Dr. James Petro, OD

Dr. James Petro, OD is a dedicated Optometrist practicing at his clinic in Valrico, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), he is committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Optometric care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, Dr. Petro 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. He serves all ages, from infants to seniors, recognizing the importance of comprehensive eye care at every stage of life.

Your eye health journey starts with Dr. Petro, OD. He is a collaborative, evidence-based practitioner who creates a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. James Petro, OD is an optometrist in Valrico, FL. He is accepting new patients. Contact him today at (813) 413-3323 to schedule your appointment and begin your proactive health journey. Dr. James OD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Myopia, Type 6: While rarer, type 6 myopia requires careful monitoring through routine eye check-ups to ensure appropriate vision correction and prevent potential complications later in life.
• 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.
• Optic Atrophy - Ophthalmoplegia - Ptosis - Deafness - Myopathy: Experiencing symptoms such as drooping eyelids (ptosis), muscle weakness (ophthalmoplegia), or hearing loss (deafness) alongside vision changes warrants immediate consultation with an ophthalmologist to rule out conditions like optic atrophy and start timely management.
• Juvenile Macular Degeneration: Juvenile macular degeneration is a rare eye condition affecting children and young adults, and early detection through regular eye exams is crucial for slowing its progression and preventing vision loss.
• Macular Pucker: Protecting your eyesight involves knowing about macular pucker, a condition causing blurry vision, and scheduling routine eye checkups for early diagnosis and treatment.
• Eyelid Eczema: Preventing eyelid eczema flare-ups is key to preserving your vision. Simple measures such as gentle eyelid cleansing and avoiding irritants can greatly reduce its impact.
• Glaucoma: Managing glaucoma effectively requires consistent monitoring and treatment, slowing its progression and potentially preventing significant 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. James OD offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Color Vision Testing: Ensure your vision is its best by undergoing color vision testing; early detection of deficiencies aids in appropriate management and support.
• Lacrimal Surgery (Co-management): This co-management service helps monitor your progress and identify any post-surgical issues related to your tear ducts, ensuring the best possible results.
• Electrophysiological Study: Take a proactive step towards protecting your sight: an electrophysiological study helps identify subtle eye problems before they impact your vision.
• Eye Surgery (General term for co-management): Proactive co-management of eye surgery ensures your vision recovery is smooth and any potential complications are caught early.
• Maze Procedure: Protecting your sight begins with proactive eye care; comprehensive exams aid in early detection of diseases and preserve your vision for years to come.
• Epi-LASIK Eye Surgery (Co-management): Enhance your vision correction results with Epi-LASIK co-management; this collaborative approach helps identify and manage potential problems before they arise.
• Prism Lenses: Prism lenses can help correct eye alignment issues, improving your vision and preventing future discomfort or double vision.

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. James 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 adhering to a proactive eye care plan, a young patient avoided potential complications associated with myopia, type 6, enjoying a clear path toward a healthy future. Regular check-ups provided peace of mind and enabled timely intervention, ensuring optimal vision.
• By consistently scheduling comprehensive eye exams, a patient proactively managed their risk of serous retinal detachment, ensuring continued 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. James 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?

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. Early detection allows for timely intervention and preservation of 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 identify potential problems like 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 exam allows Dr. James to detect any changes early and arrange treatment to prevent vision loss.

When should my child have their first eye exam?

Dr. James OD recommends a comprehensive eye exam for children between 6 and 12 months of age. This early exam is vital for detecting 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 a comprehensive eye exam. Contact lenses are medical devices that sit directly on your eye, and a proper fitting and annual exam with Dr. James OD is essential to ensure the lenses are fitted correctly and are not damaging your eye. This prevents serious infections and vision loss.

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. James OD focuses on maximizing your remaining vision through tools like magnifiers, special lighting, and adaptive devices, helping you maintain independence.

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. James OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts to help you maintain clear vision.

2140 Bloomingdale Ave
Valrico FL 33596
Phone: (813) 413-3323

Dr. James Petro, 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): 1295953073

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. James 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.