Dr. Kalen Thompson, OD

Dr. Kalen Thompson, OD is a dedicated Optometrist practicing at their clinic in Bradenton, FL. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, he is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). He is committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Optometric care, recognizing that 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, with a patient-centered approach.

Dr. Kalen Thompson, OD is an optometrist in Bradenton, FL, dedicated to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. He fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. His practice focus is rooted in the understanding that proactive eye care is crucial for maintaining optimal vision and overall well-being. To confirm if Dr. Kalen OD is currently accepting new patients, please call (941) 756-2020. Dr. Kalen OD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Marcus-Gunn Pupillary Sign: Regular eye exams help detect the Marcus-Gunn pupil sign, a subtle indicator of neurological issues that could affect your vision, emphasizing proactive eye health for preventing potential complications.
• Neonatal Conjunctivitis: Early detection and prompt treatment of neonatal conjunctivitis are crucial to prevent serious complications like vision impairment, emphasizing the importance of routine newborn eye exams.
• Corneal Abrasion: Minor eye injuries can easily cause corneal abrasions, emphasizing the need for preventive measures such as wearing safety glasses and seeking professional care for any eye irritation or pain to avoid vision-threatening complications.
• Coloboma of Lens: Protecting your vision involves regular comprehensive eye exams, especially for children, to detect conditions like coloboma of the lens early and prevent potential vision complications.
• Colored Haloes Similar to that of Glaucoma: Protecting your eyesight involves being aware of glaucoma symptoms like colored halos. Regular eye checkups are essential for early detection and effective management.
• Strabismus-Like Double Vision: Preventive eye care is critical if you're experiencing double vision like strabismus. Early diagnosis and treatment can often prevent permanent vision problems.
• 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.

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

• Pediatric Eye and Vision Examination: Safeguarding your child's eyesight starts with a pediatric eye and vision examination; it screens for common vision issues and eye diseases, allowing for timely intervention.
• Lacrimal Surgery (Co-management): Partnering with your eye doctor for co-management of your lacrimal surgery helps to detect and address problems early, minimizing long-term effects.
• ICD Monitoring: Take charge of your eye health with routine ICD monitoring; this simple test helps your optometrist identify subtle changes that could indicate developing glaucoma.
• Eye Surgery (General term for co-management): Protecting your sight after surgery: co-management helps monitor your healing process and address any issues promptly.
• Electrophysiology: By undergoing electrophysiology, you're giving your doctor a powerful tool to screen for retinal and optic nerve diseases, potentially preventing blindness or significant vision impairment.
• Wet Macular Degeneration Laser Treatment (Co-management): Protecting your vision starts with co-managed laser treatment for wet macular degeneration, helping to prevent further vision loss and maintain your independence.
• Punctal Plug Removal: Punctal plug removal is a procedure that can help alleviate dry eye symptoms by restoring your eyes' natural tear film, improving comfort and preventing further eye dryness.

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. Kalen 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 routine eye exams, a patient proactively identified potential neurological issues early, minimizing the risk of vision complications and gaining peace of mind.
• A family was reassured by the early detection of potential neonatal conjunctivitis during their newborn's routine eye exam, reducing the risk of vision problems and promoting peace of mind.

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. Kalen 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. An ophthalmologist (MD) is a medical doctor who specializes in surgery and more complex eye diseases.

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

A comprehensive eye exam every one to two years is crucial, even if you see well. These exams screen for silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, which can be detected before symptoms appear. Early detection allows for timely intervention and helps maintain optimal eye health.

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

Yes, a comprehensive eye exam with Dr. Kalen OD can detect other health problems. The eye is the only place where blood vessels can be viewed directly without surgery, allowing for early signs of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases to be revealed with a dilated eye exam.

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 your eye, and a proper fitting and annual exam with Dr. Kalen OD is essential to ensure the lenses fit correctly and are not damaging your eye, which can prevent serious infections and vision loss.

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.

I have diabetes. Why do I need a special dilated eye exam every year?

Diabetes can damage the small blood vessels in your retina, called diabetic retinopathy. This is a leading cause of blindness, often with no early symptoms. An annual dilated eye exam allows Dr. Kalen OD to detect any changes early and arrange treatment to prevent vision loss.

What is an OCT scan?

An OCT scan is an advanced imaging technology, similar to ultrasound but using light, to create incredibly detailed cross-sectional pictures of your retina and optic nerve. Dr. Kalen OD uses this to detect and monitor diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration with precision.

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.

2003 Cortez Rd W
Bradenton FL 34207
Phone: (941) 756-2020

Dr. Kalen Thompson, 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): 1124712948

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. Kalen 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.