Dr. James Russell, OD

Dr. James Russell, OD is a board-certified Optometrist practicing at his clinic in The Villages, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and adheres to Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in his commitment to providing comprehensive, proactive optometric care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, Dr. James OD is dedicated to empowering patients with the knowledge and tools to maintain optimal eye health throughout their lives. 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. James Russell, OD serves all ages, from infants to seniors, recognizing that eye health is crucial at every stage of life. He is deeply committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. James OD provides consultations primarily in English. Please call (352) 399-5412 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

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:

• Inflammatory Glaucoma: Inflammatory glaucoma's silent progression makes early detection vital. Routine eye exams help identify this condition before significant vision loss occurs, allowing for timely treatment and better long-term outcomes.
• Macular Pucker: Don't wait for symptoms—regular eye exams are crucial for the early detection of macular pucker, allowing for treatment that can minimize vision impairment.
• 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.
• Herpetic Keratitis: Herpetic keratitis, an infection of the cornea, can lead to permanent vision damage if not treated promptly; routine eye exams help with early diagnosis and treatment.
• Ocular Herpes (Herpes of the Eye): Early detection of ocular herpes is crucial because timely treatment can significantly reduce the risk of permanent vision impairment or blindness.
• Disorder of Choroid: A choroid disorder is a problem with the blood vessel-rich layer at the back of your eye, and early detection through regular eye exams can help prevent vision loss.
• Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP): Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a serious eye disease affecting premature babies, and early detection through regular eye exams is crucial to prevent vision loss or blindness.

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:

• Wet Macular Degeneration Laser Treatment (Co-management): Maintain your eyesight by participating in co-managed laser treatment for wet macular degeneration, helping catch and treat this condition early to maximize its effectiveness.
• Extraocular Muscle Surgery (Co-management): Taking a proactive approach to your eye muscle surgery with co-management means early detection of any issues and improved surgical outcomes.
• Irregular Cornea Treatment With Scleral Contact Lenses: Maintain clear and comfortable vision by addressing irregular corneas with scleral contact lenses; this treatment can enhance vision and prevent further complications.
• Optomap® Retinal Exam: Prevent vision loss by undergoing an Optomap® retinal exam—a crucial preventative measure to identify potential eye problems before they significantly impact your sight.
• Laser Eye Surgery (Co-management): For a smooth and safe laser eye surgery experience, co-management ensures comprehensive pre and post-operative care, minimizing risks and maximizing the long-term benefits of improved vision.
• Scleral Contact Lens Treatment: Protecting your vision starts with identifying and addressing underlying eye conditions; scleral lenses may provide a solution for better vision and comfort.
• Vision Therapy (Orthoptics Therapy): Vision therapy helps improve eye coordination and focusing skills, preventing future vision problems and maximizing your visual potential.

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 prioritizing routine eye exams, a patient proactively identified potential inflammatory glaucoma, enabling timely intervention and preserving their vision. This proactive approach ensured a positive long-term outcome and peace of mind.
• By scheduling routine eye exams, a patient proactively managed their eye health, significantly reducing the risk of vision impairment from macular pucker. This proactive approach ensured they could confidently maintain their visual clarity.

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 your vision is good, 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 go beyond simple vision testing, providing vital preventative care.

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

Yes, a comprehensive eye exam can detect early signs of systemic diseases, like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases. The eye is unique, as it's the only place blood vessels can be viewed directly without surgery, allowing for important health insights.

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

Dry eye is a very common condition. Dr. James 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, beyond just artificial tears.

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 all essential post-operative care and vision correction follow-up.

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.

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

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

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 for you.

2478 Burnsed Blvd
The Villages FL 32163
Phone: (352) 399-5412

Dr. James Russell, 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): 1124351937

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.