Dr. Lauren Wasikowski, OD

Dr. Lauren Wasikowski, OD is a optometrist practicing at EyeCare Specialties of Florida in Gainesville, FL. As a 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 Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. Lauren OD understands the crucial role of early detection and personalized care in maintaining optimal eye health. 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 currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (352) 663-0190 to schedule. Dr. Lauren Chermak Wasikowski, O.D., completed her undergraduate studies at James Madison University and embarked on her optometry journey in 2022. Driven by a personal connection to eye care and a deep commitment to positive impact, she is dedicated to improving the health of her community, providing high-quality eyewear, and a personalized patient-first approach. We are dedicated to improving the health of our community by helping our neighbors look and feel their best, one patient at a time. Dr. Lauren OD provides consultations primarily in English.

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:

• Myopia, Infantile Severe: Infantile severe myopia is a serious condition where a child develops extremely nearsighted vision at a young age, emphasizing the need for early detection and management to prevent vision impairment later in life.
• Retinal Artery Occlusion: Regular comprehensive eye exams are vital for preventing the complications of retinal artery occlusion, a condition that can lead to significant vision loss if left untreated.
• Blocked Tear Duct: Addressing a blocked tear duct early can help avoid infections and long-term eye health issues, highlighting the importance of regular checkups.
• Visual Hallucinations: Experiencing visual hallucinations, such as seeing things that aren't there, can be a sign of a serious underlying health issue, emphasizing the importance of regular comprehensive eye exams for early detection and prevention of further complications.
• Squint: A persistent squint, or strabismus, can lead to amblyopia (lazy eye) if not detected and treated early, highlighting the importance of regular eye exams for children.
• North Carolina Macular Dystrophy: Even rare inherited eye diseases like North Carolina Macular Dystrophy can be effectively managed with preventative care; routine eye exams are key to early detection and slowing disease progression.
• Strabismus-Like Double Vision: If your vision appears double, like when you have crossed eyes, it's vital to consult an eye doctor for an evaluation, as this could be a symptom of a treatable condition that helps protect your vision in the long term.

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:

• ICD Monitoring: Protecting your sight starts with proactive care: ICD monitoring allows for early detection of eye pressure changes, potentially preventing vision loss from glaucoma.
• Iridotomy (Co-management/some states): Take a proactive step towards healthy eyes: an iridotomy, sometimes managed collaboratively, is a procedure that can help manage conditions that increase pressure within the eye and prevent sight-threatening damage.
• Eye Examination: Take charge of your eye health with a regular eye exam; it's a crucial step in preventing blindness and maintaining clear vision for years to come.
• YAG Laser Therapy for the Anterior Segment (Co-management/some states): Early detection is key to eye health: YAG laser therapy offers a precise solution for specific anterior segment issues, working in conjunction with regular eye exams to safeguard your vision.
• Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lens Treatment: Invest in your vision's future through RGP contact lens treatment; these lenses provide a comfortable, precise fit that can help correct vision and manage specific corneal conditions.
• Eye Print Prosthetic Contact Lens Treatment: Take a proactive step towards protecting your vision with an eye print prosthetic contact lens, a specialized treatment that helps assess and manage various eye conditions.
• Cornea Transplant (Co-management): Protecting your investment in vision restoration, cornea co-management offers collaborative care to maximize the success of your corneal transplant.

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:

• By diligently following the optometrist's proactive management plan, a young child successfully reduced the risk of developing severe myopia, ensuring a healthier future for their vision. The family felt empowered and relieved knowing they were taking steps to protect their child's eyesight.
• By diligently attending regular eye exams, a patient proactively identified and managed potential risk factors for retinal artery occlusion, ensuring continued clear vision and 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 diagnoses and manages 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?

Even if you see well, 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 preventative measures, helping us catch problems before symptoms appear.

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

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.

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 is an OCT scan?

An OCT scan is an advanced imaging technology, similar to an ultrasound but using light, to create incredibly detailed, cross-sectional pictures of the retina and optic nerve. This allows Dr. Lauren to detect and monitor diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration with great precision.

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. Lauren OD to detect changes early and arrange treatment to prevent 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 trip to the emergency room.

EyeCare Specialties of Florida
832 NW 57th St
Gainesville FL 32605
Phone: (352) 663-0190

Dr. Lauren Wasikowski, 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): 1902506934

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.