Dr. Marguerite Ball-Thomas, OD

Dr. Marguerite Ball-Thomas, OD is a dedicated optometrist practicing at Winter Park Vision Specialists in Winter Park, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458, she is committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive optometric 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. She serves all ages, from infants to seniors, recognizing the unique eye care needs of each stage of life.

Dr. Marguerite OD's practice is deeply rooted in a philosophy of personalized family care. She earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Southern College of Optometry in 1989, followed by residency training in Optometry Services at the prestigious Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages. Having practiced for over 25 years in Central Florida, she brings extensive experience and a deep understanding of the community's eye care needs. Currently, Dr. Marguerite OD is not accepting new patients, but you can call (407) 671-0960 to inquire about waitlists or future openings. She provides consultations primarily in English.

Dr. Marguerite Ball-Thomas grew up in Central Florida and developed her passion for eye care through years of dedicated service to the Central Florida area. She is a significant asset to Winter Park Vision Specialists, combining her extensive experience with a commitment to preventive eye care. Her practice reflects her commitment to serving all members of the community. She is currently not accepting new patients, however, potential new patients may inquire about waitlist opportunities or future openings by calling (407) 671-0960.

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

• Eyelid Inflammation: Managing eyelid inflammation is crucial for preventing potential vision loss and chronic eye problems; schedule an eye exam if you experience symptoms.
• Ocular Displacement: Preventing future vision difficulties requires addressing any misalignment of your eyes, known as ocular displacement; early intervention is key to maintaining good vision.
• 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.
• Vitreous Hemorrhage: Preventing serious vision problems from a vitreous hemorrhage starts with routine eye exams, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment.
• Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a common eye condition where the oil glands in your eyelids malfunction, leading to dry, irritated eyes, and it's important to get it checked early to prevent more serious eye problems.
• Herpetic Keratitis: Herpetic keratitis is a serious eye infection caused by the herpes simplex virus, and early detection through regular eye exams is crucial to prevent vision loss.
• Iris Hypoplasia - Glaucoma: Don't underestimate the connection between iris hypoplasia and glaucoma—regular comprehensive eye exams enable early detection, facilitating appropriate treatment and preserving your sight.

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

• Contact Lens Exams: Ensure your contact lenses are the right fit and aren't harming your eyes by getting regular contact lens exams, allowing for early detection of problems.
• Contact Lens Fitting Services: Get a personalized contact lens fitting to ensure optimal vision correction and comfortable wear, preventing potential eye strain and discomfort.
• Diabetes Eye Care: Protect your vision by scheduling regular diabetic eye exams to detect and manage diabetic retinopathy early.
• Diabetic Eye Exam: Protecting your sight is key, and a diabetic eye exam proactively screens for eye damage related to diabetes, enabling early intervention and preserving your vision.
• Eye Examination: Protect your sight by scheduling an eye examination – it's a simple yet powerful way to screen for glaucoma, cataracts, and other eye conditions.
• 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.
• Foreign Body Removal from Eye: Foreign body removal helps safeguard your eye health by promptly addressing irritants and minimizing the chance of infection or vision loss.
• 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.
• Soft Contact Lenses: Soft contact lenses can be a part of managing certain eye conditions, allowing for clearer vision and contributing to the early detection of potential problems.
• Vision Screening: A vision screening is a preventative measure to safeguard your vision. It helps identify eye conditions in their early stages, often before you experience any symptoms.

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. Marguerite 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 care plan, a patient successfully managed eyelid inflammation, preventing potential vision loss and chronic eye problems. This proactive approach ensured peace of mind and a healthier future for their vision.
• By proactively addressing potential ocular displacement through regular eye exams, a family gained peace of mind knowing they were taking steps to maintain healthy vision for years to come.

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. Marguerite OD:

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

An optometrist, like Dr. Marguerite OD, is a primary eye care provider who performs comprehensive exams, prescribes glasses and contacts, and manages many eye conditions. Ophthalmologists, on the other hand, are medical doctors who are also eye surgeons.

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 are about more than just your eyesight; they're a vital preventive measure for overall eye health.

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 problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers. A dilated eye exam can reveal important clues about your overall health.

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 your retina and optic nerve. This allows Dr. Marguerite to detect and monitor diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration with exceptional precision.

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 trip to the emergency room.

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 in its early stages. An annual dilated exam allows Dr. Marguerite to detect any changes early and arrange treatment to prevent vision loss.

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. Marguerite OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts.

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

Dry eye is a very common condition. Dr. Marguerite can diagnose the underlying cause and recommend a personalized treatment plan, which may include prescription eye drops or in-office procedures to improve comfort and prevent damage.

1935 State Road 436
Winter Park FL 32792
Phone: (407) 671-0960

Dr. Marguerite Ball-Thomas, 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): 1477531317

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. Marguerite 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.