Dr. Katherine Passaro, OD

Dr. Katherine Passaro, OD is a board-certified Optometrist practicing at her clinic in New Port Richey, FL. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive optometric care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is committed to providing personalized health plans and coordinating screenings to ensure optimal vision and overall wellness. Your optometrist is your primary partner in lifelong eye health, providing preventive care, vision correction, early disease detection, and personalized health plans.

Dr. Katherine OD's practice focuses on preventive care, recognizing that early intervention is key to maintaining excellent vision and well-being. She serves all ages, from infants to seniors, and is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. This approach extends beyond vision correction, fostering a holistic understanding of eye health's connection to overall wellness. To confirm Dr. Katherine OD's availability for new patients, please call (727) 848-2020.

Dr. Katherine Passaro, OD is an optometrist in New Port Richey, FL, dedicated to providing comprehensive, preventative eye care. She prioritizes a collaborative patient-centered approach, emphasizing education and empowering patients to actively participate in their eye health journey. While Dr. Katherine OD provides consultations primarily in English, she strives to make her services accessible and beneficial to all patients.

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:

• Retinal Telangiectasis: Regular eye checkups are important for early detection of retinal telangiectasis, a condition impacting the retina's blood vessels, which can help prevent vision problems if treated appropriately.
• Midline Field Defects: Early detection of midline field defects is vital; these vision problems often indicate a more serious underlying health issue, and prompt treatment can significantly reduce the chance of permanent vision damage.
• Congenital Nystagmus: Preventing vision problems associated with congenital nystagmus starts with early diagnosis, allowing for appropriate vision therapy and support.
• Autosomal Dominat Congenital Nystagmus: Early detection of autosomal dominant congenital nystagmus, a condition causing involuntary eye shaking since birth due to inherited genes, is crucial for implementing strategies that minimize its impact on vision.
• Visual Field Loss: Don't let visual field loss, the partial or complete loss of peripheral vision, sneak up on you. Regular eye exams are your best defense for early detection and to avoid more significant vision problems.
• Choroidal Dystrophy: Choroidal dystrophy is a rare inherited eye disease that damages the choroid, a layer in your eye crucial for vision, and early detection through regular eye exams can help manage its progression and prevent significant vision loss.
• Squamous Blepharitis: Protecting your eye health involves proactive management of conditions like squamous blepharitis, which can cause discomfort and potential long-term vision problems if not addressed.

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:

• Removal of Intraocular Foreign Body (Co-management): Protecting your eyesight starts with removing any foreign objects in your eye to prevent infection and potential vision loss.
• Glaucoma Medical Therapy: Invest in your future vision; glaucoma medical therapy offers timely intervention to address glaucoma, protecting your sight from irreversible damage.
• Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lens Treatment: Take proactive steps towards lifelong eye health with rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses, a treatment option that may improve vision clarity and reduce the risk of certain eye conditions.
• Blepharoplasty (Co-management): By participating in the co-management of your blepharoplasty, we can monitor your progress, identify any potential issues early, and ensure a smooth recovery for optimal vision.
• Eye Examination: A comprehensive eye examination is a proactive step to detect potential vision problems and eye diseases early, allowing for timely treatment and preventing vision loss.
• Dacryocystorhinostomy (Co-management): By undergoing a dacryocystorhinostomy, you can address chronic tear duct blockage and reduce the risk of serious eye complications.
• Monovision: Monovision offers a convenient way to correct both near and farsightedness, simplifying your vision needs and potentially preventing future vision problems.

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:

• By scheduling regular eye exams, a patient proactively managed their retinal health, reducing the risk of vision problems associated with retinal telangiectasis and gaining peace of mind.
• By scheduling regular eye exams, a patient proactively detected potential midline field defects, enabling prompt intervention and significantly reducing the risk of permanent vision loss. This proactive approach ensured peace of mind and allowed for a more confident future.

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 (OD) is a primary eye care provider who performs comprehensive eye exams, prescribes glasses and contact lenses, and manages many eye conditions. An ophthalmologist (MD) is a medical doctor specializing in eye surgery.

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

Even if your vision is good, a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years is crucial. These exams look beyond your vision, detecting silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy early, when treatment is most effective.

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 our doctors to spot early signs of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases during a dilated eye exam.

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 accurately diagnose and monitor cataracts to ensure proper care.

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 help preserve vision.

When should my child have their first eye exam?

Dr. Katherine 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, ensuring proper vision development.

What is the role of an optometrist in managing cataract surgery?

Dr. Katherine OD will diagnose your cataract, determine if surgery is necessary, and refer you to a trusted ophthalmologist. She will then provide all essential post-operative care and follow-up vision correction.

My eyes often feel dry and gritty. What can I do?

Dry eye is very common. Dr. Katherine OD can diagnose the cause and recommend a personalized treatment plan, which may include prescription eye drops or in-office procedures, beyond just artificial tears, to improve comfort and prevent damage.

6847 State Road 54
New Port Richey FL 34653
Phone: (727) 848-2020

Dr. Katherine Passaro, 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): 1538203716

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.