significantly impact your vision.
• Eye Examination: Early detection is key to managing eye diseases; a routine eye examination helps identify potential problems before they significantly affect your vision.
• Eyelash Epilation: Proactive eyelash analysis can be a simple yet valuable tool for identifying potential problems that could impact your eye health and vision.
• Glaucoma Treatment: Glaucoma treatment is a key step in safeguarding your vision by addressing elevated eye pressure and preserving your eyesight.
• Punctal Plug Insertion: To combat dry eyes, punctal plugs are small devices inserted into tear ducts to reduce tear drainage and improve eye lubrication.
• Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lens Treatment: Take proactive steps towards lifelong eye health with rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses, a treatment option that may improve vision clarity and reduce the risk of certain eye conditions.
• Soft Contact Lenses: Soft contact lenses can be a part of managing certain eye conditions, allowing for clearer vision and contributing to the early detection of potential problems.

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 proactively managing their allergies with prescribed eye drops and avoiding known triggers, a patient experienced significant relief from itchy, watery eyes, preventing further discomfort and potential complications.
• By scheduling regular eye exams, a patient proactively managed their eye health, reducing the risk of cataracts and ensuring clear vision for years to come. This proactive approach brought peace of mind and confidence in their future visual well-being.

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 your primary eye care provider, performing comprehensive exams, prescribing glasses and contacts, and managing many eye conditions. They differ from ophthalmologists (MDs), who are medical doctors 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 help detect silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy early, when treatment is most effective. It's a critical preventive measure for maintaining healthy vision.

Can an eye exam detect other health problems in my body?

Yes, a comprehensive eye exam can detect other health problems. The eye is the only place where blood vessels can be viewed directly without surgery, and a dilated eye exam can reveal early signs of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even 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 eye responsible for sharp central vision. There are "dry" and "wet" forms. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management to help preserve sight.

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

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

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 when surgery is needed, and refer you to a trusted ophthalmologist. Then, we provide all necessary post-operative care and follow-up vision correction.

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. Gary OD is essential to ensure a correct fit and prevent potential eye damage, infections, and vision loss.

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. Gary OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts.

1928 Howell Branch Rd
Winter Park FL 32792
Phone: (407) 671-5445

Dr. Gary Barker, 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): 1235116468

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.