Dr. Kristen Purdy, OD

Dr. Kristen Purdy, OD is a qualified Optometrist practicing at her clinic in Jacksonville, FL. As a valued partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive optometric care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is committed to ensuring her patients receive the highest quality of 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.

Dr. Kristen OD's approach to care is rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She serves all ages, from infants to seniors, recognizing the unique eye health needs of each demographic. She prioritizes proactive measures to detect and address potential issues early, offering personalized plans tailored to individual needs. This commitment extends to providing a welcoming and accessible experience, including consultations in Spanish.

To learn more or inquire about new patient appointments, please call (904) 696-2027. Dr. Kristen Purdy, OD is an optometrist in Jacksonville, FL, dedicated to promoting optimal eye health and overall well-being for all her patients.

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

• Episcleritis Periodica Fugax: Managing Episcleritis Periodica Fugax effectively through early detection and appropriate treatment helps maintain eye health and prevent discomfort or long-term vision issues.
• Peripheral Uveitis: Peripheral uveitis is an inflammation in the eye's middle layer that, if caught early, can be treated to prevent vision loss.
• Lens Disorders: Maintaining healthy eyes means being proactive about lens health. Early diagnosis of lens disorders through preventive eye care can significantly improve your long-term vision.
• Nystagmus: Don't underestimate the importance of routine eye exams; they are crucial for the early detection of nystagmus. Early detection and appropriate management can help improve visual outcomes and overall health.
• Retinal Edema: Maintaining good overall health and having regular eye exams are vital preventive measures because retinal edema, a condition causing swelling in the retina, can often be treated successfully when detected early, avoiding severe vision problems.
• Eye Injuries: Many eye injuries can be avoided with proper safety precautions, but if one does occur, immediate medical attention is key to preventing further complications.
• 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.

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

• Hemodynamic Monitoring: By monitoring the blood flow within your eyes, we can identify potential problems early on, potentially preventing vision loss and maintaining your eye health.
• Irregular Cornea Treatment With Scleral Contact Lenses: Improve your vision and reduce eye strain by exploring scleral contact lenses as a treatment option for irregular corneas—a proactive approach to better eye health.
• Medical and Surgical Management of Glaucoma (Medical part by OD, Surgical co-managed): Invest in your vision's future by undergoing medical and surgically co-managed glaucoma treatment – this helps catch and address glaucoma early, preventing further complications.
• Wet Macular Degeneration Laser Treatment (Co-management): Protecting your vision starts with co-managed laser treatment for wet macular degeneration, helping to prevent further vision loss and maintain your independence.
• Glaucoma Treatment: Take charge of your eye health: glaucoma treatment involves careful monitoring and intervention to detect and manage this serious condition early.
• Humphrey Visual Field Test for Glaucoma: Ensure your eye health with a Humphrey Visual Field Test, a vital tool used to identify vision loss patterns indicative of glaucoma, enabling prompt treatment and preserving your sight.
• Visual Evoked Potential (VEP): Protect your eyesight by undergoing a VEP test, which helps screen for conditions that can impair your visual pathways and ultimately, your vision.

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. Kristen 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 and following a proactive treatment plan, a patient effectively managed their episodic eye inflammation, ensuring ongoing comfort and preventing potential vision problems.
• A patient, concerned about potential eye health issues, proactively scheduled regular eye exams. Early detection of the inflammation allowed for timely treatment, preventing any vision loss and providing peace of mind.

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. Kristen 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 contacts, and diagnoses and manages many eye conditions. They differ from ophthalmologists (MDs), who are medical doctors and eye surgeons.

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 you see well. These exams aren't just about vision; they help detect silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy early, when treatment is most effective.

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 issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases during a dilated exam.

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

Dr. Kristen OD will diagnose your cataract, determine if surgery is necessary, 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 not fully correctable with glasses, contacts, or surgery. A low vision evaluation with Dr. Kristen OD focuses on maximizing remaining vision through tools like magnifiers, special lighting, and adaptive devices to help maintain independence.

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. Kristen OD is essential to ensure the lenses fit correctly and are not damaging your eye. This prevents serious infections and vision loss.

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 it early and prevent blindness.

What are the signs of a cataract?

Common signs of cataracts include blurry or dim vision, increased glare from lights, fading or yellowing of colors, and frequent changes in glasses prescription. Dr. Kristen OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts.

13453 N Main St Ste 203
Jacksonville FL 32218
Phone: (904) 696-2027

Dr. Kristen Purdy, 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): 1700497286

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. Kristen 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.