Dr. James Podschun, OD

Dr. James Podschun, OD is an optometrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive optometric care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, he practices at his clinic in Winter Park, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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 committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Please call (407) 671-0960 to confirm if Dr. James OD is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. James Podschun, OD is an optometrist in Winter Park, FL. He graduated from the University of Houston / College of Optometry in 1986, earning his medical degree from that esteemed institution. He is Board Certified in Optometry by the American Board of Optometry. Dr. James OD is dedicated to providing exceptional, patient-centered care, incorporating the latest advancements in optometry to support your eye health needs. He's committed to fostering a collaborative relationship with each patient, emphasizing proactive strategies to maintain optimal vision and overall well-being. 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:

• Aphakia: Managing aphakia, the lack of your eye's natural lens, involves proactive steps like regular eye exams to ensure proper vision correction and prevent further issues from developing.
• Hordeolum: Catching a stye (hordeolum) early and managing it properly can prevent it from becoming more painful and potentially spreading the infection.
• Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP): Early detection of retinitis pigmentosa through regular eye exams is key to managing this inherited eye disease and preventing further vision loss.
• Iridocorneal Dysgenesis: Protecting your eyesight involves proactive eye health; iridocorneal dysgenesis, a condition affecting the iris and cornea, highlights the need for routine eye exams to catch it early and manage any related problems.
• Binocular Vision Disorder: Managing binocular vision disorder, often through vision therapy, is crucial to prevent further complications such as amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (crossed eyes) in children and adults.
• Foreign Body in Eye: Protecting your eyes from foreign bodies is crucial preventive care; immediate removal prevents potential scratches, infections, and lasting vision problems.
• Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) is a serious eye condition that can cause sudden vision loss, highlighting the importance of regular comprehensive eye exams for early detection and prevention of further damage.

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:

• Intraocular Lens Implant Surgery (Co-management): Protect your vision and improve your quality of life by opting for our co-management of intraocular lens implants; we work alongside your surgeon for optimal results.
• YAG Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (Co-management/some states): This laser treatment, called YAG laser trabeculoplasty, helps lower the pressure inside your eyes, a crucial step in preventing glaucoma-related vision loss.
• Humphrey Visual Field Test for Glaucoma: Ensure your eye health with a Humphrey Visual Field Test, a vital tool used to identify vision loss patterns indicative of glaucoma, enabling prompt treatment and preserving your sight.
• B-Scan Ultrasound: To ensure the long-term health of your eyes, a B-Scan ultrasound offers a detailed image of the eye's interior, enabling timely intervention for conditions that may affect your vision.
• Retinal Laser Photocoagulation (Co-management): Take proactive steps to safeguard your eyesight; this procedure uses laser to seal leaking blood vessels in the retina, preventing further vision impairment.
• Minimally Invasive Valve Surgery: Take a proactive step towards preserving your vision by undergoing minimally invasive valve surgery, which can help prevent or manage certain eye conditions that might otherwise lead to vision loss.
• Strabismus Surgery (Co-management): Taking a proactive approach with strabismus surgery co-management helps achieve the best possible visual results and minimizes the risk of long-term eye issues.

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 scheduling regular eye exams and discussing proactive strategies with the optometrist, a patient successfully managed their aphakia, maintaining clear vision and preventing further complications.
• By promptly addressing a developing stye, a patient avoided a more painful infection and maintained good eye health. This proactive approach ensured a quick recovery and prevented further complications.

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 the primary eye care provider. They perform comprehensive eye exams, prescribe glasses and contacts, and diagnose and manage many eye conditions. Ophthalmologists (MDs) are medical doctors specializing in eye surgery.

How often should I get a comprehensive eye exam, even if I see well?

Even if your vision is excellent, a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years is crucial for early detection of silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. These exams look beyond your current vision and help protect 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 our doctors to identify early signs of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases during a dilated eye exam.

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. Dr. James OD uses this to precisely detect and monitor diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration.

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

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 to help 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 ensure your vision remains clear.

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

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

436 ste 1001
Winter Park FL 32792
Phone: (407) 671-0960

Dr. James Podschun, 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): 1003804121

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.