Dr. Kelsey Alcocer, OD

Dr. Kelsey Alcocer, OD is a board-certified optometric physician specializing in primary medical eye care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she practices at St. Luke's Cataract & Laser Institute in Tarpon Springs, Florida, and is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive optometric care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458, she understands the crucial role your optometrist plays in maintaining optimal eye health throughout your life. 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. Kelsey OD's focus extends beyond simply correcting vision; she actively participates in the early detection and management of various eye conditions, including glaucoma, macular degeneration, dry eye, and diabetic eye disease. She performs comprehensive eye care for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of the visual system at St. Luke's Cataract & Laser Institute. Dr. Kelsey OD is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (727) 435-8692 to schedule an appointment. While she provides consultations primarily in English, Dr. Kelsey OD is committed to providing exceptional care to all her patients.

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

• Blurred Vision: Blurred vision is often preventable or treatable, making regular eye exams a key part of your overall preventative health routine.
• Iris Hypoplasia - Glaucoma: Early diagnosis of iris hypoplasia is vital, as it's linked to a higher likelihood of glaucoma, allowing for timely intervention and reducing the severity of vision loss.
• Corneal Diseases: Early detection of corneal diseases is crucial, as prompt treatment can often prevent serious complications and preserve your eyesight.
• Lens Disorders: Lens disorders can gradually impact your sight, but early detection through routine eye check-ups allows for timely intervention and better vision management.
• Coloboma of Macula: Regular eye check-ups, especially for infants, are crucial for early detection of coloboma of the macula, a condition that can impact vision if not addressed promptly.
• Lattice Dystrophy: Regular visits to your eye doctor are essential for identifying lattice dystrophy, a condition that, when left untreated, could lead to significant vision problems.
• Herpes Stomatitis: While not an eye condition, herpes stomatitis emphasizes the interconnectedness of your overall health. Practicing good hygiene and seeking treatment for outbreaks can prevent the virus from spreading and causing more serious problems, including potential eye involvement.

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

• Foreign Body Removal from Eye: Don't let a speck of dust or other foreign body jeopardize your vision; our quick removal process ensures your eyes remain healthy.
• 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: Invest in your eye health with regular check-ups; early detection of eye conditions through comprehensive eye exams enables timely intervention and treatment.
• Hemodynamic Monitoring: Protecting your vision starts with understanding how blood flow affects your eyes; a comprehensive eye exam helps evaluate this crucial aspect of your eye health.
• Visian Impantable Collamer Lens (ICL) (Co-management): Invest in your eyesight with ICL co-management, offering comprehensive care to achieve optimal vision correction and address any potential issues.
• Eye Test: Schedule an eye test to ensure your vision is healthy and sharp, catching any issues like glaucoma or cataracts before they significantly impact your life.
• Vision Therapy (Orthoptics Therapy): Protect your eyesight and enhance your visual performance with vision therapy, which helps identify and address underlying causes of vision problems early on.

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. Kelsey 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 identified and addressed early signs of potential vision issues, preventing the progression of blurred vision and maintaining their clear sight.
• By diligently following the recommended eye care plan, a patient proactively managed their risk of glaucoma, achieving peace of mind and ensuring a healthier future for their vision.

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. Kelsey 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. Ophthalmologists (MDs) are medical doctors who are also eye surgeons.

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

Even if your vision is excellent, a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years is crucial. These exams are vital for detecting silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy early, when treatment is most effective. Early detection is key to preserving your vision.

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

Yes, a comprehensive eye exam, including dilation, can detect early signs of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases. The eye is the only place where blood vessels can be viewed directly without surgery, making it a valuable tool for early detection.

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 preserve sight.

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.

What is an OCT scan?

An OCT scan is an advanced imaging technology, similar to ultrasound, that uses light to create incredibly detailed cross-sectional pictures of your retina and optic nerve. Dr. Kelsey OD uses this to precisely detect and monitor diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration.

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

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

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

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

St. Luke's Cataract & Laser Institute Tarpon Springs
43309 US Highway 19 N
Tarpon Springs FL 34689
Phone: (727) 435-8692

Dr. Kelsey Alcocer, 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): 1104275932

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. Kelsey 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.