Dr. Kimberly Hardin, OD

Dr. Kimberly Hardin, OD is a dedicated Optometrist practicing at her clinic in Jacksonville, FL. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Her practice is focused on empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Optometric care, recognizing that 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 committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health.

Dr. Kimberly OD is an optometrist in Jacksonville, FL, dedicated to the prevention of eye-related issues. She understands that proactive care is key to maintaining optimal vision and overall well-being. Her approach to care emphasizes the importance of personalized health plans and early disease detection. Patients should call (904) 686-1386 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Kimberly OD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Congenital Motor Nystagmus: While congenital motor nystagmus cannot be cured, early diagnosis through regular eye check-ups helps manage symptoms and support the development of compensatory visual strategies.
• Ocular Vaccinia: Protecting yourself from exposure to the vaccinia virus through vaccination and proper hygiene can help prevent ocular vaccinia, demonstrating the significance of preventive measures in eye health.
• Visual Field Defects: Regular eye exams are key to managing your eye health. Identifying visual field defects early on can help us prevent vision loss or improve treatment outcomes for conditions that cause them.
• Pseudophakia: If you have pseudophakia, it means you've had a natural eye lens replaced with an artificial one—a testament to the effectiveness of preventive eye care and timely intervention for cataracts.
• Serous Detachment Retina: Early diagnosis of serous retinal detachment, a condition affecting the retina's fluid balance, is key to managing the condition and reducing the risk of permanent vision loss; schedule regular eye exams.
• Retinal Migraine: Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection of retinal migraine, allowing for timely intervention to prevent lasting vision problems.
• Toxic Optic Neuropathy: Many cases of toxic optic neuropathy are avoidable. By understanding potential risk factors and seeking prompt medical attention, you can reduce your risk and preserve 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. Kimberly OD offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Diabetes Eye Care: Early detection is key: diabetic eye exams screen for eye diseases linked to diabetes, enabling prompt treatment and preserving your vision.
• Glaucoma Surgery (Co-management): Empowering better vision: By co-managing your glaucoma surgery, you ensure a smooth treatment journey, improving the chances of a positive outcome and preserving your vision for years to come.
• Iridotomy (Co-management/some states): Protecting your eyesight is key, and an iridotomy procedure, often performed in partnership with other healthcare providers, can effectively reduce the risk of angle-closure glaucoma.
• 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.
• Contact Lens Fitting Services: Protect your eye health with a contact lens fitting; our optometrists assess your vision and eye health, identifying potential problems early.
• Device Implantation and Extraction: Device implantation and extraction may be necessary for correcting vision problems, improving eye health, and facilitating the prompt identification of potential issues.
• 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.

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. Kimberly 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 family gained valuable insights into their child's visual development, enabling proactive strategies to manage potential symptoms of congenital motor nystagmus and fostering peace of mind.
• A family, proactively addressing potential exposure risks, successfully avoided ocular vaccinia by adhering to recommended hygiene practices and vaccinations, ensuring continued 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. Kimberly OD:

What is an Optometrist, and how are they different from an Ophthalmologist?

An optometrist, like Dr. Kimberly OD, is a primary eye care provider. They conduct comprehensive eye exams, prescribe eyewear, and manage many eye conditions. Ophthalmologists, on the other hand, are medical doctors who also specialize in eye care but can also perform 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 vital for detecting silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, which often have no noticeable symptoms in their early stages. Early detection allows for timely treatment and helps preserve your vision.

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

Yes, a comprehensive eye exam can detect early signs of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases. The eye is unique in that its blood vessels can be viewed directly without surgery, allowing for the detection of these issues.

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

When should my child have their first eye exam?

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

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

Dry eye is very common. Dr. Kimberly OD can diagnose the cause and recommend a personalized treatment plan, possibly including prescription eye drops or in-office procedures, to improve comfort and prevent damage, beyond just artificial tears.

Is it safe to buy contact lenses online without an exam?

No, 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. Kimberly OD is essential to ensure the lenses fit correctly and are not damaging your eye, which can prevent serious infections and vision loss.

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.

4871 Town Center Pkwy Ste 5
Jacksonville FL 32246
Phone: (904) 686-1386

Dr. Kimberly Hardin, 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): 1467650515

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. Kimberly 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.