Dr. Katherine Dunatov, OD

Dr. Katherine Dunatov, OD is a dedicated Optometrist practicing at her clinic in Bradenton, FL, and is committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Optometric care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, she practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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 is dedicated to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Katherine OD serves all ages, from infants to seniors.

Dr. Katherine Dunatov, OD is an optometrist in Bradenton, FL, focused on preventative care and early disease detection. As a featured provider on weprevent.org, she understands the importance of proactive health management and strives to equip patients with the knowledge and resources to maintain optimal eye health. Her practice emphasizes personalized care plans and coordinating necessary screenings to support comprehensive wellness. Please call (617) 943-0977 to confirm if Dr. Katherine OD is currently accepting new patients. While Dr. Katherine OD provides consultations primarily in English, she is committed to providing exceptional care to every patient.

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

• Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP): Protecting your premature baby's sight starts with understanding ROP; early screening helps doctors identify and treat this condition before it causes irreversible damage.
• Macular Dystrophy, Vitelliform, Adult-Onset: Adult-onset vitelliform macular dystrophy is a rare eye condition that can affect your central vision, and regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and slowing its progression.
• Misaligned Eyes: Preventing vision problems later in life starts with early detection of misaligned eyes; scheduling routine eye check-ups can help identify and correct this condition.
• Eyelid Eczema: Managing eyelid eczema effectively helps protect your eyes from secondary infections and keeps irritation at bay, allowing you to maintain good vision health.
• Retinal Detachment: Protecting your vision starts with early detection of retinal detachment; regular eye check-ups are crucial for identifying this condition before it causes irreversible damage.
• Ocular Herpes (Herpes of the Eye): Ocular herpes, or herpes of the eye, is a serious infection that can cause vision loss if not detected and treated early, highlighting the importance of regular comprehensive eye exams.
• Refractive Eye Disorders: Regular eye exams are crucial for detecting refractive errors early, allowing for timely correction and preventing potential long-term eye health complications.

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

• YAG Laser Therapy for the Anterior Segment (Co-management/some states): Early detection is key to eye health: YAG laser therapy offers a precise solution for specific anterior segment issues, working in conjunction with regular eye exams to safeguard your vision.
• Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (ALK) (Co-management): ALK co-management helps to detect and address any issues early on after your anterior lamellar keratoplasty, promoting a quicker and healthier recovery and better vision.
• Monovision: Take a proactive step towards clearer vision by exploring monovision; this approach addresses near and far vision needs, potentially reducing your reliance on multiple glasses or lenses.
• Wet Macular Degeneration Laser Treatment (Co-management): Early detection and treatment of wet macular degeneration is key to preserving sight. This co-managed laser treatment helps slow the advancement of this condition.
• Orthokeratology: Protect your eyes and improve your vision long-term with orthokeratology; this method can help manage myopia progression and reduce your reliance on corrective eyewear.
• Laser Trabeculoplasty or Iridectomy (Co-management/some states): For proactive glaucoma management, laser trabeculoplasty or iridectomy may be recommended to help maintain your vision.
• Eyeglass Fitting: A precise eyeglass fitting maximizes the benefit of your prescription, supporting clear vision and reducing the risk of vision-related 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. Katherine 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:

• A family proactively sought regular eye screenings for their premature infant, significantly reducing the risk of Retinopathy of Prematurity. Early detection allowed for timely intervention, ensuring the baby's vision remained healthy.
• By diligently adhering to a proactive eye care plan, a patient was able to detect early signs of macular dystrophy, allowing for timely intervention and preserving their vision. This proactive approach provided the family with peace of mind and a clearer path forward.

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. Katherine OD:

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

An optometrist, like Dr. Katherine OD, is a primary eye care provider who performs comprehensive eye exams, prescribes glasses and contacts, and diagnoses and manages many eye conditions. An ophthalmologist, on the other hand, is a medical doctor 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. These exams are more than just vision checks; they detect silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, often before symptoms appear. This proactive approach helps maintain optimal eye health.

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

Yes, a comprehensive eye exam can detect other health problems. The eye is unique in that its blood vessels can be viewed directly without surgery, allowing for early detection of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and even certain cancers. A dilated eye exam can reveal early signs of these conditions.

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.

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. Katherine OD to detect any changes early and arrange treatment to prevent 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. Katherine OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts.

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 it early and prevent blindness.

What is 'low vision' and how can you help?

Low vision is vision impairment that cannot be fully corrected with glasses, contacts, or surgery. Dr. Katherine OD's low vision evaluation focuses on maximizing remaining vision through tools like magnifiers, special lighting, and adaptive devices to help patients maintain independence.

5520 E State Road 64 # 101
Bradenton FL 34208
Phone: (617) 943-0977

Dr. Katherine Dunatov, 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): 1902111040

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. Katherine 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.