Dr. Gerard Balski Jr, OD

Dr. Gerard Balski Jr, 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, Dr. Gerard OD is a vital partner in preventive health, committed to helping patients maintain optimal vision and overall well-being. He understands 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.

Dr. Gerard OD's practice is focused on collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He serves all ages, from infants to seniors, recognizing the unique eye health needs of each life stage. He is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey, and encourages you to call (904) 221-6500 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Gerard Balski Jr, OD is an optometrist in Jacksonville, FL. He is accepting new patients. Dr. Gerard OD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Keratitis: Early diagnosis of keratitis is crucial because it can lead to vision impairment or even blindness if left untreated; practicing good eye hygiene can minimize your risk.
• Corneal Diseases: Maintaining good eye hygiene and scheduling regular checkups are key preventive measures to identify and manage corneal diseases before they worsen.
• Chronic Conjunctivitis: Don't let chronic conjunctivitis linger; regular eye exams and appropriate treatment can significantly reduce its impact on your eye health and vision.
• Iris Hypoplasia - Glaucoma: Don't underestimate the connection between iris hypoplasia and glaucoma—regular comprehensive eye exams enable early detection, facilitating appropriate treatment and preserving your sight.
• Poor Ocular Motion: Limited eye movement may indicate a serious condition, emphasizing the importance of proactive eye care to manage risks and protect your sight.
• Aphakia: Aphakia, a condition where the eye's natural lens is missing, highlights the importance of comprehensive eye exams to catch potential problems before they lead to severe vision impairment.
• Conjunctival Disorders: Conjunctival disorders, like pink eye, are eye infections affecting the conjunctiva, and early detection through regular eye exams helps prevent complications and spread.

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

• 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.
• Device Implantation and Extraction: Regular eye care includes evaluating the need for device implantation and extraction, minimizing risks and maximizing the benefits of vision correction.
• ICD Monitoring: Protecting your sight starts with proactive care: ICD monitoring allows for early detection of eye pressure changes, potentially preventing vision loss from glaucoma.
• Pharmacologic Stress Testing: For a thorough eye exam, pharmacologic stress testing is a crucial component in revealing how medications influence your vision and helps prevent or manage potential vision complications.
• Diagnostic Angiography: To proactively safeguard your vision, diagnostic angiography provides detailed images of your eye's blood vessels, helping your doctor identify and manage conditions like age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy.
• Blepharoplasty (Co-management): Protecting your vision after eyelid surgery is crucial; our co-management services provide the necessary post-operative care to help prevent vision problems and ensure successful healing.
• Arterial Doppler Ultrasound: Protect your vision by scheduling an arterial Doppler ultrasound; this screening helps identify early signs of circulatory problems affecting your eyes, allowing for timely intervention.

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. Gerard 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 diligently following the optometrist's guidance on eye hygiene and regular check-ups, a patient was able to successfully prevent keratitis and maintain excellent vision.
• By diligently following a proactive eye health plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing corneal diseases, gaining peace of mind about their eye health.

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. Gerard OD:

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

An optometrist, like Dr. Gerard OD, is a primary eye care provider who performs comprehensive eye exams, prescribes glasses and contact lenses, and diagnoses and manages many eye conditions. Ophthalmologists, on the other hand, are medical doctors who are also 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, even if you see well. These exams screen for silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, which often have no noticeable symptoms until significant damage occurs. Early detection allows for timely intervention and preserves your vision.

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

Yes, a comprehensive eye exam with Dr. Gerard OD can detect early signs of systemic diseases. The eye is the only place where blood vessels can be viewed directly without surgery, allowing for the detection of conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases.

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

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

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. Gerard OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts.

What is 'low vision' and how can you help?

Low vision is vision impairment that cannot be fully corrected with glasses, contacts, or surgery. A low vision evaluation with Dr. Gerard OD focuses on maximizing your remaining vision through tools like magnifiers, special lighting, and adaptive devices to help you maintain independence.

I have something in my eye. Should I come here first?

Yes, absolutely. For issues like eye infections, corneal scratches, or foreign objects, an optometrist is the ideal first point of contact. We are equipped to diagnose and treat these urgent issues, often preventing a long and costly visit to the emergency room.

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 crucial for sharp central vision. There are "dry" and "wet" forms, and regular eye exams are essential for early detection and management to preserve sight.

13170 Atlantic Blvd Ste 53
Jacksonville FL 32225
Phone: (904) 221-6500

Dr. Gerard Balski Jr, 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): 1700085743

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. Gerard 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.