Dr. John Buckner, OD

Dr. John Buckner, 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 Gainesville, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment extends beyond simply correcting vision; he recognizes 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.

Your eye health is integral to your overall well-being, and Dr. John OD understands this. He serves all ages, from infants to seniors, recognizing the unique eye health needs at each stage of life. He is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. To confirm if Dr. John OD is currently accepting new patients, please call (352) 331-2040.

Dr. John Buckner, OD is an optometrist in Gainesville, FL, providing consultations primarily in English. He is dedicated to proactive, comprehensive eye care, focusing on the prevention of eye disease and promoting overall wellness. He believes in empowering patients to actively participate in their eye health journey through personalized care plans and accessible communication.

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:

• Cataract Surgery Complications: Managing existing eye conditions before cataract surgery can minimize the chances of postoperative complications and optimize your surgical outcome.
• Congenital Sensory Neuropathy With Neurotrophic Keratitis: Congenital sensory neuropathy with neurotrophic keratitis (CSNNK) is a rare condition affecting the cornea's sensation and health from birth, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis and proactive care to prevent vision loss.
• Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: Regular eye exams are key to preventing irreversible vision loss from ischemic optic neuropathy, a condition where the optic nerve doesn't get enough blood, which can be managed with early detection.
• Herpetic Keratitis: Managing underlying health conditions and practicing good hygiene can reduce your risk of developing herpetic keratitis, a painful and potentially blinding corneal infection.
• Inflammatory Glaucoma: Regular eye exams are crucial for managing inflammatory glaucoma, as early intervention with medication and other treatments helps prevent further complications and preserve your vision.
• 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.
• Congenital Nystagmus: Identifying congenital nystagmus early is crucial to implement strategies like vision therapy and special glasses, preventing further complications and maximizing visual potential.

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:

• Adult Eye and Vision Examination: Protect your sight by scheduling an adult eye and vision examination; it's a crucial step in preventing vision loss from conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration.
• Glaucoma Treatment: Glaucoma treatment is a key step in safeguarding your vision by addressing elevated eye pressure and preserving your eyesight.
• Minimally Invasive Valve Surgery: Safeguarding your eye health is essential. This surgical procedure offers a less invasive approach to diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the drainage system of your eyes, aiding in preserving your sight.
• Argon Laser Treatment (Co-management/some states): For certain eye conditions, argon laser treatment offers a targeted approach, preserving your vision and preventing more extensive procedures by acting early.
• BlephEx™ for Blepharitis: Early detection and treatment of blepharitis is key to preventing long-term damage. BlephEx™ offers a convenient and effective way to manage this common condition and safeguard your vision.
• Device Implantation and Extraction: Device implantation and extraction may be necessary for correcting vision problems, improving eye health, and facilitating the prompt identification of potential issues.
• Eyeglass Fitting: An accurate eyeglass fitting allows for optimal vision correction, reducing the risk of accidents and improving your quality of life.

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 addressing pre-existing eye conditions through regular optometry checkups, a patient significantly reduced the risk of cataract surgery complications, leading to a smoother and more successful procedure.
• By diligently following the proactive eye care plan, a family experienced significant peace of mind, knowing they were actively managing the potential risks associated with congenital sensory neuropathy. Early detection and consistent monitoring allowed them to maintain optimal vision 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 contacts, and manages many eye conditions. Unlike an Ophthalmologist (MD), who is a medical doctor and eye surgeon, Optometrists focus on the overall health and function of the eye.

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

Even if you see well, 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 aren't just about your vision; they're about overall eye health.

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 the only place where blood vessels can be viewed directly without surgery, allowing for the detection of these potential issues.

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

It is unsafe and illegal in the U.S. to purchase contact lenses online without a comprehensive eye exam. Contact lenses are medical devices that sit directly on the eye, requiring a proper fitting and annual exam with Dr. John OD to ensure correct fit and prevent eye damage, serious 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. John OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts for you.

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 necessary post-operative care and vision correction follow-up.

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. John OD focuses on maximizing your remaining vision through tools like magnifiers, special lighting, and other adaptive devices to help you maintain independence.

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 trip to the emergency room.

6757 W Newberry Rd
Gainesville FL 32605
Phone: (352) 331-2040

Dr. John Buckner, 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): 1194850388

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.