Dr. Gary Wasserman, OD

Dr. Gary Wasserman, OD is a dedicated Optometrist practicing at his clinic in Largo, FL. As a valued partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, he is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment is to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Optometric care, recognizing 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. He serves all ages, from infants to seniors, and is dedicated to fostering a collaborative, supportive, and educational environment where patients feel equipped to take an active role in their eye health.

Your optometrist plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal eye health throughout your life. Dr. Gary Wasserman, OD, an optometrist in Largo, FL, understands this and is committed to providing evidence-based care that prioritizes prevention and early detection. He strives to create personalized plans for each patient, focusing on proactive measures to safeguard long-term eye health. His approach is built on the foundation of collaborative, patient-centered care, empowering you to make informed decisions about your health. To confirm Dr. Gary OD's availability for new patients, please call (727) 596-6315. While Dr. Gary OD provides consultations primarily in English, he is dedicated to providing exceptional care to all patients.

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:

• Foreign Body in Eye: A foreign object in your eye, if left untreated, can lead to serious infections or vision impairment, highlighting the importance of prompt medical attention for preventive eye care.
• Acanthamoeba Keratitis: Protecting your eyes from Acanthamoeba keratitis involves careful contact lens care to prevent this potentially blinding infection, emphasizing early detection for better treatment outcomes.
• Visual Field Defects: Visual field defects, where parts of your vision are missing, can be managed effectively when diagnosed early through routine eye checks, often helping prevent severe vision impairment.
• Dry Eyes: Managing dry eyes effectively minimizes irritation and protects your eyes from potential infections and vision impairment associated with chronic dryness.
• Retinal Telangiectasis: Regular eye checkups are important for early detection of retinal telangiectasis, a condition impacting the retina's blood vessels, which can help prevent vision problems if treated appropriately.
• Retrobulbar Neuritis: Retrobulbar neuritis, an inflammation behind the eye, emphasizes the need for proactive eye health management. Regular eye exams help detect this condition early, enabling timely intervention to minimize vision impairment.
• Serous Detachment Retina: Regular eye exams are vital for preventing serious eye problems like serous retinal detachment, where fluid buildup under the retina can cause vision impairment if left untreated.

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:

• Humphrey Visual Field Test for Glaucoma: Take a proactive step towards protecting your sight with a Humphrey Visual Field Test, a comprehensive screening that helps detect glaucoma early, before significant vision loss occurs.
• LipiFlow® Procedure: Invest in your eye health and prevent further dry eye complications with LipiFlow®, a procedure that effectively unclogs blocked glands responsible for producing healthy tears.
• Peripheral Angiograms: A peripheral angiogram is a specialized test that helps your eye doctor visualize the blood vessels in your eyes, enabling early detection of conditions like diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration.
• Lacrimal Surgery (Co-management): Taking a proactive role in your lacrimal surgery journey through co-management helps optimize your recovery and vision outcome.
• Epi-LASIK Eye Surgery (Co-management): Protect your vision investment with Epi-LASIK co-management, ensuring the best possible outcome and addressing potential complications early.
• Wet Macular Degeneration Laser Treatment (Co-management): Protecting your vision starts with co-managed laser treatment for wet macular degeneration, helping to prevent further vision loss and maintain your independence.
• Photo Therapeutic Keratectomy (Co-management): Phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) co-management helps your eye doctor precisely remove damaged corneal tissue, improving vision and preventing further complications.

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:

• A diligent patient, following preventive eye care guidance, promptly addressed a suspected foreign object in their eye, avoiding potential complications and preserving clear vision. Their proactive approach ensured a swift and positive resolution, highlighting the importance of early intervention for eye health.
• By meticulously following the optometrist's contact lens care instructions, a patient proactively reduced their risk of Acanthamoeba keratitis, ensuring clear vision and peace of mind.

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. They differ from ophthalmologists (MDs), who are medical doctors and eye surgeons.

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 your vision, but also about detecting silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Early detection allows for prompt treatment and helps preserve your vision.

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 spot potential problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases.

What is an OCT scan?

An OCT scan is an advanced imaging technology, similar to an ultrasound but using light, to create incredibly detailed cross-sectional pictures of your retina and optic nerve. This allows Dr. Gary to detect and monitor diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration with great precision.

When should my child have their first eye exam?

Dr. Gary OD recommends a comprehensive eye exam for children between 6 and 12 months of age. This early exam is essential to detect potential vision problems like lazy eye or misaligned eyes, ensuring proper vision development.

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

Dr. Gary OD will diagnose your cataract, determine when surgery is needed, and refer you to a trusted ophthalmologist. Then, we'll provide all the essential post-operative care and follow-up vision correction.

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

Dry eye is a very common condition. Dr. Gary 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 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 vision loss.

13489 Walsingham Rd
Largo FL 33774
Phone: (727) 596-6315

Dr. Gary Wasserman, 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): 1205876919

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.