Dr. Kenneth Lawson, OD

Dr. Kenneth Lawson, OD is a highly qualified optometrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive eye care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, he practices at his clinic in Bradenton, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment extends beyond vision correction to encompass early disease detection and personalized health plans, recognizing your optometrist as your primary partner in lifelong eye health. This preventive care approach, combined with his rigorous medical training from recognized institutions, ensures patients receive the best possible vision and overall wellness.

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. Dr. Kenneth OD serves all ages, from infants to seniors, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. He is an optometrist in Bradenton, FL, and is accepting new patients. Call (941) 751-4668 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Kenneth OD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Allergic Conjunctivitis: Managing allergic conjunctivitis through preventative measures like eye drops and allergen avoidance can prevent further complications such as eye infections.
• Astigmatism: Astigmatism is a common vision problem that causes blurry vision due to an irregularly shaped cornea, and early detection through regular eye exams can help ensure you receive the appropriate correction to prevent eye strain and headaches.
• Cataract: Protecting your vision from cataracts involves regular eye check-ups, allowing for early detection and treatment options that can help maintain clear sight.
• Corneal Abrasion: Corneal abrasions, often caused by minor injuries, can lead to significant eye problems if left untreated; proactive eye safety and immediate medical attention are vital for prevention and quick recovery.
• Diabetic Eye Disease: Diabetic eye disease is a serious complication of diabetes that can lead to blindness, but regular eye exams can help detect and manage it early, preventing vision loss.
• Diabetic Retinopathy: Diabetic retinopathy is a serious eye condition affecting people with diabetes, and regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and preventing vision loss.
• Dry Eyes: Managing dry eyes effectively minimizes irritation and protects your eyes from potential infections and vision impairment associated with chronic dryness.
• Eye Injuries: Preventing eye injuries through safety measures at work and play is a key step in proactive eye care.
• Eyelid Inflammation: Preventing vision impairment starts with addressing eyelid inflammation early; timely treatment can help manage discomfort and reduce the risk of more serious eye issues.
• Foreign Body in Eye: Protecting your eyes from foreign bodies is crucial preventive care; immediate removal prevents potential scratches, infections, and lasting vision problems.
• Glaucoma: Early detection of glaucoma through regular comprehensive eye exams is key to preventing vision impairment and preserving your eyesight.
• Presbyopia: Preventive eye care is essential for managing presbyopia, a gradual decline in near vision that occurs with age; early detection through regular exams allows for timely correction and reduces eye fatigue.

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

• Contact Lens Exams: Protect your vision by scheduling contact lens exams; they help detect early signs of eye diseases like dry eye or corneal issues.
• Diabetes Eye Care: Invest in your eye health by getting regular diabetes eye exams; this helps monitor for vision-threatening complications caused by diabetes.
• Diabetic Eye Exam: Don't wait for vision problems to appear; schedule a diabetic eye exam to catch and treat potential eye complications associated with diabetes early, preserving your sight for years to come.
• Eye Examination: An eye exam is more than just checking your vision; it's a vital health assessment that can detect underlying medical issues impacting your eyes.
• Eyeglasses: Regular eye exams and appropriate eyeglasses help protect your vision by detecting problems like astigmatism or nearsightedness early, facilitating timely intervention and preventing potential complications.
• Foreign Body Removal from Eye: Schedule a visit for safe and effective foreign body removal to avoid vision impairment and reduce the risk of complications.
• Glaucoma Treatment: Glaucoma treatment is a key step in safeguarding your vision by addressing elevated eye pressure and preserving your eyesight.
• Punctal Plug Insertion: Punctal plug insertion is a minimally invasive procedure that can significantly improve dry eye symptoms and reduce the risk of related complications.
• Soft Contact Lenses: Choosing soft contact lenses allows for personalized vision correction, enhancing your quality of life and potentially reducing the risk of eye-related accidents.
• Vision Screening: Take charge of your eye health with a vision screening; it screens for common vision issues and diseases, enabling early intervention and preserving your sight.

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. Kenneth 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 proactively managing their allergic conjunctivitis with regular eye drops and avoiding known allergens, a patient was able to prevent further complications and maintain clear vision. This proactive approach ensured a comfortable and healthy eye experience.
• By scheduling regular eye exams, a patient proactively managed potential astigmatism, ensuring clear vision and preventing future eye strain. This proactive approach allowed the patient to maintain a comfortable lifestyle without vision-related discomfort.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He 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. Kenneth 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 eyewear, and manages many eye conditions. They differ from ophthalmologists (MDs), who are medical doctors specializing in eye surgery.

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

Even if you have good vision, a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years is crucial for early detection of silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. These exams are about more than just your eyesight; they're a vital preventive measure.

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 because its blood vessels are visible without surgery, allowing for the early detection of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases.

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 costly and lengthy visit to the emergency room.

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 blindness.

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

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

5632 26th St W
Bradenton FL 34207
Phone: (941) 751-4668

Dr. Kenneth Lawson, 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): 1619082708

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. Kenneth 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.