Dr. Kate Claffie, OD

Dr. Kate Claffie, OD is a practicing Optometrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Optometric care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she practices at her clinic in Palm Harbor, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). She understands 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. She serves all ages, from infants to seniors.

Dr. Kate OD's focus on prevention extends beyond routine eye exams. Recognizing that early detection is paramount, she works closely with patients to develop personalized care plans, ensuring their vision and overall well-being are prioritized. As your local Tampa optometrist with Dr. Claffie & Associates, she's dedicated to diagnosing, treating, and detecting subtle changes in your eyes year over year. This is accomplished with a passion for eyes, as seen in her mission to help people look and see their best. Her practice's commitment to personalized eye health service, in conjunction with the extensive selection of eyewear at the LensCrafters located at 2223 N West Shore Blvd, ensures a comprehensive experience. She is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey, and you can schedule an appointment by calling (727) 491-3786. Dr. Kate OD offers consultations in Spanish.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Kate 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. Kate 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. Kate 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: Blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelids, is often manageable with simple hygiene practices and early intervention from your optometrist, protecting your vision long-term.
• 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: Cataracts, a clouding of the eye's lens, can be detected early through regular eye exams, helping prevent vision loss and the need for more complex treatments later.
• Dry Eyes: Regular eye exams are crucial for diagnosing and treating dry eye disease, helping to maintain your vision and overall eye health.
• 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: Experiencing trouble seeing at night? Don't ignore it—night blindness might indicate a vitamin deficiency or a more serious eye condition that needs prompt medical attention to avoid further complications.
• Watering Eyes: Watering eyes, or epiphora, can be a sign of an underlying eye problem, so scheduling regular eye exams helps your doctor detect and manage it before it worsens.

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. Kate 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: Protect your vision by scheduling contact lens exams; they help detect early signs of eye diseases like dry eye or corneal issues.
• Contact Lens Fitting Services: Protect your eye health with a contact lens fitting; our optometrists assess your vision and eye health, identifying potential problems early.
• Eye Test: Protect your eyesight with a comprehensive eye test; it's a simple way to screen for common eye conditions and maintain optimal visual health.
• Eyeglasses: Getting the right eyeglasses ensures clear vision, reducing the risk of accidents and improving your quality of life by enabling better participation in work and leisure activities.
• Soft Contact Lenses: Choosing soft contact lenses allows for personalized vision correction, enhancing your quality of life and potentially reducing the risk of eye-related accidents.
• Vision Screening: A vision screening is a preventative measure to safeguard your vision. It helps identify eye conditions in their early stages, often before you experience any symptoms.
• LipiFlow® Procedure: Invest in your eye health and prevent further dry eye complications with LipiFlow®, a procedure that effectively unclogs blocked glands responsible for producing healthy tears.

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. Kate 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 potential astigmatism, ensuring clear vision and a continued high quality of life. This proactive approach gave the patient peace of mind and confidence in their visual health.
• By following a personalized eye hygiene routine recommended by their optometrist, a patient successfully managed their blepharitis, preventing further discomfort and protecting their vision. This proactive approach gave them the peace of mind to enjoy their daily activities without eye irritation.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She 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. Kate OD:

What is an Optometrist, and how are they different from an Ophthalmologist?

An Optometrist (OD) is the primary eye care provider, performing comprehensive exams, prescribing eyewear, and managing many eye conditions. They differ from Ophthalmologists (MDs), who are medical doctors specializing in eye surgery.

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 vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. These conditions often have no noticeable symptoms until significant vision loss occurs. Regular exams allow for prompt treatment and preservation of your vision.

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 for early detection of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases.

I have something in my eye. Should I come here first?

Yes, absolutely. For eye issues like 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 trip to the emergency room.

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

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

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

No, 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. Kate OD is essential to ensure a safe and correct fit, preventing potential eye damage and serious infections.

When should my child have their first eye exam?

Dr. Kate OD recommends a comprehensive eye exam for children between 6 and 12 months of age. This early exam is essential for detecting potential vision problems like lazy eye or misaligned eyes, which can impact a child's vision development.

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. Kate OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts.

3317 Tampa Rd
Palm Harbor FL 34684
Phone: (727) 491-3786

Dr. Kate Claffie, 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): 1437252616

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. Kate 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.