Dr. John Backes, OD

Dr. John Backes, OD is an optometrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive eye care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, he practices at his clinic in Melbourne, FL, and is committed to providing personalized health plans and coordinating screenings to ensure optimal vision and overall wellness. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and adheres to Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring a high standard of care for all his patients. 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. John Backes, OD, an optometrist in Melbourne, FL, serves all ages, from infants to seniors. His approach to care is collaborative and evidence-based, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He is deeply committed to preventing vision problems and promoting overall well-being. Please call (321) 722-2517 to confirm if Dr. John OD is currently accepting new patients. Dr. John OD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Open-Angle Glaucoma: Because open-angle glaucoma often has no early symptoms, preventive eye care is crucial. Regular check-ups allow for early diagnosis and treatment, minimizing damage and preserving your sight.
• Macular Corneal Dystrophy, Type I: Macular corneal dystrophy type I is a rare inherited eye condition that can cause blurry vision and corneal clouding, making early detection through regular eye exams crucial for managing its progression and preventing vision loss.
• Brown Syndrome: Preventing vision impairment from Brown syndrome starts with regular comprehensive eye exams, allowing for early diagnosis and management of this uncommon eye muscle condition.
• Macular Dystrophy, Vitelliform, Early-Onset: Regular eye exams are critical for early detection of early-onset vitelliform macular dystrophy, a condition that, if left untreated, may lead to significant vision impairment.
• Astigmatism: Preventing vision impairment from astigmatism involves regular comprehensive eye exams, enabling early diagnosis and correction via glasses or contact lenses, thus improving visual acuity and quality of life.
• Scotoma: Experiencing a scotoma, or blind spot, in your vision requires prompt attention, as it could indicate underlying eye diseases that respond better to early treatment.
• Corneal Scar: Early diagnosis and treatment of eye injuries and diseases can prevent or limit the development of corneal scars, preserving your vision and quality of life.

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

• Laser Trabeculoplasty or Iridectomy (Co-management/some states): Protecting your sight: Laser trabeculoplasty or iridectomy helps improve fluid drainage in your eye, reducing glaucoma risk.
• Optical Coherence Tomography: An OCT scan is a non-invasive test that provides your eye doctor with high-resolution images of your retina and optic nerve, enabling early detection of serious eye conditions and preventing vision loss.
• Macular Degeneration Treatment: Don't wait until you experience vision changes. Macular degeneration treatment focuses on early diagnosis and management to help you maintain healthy vision for years to come.
• Blepharoplasty (Co-management): Co-management of your blepharoplasty allows for seamless collaboration between your surgeon and eye doctor, leading to improved vision, faster healing, and minimized risks.
• Soft Contact Lenses: Soft contact lenses can be a part of managing certain eye conditions, allowing for clearer vision and contributing to the early detection of potential problems.
• ACE Inhibitor or Beta-Blocker Therapy: To safeguard your vision, discuss the potential benefits of ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers with your doctor if you have high blood pressure; these medications can contribute to long-term eye health.
• Ultrasound, Eye: Don't wait for symptoms; an eye ultrasound can detect issues like retinal tears or swelling even before you notice any vision changes, preventing severe complications.

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. John 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 for open-angle glaucoma, gaining peace of mind about preserving their vision.
• By scheduling regular eye exams, a family proactively managed the risk factors associated with macular corneal dystrophy type I, gaining peace of mind and a proactive approach to 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. John 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 conditions. Ophthalmologists (MDs) are medical doctors who are also 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 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 see early signs of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases.

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, causing irreversible peripheral vision loss. Regular eye exams are the only way to detect glaucoma early and prevent blindness.

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 eye 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.

When should my child have their first eye exam?

Dr. John 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 development.

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

Dr. John OD will diagnose your cataract, determine if surgery is needed, and refer you to a trusted ophthalmologist. Following surgery, Dr. John 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.

845 Palm Bay Rd NE
Melbourne FL 32904
Phone: (321) 722-2517

Dr. John Backes, 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): 1487752150

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. John 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.