Dr. Ingrid Simshauser, OD

Dr. Ingrid Simshauser, OD is a dedicated Optometrist practicing at her clinic in Hialeah, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive optometric care. 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 is a strong advocate for preventative medicine, recognizing that proactive care is crucial for maintaining optimal health.

Dr. Ingrid OD's approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine. She believes in creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She serves all ages, from infants to seniors, understanding the unique eye health needs of each demographic. Her focus extends beyond simply addressing existing issues; she prioritizes the prevention of future problems, building a strong foundation for optimal vision and well-being. Patients should call (305) 819-7770 to confirm if Dr. Ingrid OD is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Ingrid Simshauser, OD is an optometrist in Hialeah, FL, committed to providing exceptional eye care. She understands the importance of personalized care and proactively works with each patient to develop a tailored plan that addresses their specific needs. Recognizing the multifaceted nature of health, Dr. Ingrid OD emphasizes the crucial link between eye health and overall wellness. Her commitment to collaborative, patient-centered care is a cornerstone of her practice. Dr. Ingrid OD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Optic Neuritis: Regular eye exams are crucial for preventing serious vision complications from optic neuritis, a condition causing inflammation of the optic nerve that can lead to vision loss if left untreated.
• Marcus-Gunn Pupillary Sign: Protecting your vision involves proactive eye care; a comprehensive eye exam can identify the Marcus-Gunn pupil sign, which, if left untreated, may lead to visual impairments, emphasizing preventive care's value.
• Chemical Burn - Eyes: Protecting your eyes from chemical exposure is crucial for preventing vision impairment; prompt treatment of a chemical burn is key to minimizing lasting damage.
• Peripheral Uveitis: Managing peripheral uveitis effectively relies on proactive eye care and prompt treatment to minimize the risk of long-term vision problems.
• Eye Pain: Eye pain can be a sign of a serious underlying eye condition, so seeking prompt professional care is crucial for preventing vision loss.
• Eyelid Eczema: Regularly check your eyelids for signs of eczema, such as redness, itching, or scaling. Early detection and treatment can keep this condition from affecting your vision health.
• Cone Dystrophy: Cone dystrophy is a genetic eye condition that gradually damages the cones in your eyes, affecting color vision and visual acuity, highlighting the importance of regular eye exams for early detection and management.

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

• Ocular Inflammation (Uveitis) Treatment: Take charge of your eye health: timely uveitis treatment helps stop inflammation early, minimizing long-term damage and maintaining clear vision.
• Eyeglasses: Getting the right eyeglasses ensures clear vision, reducing the risk of accidents and improving your quality of life by enabling better participation in work and leisure activities.
• Phakic Refractive Lens Implantation (Co-management): Improve your vision and potentially prevent the need for future corrective surgeries through phakic IOL implantation, a procedure we expertly co-manage to maximize your outcome.
• Orthokeratology: Protect your eyes and improve your vision long-term with orthokeratology; this method can help manage myopia progression and reduce your reliance on corrective eyewear.
• Laser Eye Surgery (Co-management): Protect your vision investment with laser eye surgery co-management, providing expert care before, during, and after your procedure for optimal results and early detection of any issues.
• Mechanical Circulatory Support System: Prioritize your vision by making eye exams a regular part of your healthcare routine; this allows for early diagnosis and management of potential vision-threatening conditions.
• Lacrimal Surgery (Co-management): Taking a proactive role in your lacrimal surgery journey through co-management helps optimize your recovery and vision outcome.

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. Ingrid 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 scheduling regular eye exams, a patient proactively managed their risk of optic neuritis, achieving peace of mind and ensuring early detection of any potential vision complications.
• By scheduling regular eye exams, a patient proactively identified potential issues with their vision, reducing the risk of future visual impairments and gaining 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. 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. Ingrid 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 manages 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?

A comprehensive eye exam every one to two years is crucial, even if you see well. These exams aren't just about vision; they're vital for detecting silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Early detection allows for prompt treatment and helps preserve your sight.

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, allowing for the detection of early signs of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases.

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

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

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, yet causes 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, similar to ultrasound, that uses light to create incredibly detailed, cross-sectional pictures of your retina and optic nerve. This allows Dr. Ingrid to detect and monitor diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration with great precision.

When should my child have their first eye exam?

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

Is it safe to buy contact lenses online without an exam?

No, it is unsafe and illegal to purchase contact lenses online without an eye exam. Contact lenses are medical devices that sit directly on your eye, and a proper fitting and annual exam with Dr. Ingrid OD is essential to ensure a correct fit and prevent eye damage, serious infections, and vision loss.

551 E 49th St
Hialeah FL 33013
Phone: (305) 819-7770

Dr. Ingrid Simshauser, 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): 1174690705

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. Ingrid 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.