Dr. Mark Smith, OD

Dr. Mark Smith, OD is a board-certified Optometrist practicing at The Optical Shop in St Petersburg, FL. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, he is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Optometric care, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His practice emphasizes the crucial role of prevention in maintaining optimal eye health throughout life. 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, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (561) 819-4836 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Smith's commitment to preventative care extends beyond his clinical practice. He is a member of the American Optometric Society, the American Optometric Association and the Florida Optometric Association, as well as the International Sports Vision Association. He maintains a passion for community outreach, acting as a collection site for the Lions Club to collect donated glasses and personally contributing over 3,000 new eyeglass frames to the Lions Club organization to make eyeglasses for the underprivileged. Dr. Smith earned his medical degree from Florida State University and is committed to providing the highest quality of optometry care, with his team of professionals dedicated to this goal. Dr. Mark OD provides consultations primarily in English.

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:

• Cataract: Cataracts, a clouding of the eye's lens, can be detected early through regular eye exams, helping prevent vision loss and the need for more complex treatments later.
• Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a gradual eye disease, often without early symptoms, highlighting the importance of preventative eye exams to detect and manage it before irreversible damage occurs.
• Congenital Motor Nystagmus: Preventive eye exams, especially in infants, are crucial for detecting congenital motor nystagmus, enabling early intervention strategies that can potentially improve visual function and quality of life.
• 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.
• Heterochromia Iridis: Although usually benign, heterochromia iridis can sometimes signal a systemic disorder, making routine eye examinations crucial for early detection and appropriate management.
• Keratoconus Posticus Circumscriptus: To safeguard your eye health, be aware of Keratoconus Posticus Circumscriptus, a condition affecting the cornea's back surface, and schedule regular eye exams to catch it early, reducing the risk of significant vision problems.
• Corneal Ulcer: Protecting your eyes from injury and infection is crucial for preventing corneal ulcers, a painful condition that can lead to permanent vision damage if left untreated.

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:

• Contact Lens Exams: Take a proactive step towards healthy eyes with contact lens exams – they assess your vision and eye health while wearing contacts.
• Contact Lens Fitting Services: Protect your eye health with a contact lens fitting; our optometrists assess your vision and eye health, identifying potential problems early.
• Eye Movement Recording: Protecting your vision starts with eye movement recording; this assessment helps identify problems early on, potentially preventing future vision difficulties.
• Glaucoma Medical Therapy: Invest in your future vision; glaucoma medical therapy offers timely intervention to address glaucoma, protecting your sight from irreversible damage.
• Laser Trabeculoplasty (Co-management/some states): Protecting your vision is key! Laser trabeculoplasty can be a valuable tool in managing glaucoma, helping to prevent blindness by improving fluid drainage in your eyes.
• LASIK (Co-management): Prioritize your long-term eye health by opting for LASIK co-management; your doctor's close supervision helps identify and address potential issues early, preventing future vision problems.
• Laser Cataract Surgery (Co-management): Enhance your vision and prevent potential complications by opting for co-management during your laser cataract surgery. This collaborative approach ensures a smooth recovery.

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 routine eye exams, a patient proactively identified early signs of potential cataracts, allowing for timely intervention and preserving their vision. This proactive approach ensured a more comfortable and less invasive management plan in the future.
• By scheduling regular eye exams, a patient proactively managed their glaucoma risk, gaining peace of mind and ensuring future eye health.

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 manages many eye diseases. 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. These exams check for silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, often detectable before symptoms appear. It's a vital preventive measure for maintaining healthy vision long-term.

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 our doctors to spot early signs of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases.

Is it safe to buy contact lenses online without an exam?

No, 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. Mark OD is essential to ensure the lenses fit correctly and are not damaging your eye, which can prevent serious infections and vision loss.

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

Dr. Mark OD plays a crucial role in managing your cataract journey. We diagnose the cataract, determine the need for surgery, refer you to a trusted ophthalmologist, and provide essential post-operative care and follow-up vision correction.

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 glaucoma early and prevent blindness.

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

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

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, and regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management to help preserve sight.

The Optical Shop
620 10th St N
St Petersburg FL 33705
Phone: (561) 819-4836

Dr. Mark Smith, 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): 1417943598

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.