Dr. Mary Smith, OD

Dr. Mary OD is an Optometrist practicing at her clinic in Largo, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive optometric care. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and adheres to Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she recognizes 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. She serves all ages, from infants to seniors.

Dr. Mary OD has been providing comprehensive eye care for families in Pinellas County for 12 years, with the training and experience necessary to initiate diagnostic testing and treatment for virtually all eye and vision conditions, and abnormalities. She custom fits contact lenses as well. She earned her medical degree from Southern College of Optometry in 1991 and embodies the Eye Institute of West Florida’s commitment to clinical excellence, utilizing innovations and advanced techniques to deliver quality patient outcomes in a warm and friendly environment. Dr. Mary OD provides consultations primarily in English. She is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey, and you can schedule an appointment by calling (727) 584-5748.

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:

• Allergic Conjunctivitis: Managing allergic conjunctivitis through preventative measures like eye drops and allergen avoidance can prevent further complications such as eye infections.
• Astigmatism: Astigmatism is a common vision problem that causes blurry vision due to an irregularly shaped cornea, and early detection through regular eye exams can help ensure you receive the appropriate correction to prevent eye strain and headaches.
• Blepharitis: Blepharitis is an inflammation of your eyelids that, if left untreated, can lead to more serious eye problems, highlighting the importance of regular eye exams for early detection and prevention.
• Blurred Vision: Experiencing blurry vision? Don't ignore it – early intervention through comprehensive eye care can significantly reduce the risk of serious eye conditions.
• Cataract: Early detection of cataracts is key to preventing significant vision impairment. Regular comprehensive eye exams are vital for timely intervention and improved outcomes.
• Dry Eyes: Managing dry eyes effectively minimizes irritation and protects your eyes from potential infections and vision impairment associated with chronic dryness.
• 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.
• Night Blindness: Experiencing trouble seeing at night? Don't ignore it—night blindness might indicate a vitamin deficiency or a more serious eye condition that needs prompt medical attention to avoid further complications.
• Presbyopia: Presbyopia is a common age-related change that makes it harder to focus on nearby objects, and regular eye exams help detect it early so you can get glasses or other vision correction to maintain your quality of life.
• Watering Eyes: Protecting your vision starts with noticing changes like excessive watering; visiting your eye doctor regularly ensures prompt diagnosis and treatment of any potential issues.

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:

• Contact Lens Exams: Contact lens exams are crucial for maintaining clear vision and preventing damage to your eyes from improper lens fit or wear.
• Contact Lens Fitting Services: Prevent future vision problems by getting a comprehensive contact lens fitting that checks for proper lens fit, detects early signs of eye disease, and ensures clear, comfortable vision.
• Eye Examination: Take charge of your eye health with a regular eye exam; it's a crucial step in preventing blindness and maintaining clear vision for years to come.
• Eyeglasses: Eyeglasses correct refractive errors, improving your vision and preventing eye strain and headaches, crucial for daily activities and overall well-being.
• Soft Contact Lenses: Choosing soft contact lenses allows for personalized vision correction, enhancing your quality of life and potentially reducing the risk of eye-related accidents.
• 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.
• Glaucoma Treatment: Glaucoma treatment is a key step in safeguarding your vision by addressing elevated eye pressure and preserving your eyesight.

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:

• Taking proactive steps to avoid known allergens and using prescribed eye drops, a patient successfully managed their allergic conjunctivitis, preventing further discomfort and potential complications. This proactive approach ensured a more comfortable and clear vision for their daily life.
• By scheduling regular eye exams, a patient proactively managed potential astigmatism, ensuring clear vision and preventing future eye strain and headaches. This proactive approach provided the patient with peace of mind and a plan for maintaining optimal vision health.

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 conditions. Ophthalmologists (MDs) are medical doctors 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, making regular exams a critical preventive measure.

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 identify potential problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers. A dilated eye exam can reveal these issues.

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 trip to the emergency room.

What is an OCT scan?

An OCT scan is an advanced imaging technology that uses light to create incredibly detailed, cross-sectional pictures of the retina and optic nerve. Dr. Mary OD uses this technology to detect and monitor diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration with amazing precision.

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

Low vision is vision impairment that cannot be fully corrected with glasses, contacts, or surgery. A low vision evaluation with Dr. Mary OD focuses on maximizing remaining vision through tools like magnifiers, special lighting, and adaptive devices to help patients maintain independence.

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 the eye, and a proper fitting and annual exam with Dr. Mary OD is essential to ensure the lenses fit correctly and are not damaging your eye, which can prevent serious infections and vision loss.

When should my child have their first eye exam?

Dr. Mary OD recommends a comprehensive eye exam for children between 6 and 12 months old. This early exam is vital to detect potential issues like lazy eye or misaligned eyes, ensuring proper vision development.

148 13th St SW
Largo FL 33770
Phone: (727) 584-5748

Dr. Mary 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): 1558369108

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.