Dr. Mary Foresman, OD

Dr. Mary Foresman, OD is a Pensacola, FL-based Optometrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive eye care. Registered with the Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458, she is a trusted partner in preventive health, committed to providing personalized care for all ages. 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 works collaboratively with patients to create a supportive environment where they feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health.

Dr. Mary OD's practice focuses on preventive optometry, serving all ages, from infants to seniors. She understands that proactive eye care is crucial for maintaining overall well-being. As a strong advocate for comprehensive eye health, she utilizes evidence-based medicine and her expertise to create customized plans for each patient. She is committed to ensuring each patient receives the highest quality of care. Please call (850) 902-2468 to confirm if Dr. Mary Foresman, OD is currently accepting new patients. She provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Mary 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. Mary 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. Mary 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, Concentric Annular: Concentric annular macular dystrophy is an inherited eye disease impacting the macula, your central vision. Preventative care, such as regular comprehensive eye exams, is vital for early detection and managing potential vision loss.
• Juvenile Macular Degeneration: Juvenile macular degeneration is a rare eye condition affecting children and young adults, and early detection through regular eye exams is crucial for slowing its progression and preventing vision loss.
• Primary Congenital Glaucoma: Primary congenital glaucoma is a rare condition where babies are born with drainage problems in their eyes, leading to increased pressure and potential vision loss, highlighting the importance of regular infant eye exams for early detection and prevention of serious complications.
• Refractive Eye Disorders: Regular eye exams are crucial for detecting refractive errors early, allowing for timely correction and preventing potential long-term eye health complications.
• Autosomal Dominat Congenital Nystagmus: Autosomal dominant congenital nystagmus is an involuntary eye movement present from birth, inherited through a dominant gene, that regular eye exams can help manage to prevent potential vision complications.
• Posterior Uveitis: Protecting your vision involves regular eye exams to detect posterior uveitis early, as prompt treatment helps minimize lasting eye damage.
• Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis: Prevent complications from giant papillary conjunctivitis by being aware of its symptoms like itchy, watery eyes, and seeking prompt treatment from an eye care professional.

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

• 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.
• Doppler Test: Take a proactive step towards eye health with a Doppler test—it's a painless procedure that can help detect subtle circulatory issues impacting your eyes.
• Glaucoma Treatment: Don't let glaucoma steal your sight; treatment options help reduce eye pressure and preserve your vision for years to come.
• Implantable Contact Lens (Co-management): Take a proactive step towards lifelong clear vision by exploring implantable contact lenses, a procedure we co-manage to ensure optimal vision correction and early detection of potential complications.
• Medical and Surgical Management of Glaucoma (Medical part by OD, Surgical co-managed): Take a proactive step towards protecting your vision by getting medical and surgical glaucoma management, ensuring early detection and treatment to prevent vision loss.
• Electrophysiological Study: Take a proactive step towards protecting your sight: an electrophysiological study helps identify subtle eye problems before they impact your vision.
• Multifocal Contact Lens Treatment: Improve your quality of life and proactively address age-related vision changes with multifocal contact lenses; regular eye exams with these lenses can help detect eye diseases early.

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. Mary 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 adhering to a proactive eye health plan, including regular comprehensive eye exams, a patient was able to maintain excellent vision and peace of mind regarding their risk of macular dystrophy.
• By scheduling regular eye exams, a family gained valuable insights into their child's eye health, allowing for proactive steps to potentially mitigate the risk of juvenile macular degeneration and maintain optimal vision. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and empowered the family to focus on the future.

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. Mary 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 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 for early detection of silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. These exams go beyond vision, helping to identify potential problems before symptoms appear. Dr. Mary OD and her team are here to provide preventative care.

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 unique in that blood vessels can be viewed directly, allowing for the detection of conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers. A dilated eye exam can reveal important clues about your overall health.

What are the signs of a cataract?

Common signs of cataracts include blurry or dim vision, increased glare, fading or yellowing of colors, and frequent changes in glasses prescription. Dr. Mary OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts.

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

It is unsafe and illegal to purchase contact lenses online without a professional eye exam. Contact lenses are medical devices that sit directly on your eye, and a proper fitting and annual exam with Dr. Mary OD is essential to ensure correct fit and prevent eye damage, infections, and vision loss.

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

Dry eye is very common. Dr. Mary 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 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. Dr. Mary OD uses this to precisely detect and monitor diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration.

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

Dr. Mary OD will diagnose your cataract, determine if surgery is needed, refer you to a trusted ophthalmologist, and then provide all essential post-operative care and follow-up vision correction.

7171 N Davis Hwy
Pensacola FL 32504
Phone: (850) 902-2468

Dr. Mary Foresman, 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): 1457480782

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. Mary 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.