Dr. Joseph Hatala, OD

Dr. Joseph Hatala, OD is a Clearwater, FL 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 Clearwater and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment extends beyond vision correction, focusing on the crucial role of preventive care, early disease detection, and personalized health plans tailored to each individual. 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. Joseph Hatala, OD serves all ages, from infants to seniors, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. He graduated from Southern College of Optometry in 1988. He approaches patient care with a commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Joseph OD provides consultations primarily in English. Call (727) 669-6369 to schedule an appointment.

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

• 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.
• Blepharitis: Early detection of blepharitis is crucial for preventing potential vision loss and discomfort; regular eyelid hygiene and prompt treatment are key to managing this condition.
• Blurred Vision: Protecting your eyesight starts with recognizing symptoms like blurred vision. Regular checkups with your eye doctor can help manage and prevent worsening vision problems.
• Cataract: Protecting your vision from cataracts involves regular eye check-ups, allowing for early detection and treatment options that can help maintain clear sight.
• Dry Eyes: By addressing dry eye symptoms early and following your eye doctor's recommendations, you can preserve the health of your ocular surface and prevent vision loss.
• Glaucoma: Protecting your sight from glaucoma involves proactive steps like routine eye pressure checks and early diagnosis, helping manage this condition and avoid vision loss.
• Night Blindness: Protecting your vision includes recognizing symptoms like night blindness. Early detection through regular eye checkups can help manage the condition and prevent significant vision impairment.
• Watering Eyes: Persistent watering eyes might indicate a blocked tear duct or other eye condition; early detection through routine eye checkups is key to preventing vision problems.

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

• Contact Lens Exams: Regular contact lens exams ensure your lenses fit comfortably and safely, preventing potential eye infections and complications.
• Contact Lens Fitting Services: Get a personalized contact lens fitting to ensure optimal vision correction and comfortable wear, preventing potential eye strain and discomfort.
• Eye Test: Schedule an eye test to ensure your vision is healthy and sharp, catching any issues like glaucoma or cataracts before they significantly impact your life.
• Eyeglasses: Eyeglasses correct refractive errors, improving your vision and preventing eye strain and headaches, crucial for daily activities and overall well-being.
• Soft Contact Lenses: Soft contact lenses offer a comfortable and convenient way to correct your vision, improving your daily life and reducing eye strain.
• Vision Screening: Protecting your vision starts with a vision screening. This simple test can identify refractive errors, eye diseases, and other conditions that may require treatment.
• Photo Therapeutic Keratectomy (Co-management): PTK co-management is a proactive step to address specific corneal issues, such as scarring or irregularities, and enhance your vision quality.

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. Joseph 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 astigmatism, ensuring clear vision and a comfortable lifestyle. This early detection helped them avoid potential vision problems in the future.
• By diligently practicing proper eyelid hygiene, a patient successfully managed their blepharitis, preventing potential vision loss and ensuring continued comfort and clarity in their daily life.

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. Joseph 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. 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 you have good vision, a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years is crucial. These exams look beyond your eyesight to detect silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Early detection is key to preserving 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, including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and certain cancers or autoimmune diseases. The eye is unique in that its blood vessels can be viewed directly, allowing for the detection of these signs before they might be noticeable elsewhere in the body.

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.

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

When should my child have their first eye exam?

Dr. Joseph 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 optimal vision development.

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

It is unsafe and illegal 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. Joseph OD to ensure correct fit and prevent potential eye damage, infections, and vision loss.

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 vision loss.

27001 US Highway 19 N Ste 2004
Clearwater FL 33761
Phone: (727) 669-6369

Dr. Joseph Hatala, 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): 1669525192

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. Joseph 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.