Dr. Mark Dunbar, OD

Dr. Mark Dunbar, OD is a board-certified Optometrist practicing at the esteemed Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, Florida. Registered with the Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458, he is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive optometric care. He 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. He serves all ages, from infants to seniors, recognizing the importance of eye health at every stage of life.

Dr. Mark Dunbar, OD is an optometrist in Miami, FL, affiliated with the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. He is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, emphasizing the importance of patient empowerment and a supportive environment. He is currently accepting new patients, eager to begin your proactive health journey. Please call (305) 326-6000 to schedule an appointment. While his primary language of consultation is English, Dr. Mark OD is dedicated to providing exceptional care to all patients.

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

• Macular Dystrophy, Retinal, 2: Macular dystrophy is a group of inherited eye diseases that can cause vision loss, so regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management to prevent further complications.
• Blepharoconjunctivitis: Understanding your risk factors for blepharoconjunctivitis, such as allergies or bacterial infections, empowers you to take steps to prevent it or manage it effectively.
• Ocular Vaccinia: If you suspect you may have ocular vaccinia, seeking immediate medical attention is vital to manage the infection and reduce the risk of permanent vision damage, emphasizing the role of proactive care.
• Toxic Optic Neuropathy: Protecting your vision involves being aware of toxic optic neuropathy, a condition caused by exposure to harmful substances that can be mitigated through proactive lifestyle changes and regular eye exams.
• Gonococcal Conjunctivitis: Protecting your vision involves understanding preventable eye infections like gonococcal conjunctivitis; recognizing symptoms early and seeking care immediately is key to preventing lasting harm.
• Stye: Preventing styes involves good hygiene practices like washing your hands frequently and avoiding touching your eyes; early detection through self-examination and professional check-ups is key.
• Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: Early diagnosis of central serous chorioretinopathy through preventative eye checkups is crucial as it allows for prompt management, reducing the risk of permanent vision impairment.

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

• Ultrasound, Eye: Don't wait for symptoms; an eye ultrasound can detect issues like retinal tears or swelling even before you notice any vision changes, preventing severe complications.
• Scleral Contact Lens Treatment: Improve your vision and eye health by discussing scleral lenses with your eye doctor – they may be the answer for conditions affecting your cornea's shape or surface.
• Diagnostic Angiography: As a proactive step in maintaining healthy vision, diagnostic angiography helps your doctor visualize the blood vessels in your eyes, enabling early diagnosis of conditions that could impair your sight.
• Macular Degeneration Genetic Testing: Proactively assess your risk of developing macular degeneration with a simple genetic test, enabling personalized strategies to safeguard your eyesight.
• Corrective Lens Services: Ensure clear vision and protect your eye health with corrective lens services, addressing refractive errors and preventing eye strain.
• ACE Inhibitor or Beta-Blocker Therapy: ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers are sometimes used to control blood pressure, which is crucial for preventing vision problems associated with high blood pressure.
• Dacryocystorhinostomy (Co-management): To help ensure proper tear drainage and prevent future eye infections, your doctor may recommend a dacryocystorhinostomy procedure.

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. Mark 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 the proactive plan recommended by the eye care professional, a patient maintained excellent vision and reduced the risk of further vision loss associated with macular dystrophy. This peace of mind allowed them to fully enjoy their active lifestyle.
• By understanding their allergy triggers and implementing preventative eye hygiene, a patient successfully managed their blepharoconjunctivitis symptoms, leading to a more comfortable and clear vision.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He 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. Mark 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 contact lenses, and diagnoses 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?

Even if you see well, a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years is crucial for early detection of vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. These conditions often progress silently, and regular exams allow us to catch them before symptoms appear. Our goal is to maintain your eye health and prevent future problems.

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, and a dilated eye exam can reveal early signs of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases.

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. Mark OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts.

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

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

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 two forms, "dry" and "wet," and regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management to help preserve sight.

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. Mark OD uses this to detect and monitor diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration with great precision.

What is 'low vision' and how can you help?

Low vision is vision impairment not fully correctable with glasses, contacts, or surgery. Dr. Mark OD's low vision evaluation focuses on maximizing remaining vision through tools like magnifiers, special lighting, and adaptive devices to help maintain independence.

Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
900 NW 17th St
Miami FL 33136
Phone: (305) 326-6000

Dr. Mark Dunbar, 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): 1639135817

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. Mark 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.