Dr. Lori Hassinger, OD

Dr. Lori Hassinger, OD is a practicing Optometrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive eye care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she practices at her clinic in Saint Petersburg, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Her commitment extends beyond vision correction; 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. Lori OD's approach to care emphasizes 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 at each stage of life. She is committed to providing the highest quality of care possible, ensuring patients receive the personalized attention and comprehensive guidance needed for optimal eye health. To confirm if Dr. Lori OD is currently accepting new patients, please call (727) 393-2002.

Dr. Lori Hassinger, OD is an optometrist in Saint Petersburg, FL, committed to proactive, comprehensive eye care. She prioritizes preventive measures and early disease detection, working closely with patients to develop personalized health plans. Dr. Lori OD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Nystagmus, Hereditary Vertical: Because hereditary vertical nystagmus is passed down through families, proactive eye exams can identify this condition early and help prevent further vision problems.
• Primary Open Angle Glaucoma: Don't let primary open-angle glaucoma steal your sight—schedule regular eye exams to ensure early detection and treatment, preserving your vision for years to come.
• Lens Disorders: Don't wait for blurry vision—prevent serious issues by scheduling regular eye exams to identify and address any lens problems promptly.
• Optic Atrophy 1: Optic atrophy, a condition causing vision impairment, emphasizes the significance of preventive eye care. Early detection through routine eye exams is key to minimizing its impact.
• Peripheral Uveitis: Don't underestimate the importance of routine eye checkups; they're essential for detecting peripheral uveitis and preventing irreversible damage.
• Congenital Sensory Neuropathy With Neurotrophic Keratitis: Congenital sensory neuropathy with neurotrophic keratitis (CSNNK) is a rare condition affecting the cornea's sensation and health from birth, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis and proactive care to prevent vision loss.
• Anisometropia: Anisometropia is a condition where your eyes have significantly different refractive powers, and early detection through regular eye exams helps prevent vision problems and potential eye strain later in life.

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

• Cataract Removal Surgery (Co-management): Take control of your vision health: Our co-management services support your cataract surgery journey, optimizing outcomes and recovery.
• Mechanical Circulatory Support System: Protecting your vision starts with understanding your eye health; a comprehensive eye exam helps detect potential problems early.
• Argon Laser Treatment (Co-management/some states): Take a proactive step toward healthier eyes: argon laser treatment can address specific eye conditions, often improving your vision and helping prevent further damage.
• Macular Degeneration Genetic Testing: Proactively assess your risk of developing macular degeneration with a simple genetic test, enabling personalized strategies to safeguard your eyesight.
• Low Vision Rehabilitation: Take a proactive step towards better vision; low vision rehabilitation provides personalized support to adapt to vision loss and maintain your daily activities.
• Implantable Contact Lens (Co-management): Enhance your vision and proactively address potential eye health issues by choosing implantable contact lenses with our expert co-management, ensuring a comfortable and effective experience.
• Electrophysiology: Take a proactive step toward protecting your sight! Electrophysiology helps your optometrist identify hidden electrical activity issues in your eyes, paving the way for preventing vision loss.

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. Lori 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 reassured to learn that early eye exams, guided by an optometrist, identified hereditary vertical nystagmus, allowing them to proactively manage potential vision challenges. This proactive approach gave them peace of mind and helped them plan for the future.
• By scheduling regular eye exams, a patient proactively managed their risk of primary open-angle glaucoma, gaining peace of mind about preserving their vision.

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. Lori 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 manages many eye conditions. An ophthalmologist (MD) is a medical doctor specializing 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 for most adults, even if you see well. These exams aren't just about your vision; they're also essential for detecting silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy early, before symptoms develop.

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

Yes, a comprehensive eye exam, including dilation, 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 our doctors to identify potential health issues.

What are the signs of a cataract?

Common signs of a cataract include blurry or dim vision, increased glare from lights, fading or yellowing of colors, and frequent changes in glasses prescription. Dr. Lori OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts to ensure appropriate care.

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 Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults, affecting the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. There are "dry" and "wet" forms. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management to help preserve vision.

What is an OCT scan?

An OCT scan is an advanced imaging technology, similar to ultrasound, that uses light to create incredibly detailed, cross-sectional pictures of your retina and optic nerve. Dr. Lori OD uses this technology to precisely detect and monitor eye diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration.

I have diabetes. Why do I need a special dilated eye exam every year?

Diabetes can damage the small blood vessels in your retina, called diabetic retinopathy. This is a leading cause of blindness, but often has no symptoms initially. An annual dilated exam allows Dr. Lori OD to detect any changes early and arrange treatment to prevent vision loss.

10237 Bay Pines Blvd
Saint Petersburg FL 33708
Phone: (727) 393-2002

Dr. Lori Hassinger, 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): 1104839075

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. Lori 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.