Dr. Kenneth Parker, OD

Dr. Kenneth Parker, OD is a board-certified Optometrist practicing at EyeCare Specialties of Florida in Gainesville, FL. He 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, he is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Optometric care. 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. He serves all ages, from infants to seniors, and is committed to improving the health of the community by helping neighbors look and feel their best.

Dr. Parker's focus on prevention extends beyond routine eye exams. He understands the crucial role of early detection in managing ocular health conditions and proactively working with patients to create personalized health plans. He is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (352) 717-6593 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Parker, O.D. received his Doctor of Optometry from the New England College of Optometry in 2020 and earned his Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Cell Science from the University of Florida. He has special interests in ocular disease and binocular vision, having rotated through clinics focused on ocular disease, traumatic brain injury, and vision therapy. He is passionate about educating patients on their vision and working with them to improve it, recognizing optometry's significant primary care focus and the valuable role retinal exams play in monitoring overall health. When not treating patients, Dr. Parker enjoys hiking, baking, and watching movies. We are dedicated to improving the health of our community by helping our neighbors look and feel their best, one patient at a time. Our local doctors and associates are here to care for your family's vision, providing high-quality eyewear and a personalized patient-first approach. Whether it is time for your routine eye exam or you need advanced medical treatment, we are ready to serve you. 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:

• Midline Field Defects: Protecting your sight starts with knowing your risks: midline field defects can signal serious eye diseases; routine eye checkups help spot these defects early, enabling timely intervention and preserving your vision.
• 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.
• Eyelid Inflammation: Eyelid inflammation can be a warning sign of underlying eye health issues; regular eye exams and prompt treatment are vital in preventing long-term damage.
• Optic Nerve Hypoplasia, Familial Bilateral: Because familial bilateral optic nerve hypoplasia is inherited, understanding your family history and undergoing preventative eye screenings can significantly improve outcomes and limit vision loss.
• Herpetic Keratitis: Protecting your eyes from herpes simplex virus infection, a common cause of herpetic keratitis, involves practicing good hygiene and seeking prompt medical attention if you experience any eye symptoms.
• Primary Congenital Glaucoma: Early detection of primary congenital glaucoma, a birth defect affecting drainage in the eye, is crucial as timely intervention with treatment can preserve your child's vision and prevent irreversible damage.
• Microcornea - Corectopia - Macular Hypoplasia: Don't underestimate the importance of regular eye exams—they're key to catching eye conditions like microcornea, corectopia, and macular hypoplasia early on, so you can get the right care to maintain your vision.

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:

• Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Co-management): Take a proactive step towards clear vision by exploring femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery co-management, ensuring the best possible outcome for your cataract procedure.
• Refractive Surgery (Co-management): Protecting your sight after refractive surgery is our priority. Our co-management services help identify and address any potential issues for the best possible long-term vision health.
• Macular Degeneration Genetic Testing: This genetic test empowers you to take charge of your eye health by providing insights into your risk of macular degeneration, enabling preventative measures and timely treatment if needed.
• LipiFlow® Procedure: The LipiFlow® procedure offers a targeted solution for chronic dry eye, improving tear production and helping you avoid potential long-term eye damage.
• Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lens Treatment: Ensure sharp, clear vision and potentially prevent corneal issues by considering RGP contact lenses as a vision correction method—a personalized approach to managing your eye health.
• Laser Cataract Surgery (Co-management): Protect your sight and improve your quality of life by partnering with your eye doctor for expert co-management of your laser cataract surgery.
• Device Implantation and Extraction: Protecting your sight involves considering device implantation and extraction; this procedure is crucial for addressing certain eye conditions and optimizing visual outcomes.

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 scheduling regular eye exams, a patient proactively identified potential risks for midline field defects, allowing for early intervention and preserving their vision. This proactive approach provided the family with peace of mind and confidence in their eye health.
• By adhering to a proactive eye exam schedule, a patient was able to detect early signs of Retinitis Pigmentosa, enabling them to implement lifestyle adjustments and strategies to potentially slow its progression. This proactive approach provided the family with peace of mind and a greater sense of control over 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. 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, like Dr. Kenneth OD, is a primary eye care provider. They conduct comprehensive eye exams, prescribe eyewear, and diagnose and manage many eye conditions. Ophthalmologists, on the other hand, are medical doctors who specialize 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, even if your vision is good, for early detection of silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. These exams go beyond simple vision testing, allowing us to identify potential problems before symptoms arise. It's a key preventative measure for maintaining healthy vision throughout your life.

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 in that its blood vessels can be viewed directly, allowing early signs of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol to be detected. A dilated eye exam can also reveal early signs of certain cancers or autoimmune diseases.

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

Dry eye is very common. Dr. Kenneth 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.

When should my child have their first eye exam?

Dr. Kenneth OD recommends a comprehensive eye exam for children between 6 and 12 months of age. This early exam is vital for detecting potential vision problems like lazy eye or misaligned eyes, ensuring proper vision development.

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 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. Kenneth OD to detect these changes early and arrange treatment to prevent vision loss.

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 a safe and correct fit, preventing potential eye damage and serious infections.

EyeCare Specialties of Florida
832 NW 57th St
Gainesville FL 32605
Phone: (352) 717-6593

Dr. Kenneth Parker, 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): 1811588593

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.