Dr. Kathleen Komornik, OD

Dr. Kathleen Komornik, OD is a Tampa, FL-based optometrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive eye care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is committed to preventive health as a cornerstone of her 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 serves all ages, from infants to seniors, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey.

Dr. Kathleen OD's approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. As a partner in preventive health, she strives to educate and equip patients with the knowledge and resources they need to maintain optimal eye health. She is an optometrist in Tampa, FL, accepting new patients, and provides consultations primarily in English. Call (813) 877-2020 to schedule an appointment.

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

• Dry Eyes: Preventing dry eye disease through proactive hydration and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce discomfort and long-term eye health complications.
• Vitreous Hemorrhage: Sudden vision loss or floaters could signal a vitreous hemorrhage; proactive eye care helps identify and manage this condition before it causes permanent damage.
• Herpetic Keratitis: Herpetic keratitis, an infection of the cornea, can lead to permanent vision damage if not treated promptly; routine eye exams help with early diagnosis and treatment.
• Cone Dystrophy: Regular comprehensive eye exams are crucial for identifying cone dystrophy early, as early intervention may help manage symptoms and minimize further vision loss.
• Acanthamoeba Keratitis: Early detection of acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare but severe corneal infection, is crucial to prevent vision loss and requires diligent contact lens hygiene.
• Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP): Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a genetic eye disease that can cause vision loss, and regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management to slow its progression.
• Blocked Tear Duct: Having a blocked tear duct can cause excessive tearing and discomfort; regular eye exams help identify this issue and ensure timely intervention.

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

• Clear Lens Extraction (Co-management): Clear Lens Extraction co-management helps proactively address vision issues and prevent future complications by carefully monitoring your eye health before and after surgery.
• Visual Evoked Potential (VEP): Protect your eyesight by undergoing a VEP test, which helps screen for conditions that can impair your visual pathways and ultimately, your vision.
• Diabetes Eye Care: Invest in your eye health by getting regular diabetes eye exams; this helps monitor for vision-threatening complications caused by diabetes.
• Iridectomy (Co-management): An iridectomy, often part of co-managed care, helps prevent serious eye conditions by addressing potential issues within the iris.
• Photo Therapeutic Keratectomy (Co-management): Phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) co-management helps your eye doctor precisely remove damaged corneal tissue, improving vision and preventing further complications.
• Refractive Lens Exchange (Co-management): Enhance your vision correction strategy with Refractive Lens Exchange co-management; this collaborative approach supports effective pre- and post-operative care, maximizing the benefits of the surgery and minimizing potential complications.
• Mechanical Circulatory Support System: Take a proactive step towards lifelong clear vision with regular eye exams, which can identify and address vision problems before they worsen.

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. Kathleen 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 incorporating regular eye-health checkups and adjusting her daily routine, a patient significantly reduced the discomfort of dry eyes and improved her overall eye well-being. This proactive approach ensured she could continue enjoying her favorite activities without eye strain.
• By scheduling regular eye exams and following a proactive eye care plan, a patient identified potential issues early, reducing the risk of vitreous hemorrhage and maintaining clear vision. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and empowered them to make informed decisions about their eye health.

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. Kathleen 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. 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?

A comprehensive eye exam every one to two years is crucial for most adults, even if you see well. These exams are not just about vision; they detect silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, often before symptoms appear. Early detection allows for prompt treatment and preserves 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 the early detection of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases.

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. Kathleen 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 glaucoma early and prevent vision loss.

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

Yes, absolutely. For eye issues like infections, scratches, or foreign objects, an optometrist is the ideal first stop. We are equipped to diagnose and treat these urgent concerns, often avoiding a costly and lengthy 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 eye exam allows Dr. Kathleen OD to detect these 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. This allows Dr. Kathleen to detect and monitor diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration with great precision.

3000 W Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Tampa FL 33607
Phone: (813) 877-2020

Dr. Kathleen Komornik, 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): 1396274130

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. Kathleen 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.