Dr. Kelly Sanderson, OD

Dr. Kelly Sanderson, OD is a Pensacola, FL-based optometrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive optometric care. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, Dr. Kelly OD practices at Clarkson Eyecare and 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 coordinating screenings to ensure your best possible vision and overall wellness.

Dr. Kelly OD serves all ages, from infants to seniors, and is dedicated to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. She creates a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Kelly Sanderson (formerly Kelly Martin), O.D., brings a wealth of experience to Clarkson Eyecare, having earned her Doctorate of Optometry from the University of Alabama School of Optometry. Her training includes externships at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Cool Springs Eyecare, as well as advanced residency training in the diagnosis and management of ocular disease. Dr. Kelly OD is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (844) 206-0872 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Kelly OD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• 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.
• Diabetic Retinopathy: Early detection of diabetic retinopathy through routine eye exams allows for timely intervention, potentially preventing severe vision impairment or blindness.
• Juvenile Macular Degeneration: Regular visits to the eye doctor are vital for children and young adults, as early diagnosis of juvenile macular degeneration allows for timely interventions and prevents significant vision impairment.
• Optic Neuritis: Don't underestimate the significance of routine eye care; early detection of optic neuritis, an inflammation of the optic nerve, is vital to minimizing potential vision loss and improving long-term outcomes.
• Macular Dystrophy, Vitelliform, Adult-Onset: Vitelliform macular dystrophy, when diagnosed early in its adult-onset form, allows for better management of symptoms and potential vision complications, emphasizing the value of preventive eye care.
• Toxic Optic Neuropathy: Protecting your vision involves being aware of toxic optic neuropathy, a condition caused by exposure to harmful substances that can be mitigated through proactive lifestyle changes and regular eye exams.
• Peripheral Uveitis: Protecting your sight involves regular eye exams to detect peripheral uveitis early, reducing the risk of serious eye 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. Kelly OD offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Eyeglasses: Eyeglass prescriptions are an essential part of regular eye exams, allowing for early detection of underlying eye conditions that, if left untreated, could lead to vision loss.
• Monovision: Monovision contact lenses or surgery can proactively improve your vision by correcting near and farsightedness simultaneously, enhancing your independence and quality of life.
• Cornea Surgery (Co-management): Proactive cornea surgery co-management helps prevent potential issues and ensures your surgeon has a comprehensive understanding of your unique eye health status.
• Pterygium Surgery (Co-management): Prioritizing your eye health with pterygium surgery co-management helps detect and address any complications early.
• Conjunctivoplasty (Co-management): Co-managing your conjunctivoplasty ensures seamless communication between your surgeon and eye doctor, leading to the best possible results.
• Eye Test: Taking charge of your eye health starts with a routine eye test, which can identify and address developing conditions like macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy.
• Scleral Contact Lens Treatment: Protecting your vision starts with identifying and addressing underlying eye conditions; scleral lenses may provide a solution for better vision and comfort.

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. Kelly 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 detected potential midline field defects early, significantly reducing the risk of permanent vision loss and gaining peace of mind.
• By scheduling regular eye exams, a patient proactively managed their diabetic retinopathy risk, ensuring early detection and preserving their vision. This proactive approach gave them peace of mind, knowing they were taking control of 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. Kelly 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 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 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 progress silently, so regular exams are a vital preventive measure.

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

Yes, a comprehensive eye exam can detect early signs of systemic diseases. The eye is the only place where blood vessels can be viewed directly without surgery, allowing our doctors to spot potential problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers. A dilated eye exam can reveal these early signs.

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. 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, 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. Kelly to detect any changes early and arrange treatment to prevent vision loss.

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

Low vision is vision impairment not fully correctable with glasses, contacts, or surgery. A low vision evaluation with Dr. Kelly OD focuses on maximizing remaining vision through tools like magnifiers, special lighting, and adaptive devices to help maintain independence.

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.

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. Kelly OD is essential to ensure the lenses fit correctly and are not damaging your eye, which can prevent serious infections and vision loss.

Clarkson Eyecare
12591 Sorrento Rd
Pensacola FL 32507
Phone: (844) 206-0872

Dr. Kelly Sanderson, 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): 1508893348

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. Kelly 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.