Dr. Lauren Walsh, OD

Dr. Lauren Walsh, OD is a dedicated Optometrist practicing at her clinic in Naples, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive optometric care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she understands 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.

Dr. Lauren OD's approach to care is firmly rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine. She prioritizes creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. This commitment to patient partnership is central to her practice philosophy and reflects her belief that proactive eye health is essential for overall well-being. She is an optometrist in Naples, FL, dedicated to providing exceptional care, and patients should call (239) 834-2447 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Lauren OD provides consultations primarily in English. Her focus on prevention and holistic well-being makes her a valuable resource for all your eye health needs. She recognizes the importance of early detection and personalized care, ensuring that every patient receives tailored treatment plans to address their unique needs and optimize their vision and overall health.

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

• Coloboma of Lens: Coloboma of the lens, a birth defect affecting the eye's lens, is best managed through early detection and regular comprehensive eye exams to prevent potential vision problems.
• Papilledema: Catching papilledema early, during routine eye exams, is crucial as it can signal serious conditions affecting your brain, allowing for timely intervention and preventing permanent vision damage.
• Exudative Retinal Detachment: Protecting your vision requires understanding conditions like exudative retinal detachment, where fluid buildup separates the retina from its supporting layer; early diagnosis through preventative eye care is crucial to preserve sight.
• Presbyopia: Presbyopia's impact on your daily life can be minimized with early diagnosis and appropriate correction. Regular eye exams help catch this age-related vision change so you can use reading glasses and maintain clear vision.
• Corneal Scar: Early diagnosis and treatment of eye injuries and diseases can prevent or limit the development of corneal scars, preserving your vision and quality of life.
• Vitreous Diseases: Regular eye exams are your best defense against the vision-threatening complications of vitreous diseases; early detection allows for prompt treatment and helps preserve your sight.
• 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.

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

• Oculoplastics (Co-management): Proactively safeguarding your eye health, oculoplastics co-management ensures seamless collaboration between your ophthalmologist and optometrist for optimal treatment of eyelid and tear duct issues.
• Pediatric Eye and Vision Examination: Invest in your child's future by scheduling a pediatric eye and vision examination; this proactive step helps identify and manage any vision problems, ensuring they can see clearly and succeed in school.
• Eyeglasses: Eyeglass prescriptions are an essential part of regular eye exams, allowing for early detection of underlying eye conditions that, if left untreated, could lead to vision loss.
• Strabismus Examination: Early detection of eye muscle problems is key to maintaining good vision. A strabismus exam is a simple, effective way to screen for and address eye misalignment.
• Optomap® Retinal Exam: An Optomap® retinal exam is a simple yet powerful tool for proactive eye care, helping your eye doctor screen for various conditions and recommend treatment if needed, preserving your vision for years to come.
• Laser Eye Surgery (Co-management): Protect your vision investment with laser eye surgery co-management, providing expert care before, during, and after your procedure for optimal results and early detection of any issues.
• LipiFlow® Procedure: Protect your vision by addressing the root cause of dry eye disease with the LipiFlow® procedure; this innovative treatment can significantly reduce discomfort and improve your quality of life.

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. Lauren 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:

• A family was relieved to learn that regular eye exams, recommended by an optometrist, allowed for early detection of potential vision issues related to coloboma of the lens, reducing any future concerns.
• By scheduling routine eye exams, a patient caught the early signs of papilledema, enabling prompt intervention and preventing potential vision loss. This proactive approach allowed the patient to focus on their overall well-being with 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. Lauren OD:

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

An optometrist, like Dr. Lauren OD, is a primary eye care provider who performs comprehensive eye exams, prescribes glasses and contact lenses, and manages many eye conditions. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in surgery and more complex eye diseases.

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

Even if your vision is good, 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 assess more than just your vision, providing important preventative care.

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

Yes, a comprehensive eye exam can detect other health problems. The eye is the only place where blood vessels can be viewed directly without surgery, allowing early signs of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases to be identified during a dilated exam.

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

Dr. Lauren OD will diagnose your cataract, determine when 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 are the signs of a cataract?

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

I have something in my eye. Should I come here first?

Yes, absolutely. For issues like eye infections, corneal scratches, or foreign bodies, 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.

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. Lauren OD is essential to ensure correct fit and prevent eye damage, serious infections, and vision loss.

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

Dry eye is very common. Dr. Lauren 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.

9118 Strada Pl Ste 8125
Naples FL 34108
Phone: (239) 834-2447

Dr. Lauren Walsh, 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): 1285947747

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. Lauren 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.