Dr. Melanie Carvell, OD

Dr. Melanie Carvell, OD is a board-certified optometrist practicing at her clinic in Jacksonville, FL. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she 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). 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.

Dr. Melanie OD serves all ages, from infants to seniors, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and ongoing eye health management. She is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Melanie Carvell, OD is an optometrist in Jacksonville, FL, dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to her patients. Please call (904) 777-3937 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Melanie OD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Iris Ciliary Degeneration: Iris ciliary degeneration, if left untreated, can lead to vision impairment; proactive eye care, including regular checkups, is vital for early intervention and better long-term outcomes.
• Scleritis: Protecting your eye health means being aware of scleritis, a painful inflammation of the sclera, which, if caught early, can be managed effectively to avoid permanent damage.
• Strabismus: Prevent potential long-term vision issues associated with strabismus by scheduling routine eye check-ups for your children. Early diagnosis and intervention significantly improve visual outcomes.
• Periorbital Cellulitis: Catching periorbital cellulitis early through regular eye exams is crucial, as timely treatment can significantly reduce the risk of serious complications like vision loss or even life-threatening infections.
• Corneal Ulcer: Early detection of a corneal ulcer through routine eye exams is key to effective treatment and minimizing the risk of long-term vision problems.
• Corneal Abrasion: Corneal abrasions, often caused by minor injuries, can lead to significant eye problems if left untreated; proactive eye safety and immediate medical attention are vital for prevention and quick recovery.
• Conjunctiva Degeneration Deposit: Conjunctiva degeneration deposits are age-related changes in the eye's conjunctiva that, while often harmless, can sometimes indicate underlying health issues, highlighting the importance of regular eye exams for early detection and prevention.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• Vitrectomy (Co-management): By co-managing your vitrectomy, your eye doctor actively participates in your care, enhancing the effectiveness of the procedure and improving your overall vision outcome.
• Arterial Doppler Ultrasound: Prioritize your eye health with an arterial Doppler ultrasound. This advanced imaging helps detect vascular problems that might otherwise go unnoticed, leading to potential vision impairment.
• Enucleation of Eye (Co-management): Taking charge of your eye health: Co-managing enucleation helps your eye doctor provide optimal care during and after the surgical removal of your eye.
• Eye Movement Recording: Take a proactive step towards lifelong eye health with eye movement recording, a simple test that helps detect subtle issues impacting eye coordination and vision.
• Glaucoma Medical Therapy: Glaucoma medical therapy is a proactive step in maintaining your vision by enabling early detection and treatment of this sight-threatening disease.

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. Melanie 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 diligently adhering to a proactive eye care plan, including regular checkups, a patient successfully reduced their risk of vision impairment associated with iris ciliary degeneration, ensuring a clearer future.
• By scheduling regular eye exams and diligently following the optometrist's recommendations, a patient proactively managed potential scleritis, ensuring their eye health remained strong and free of future complications. This proactive approach brought peace of mind and allowed them to fully enjoy their daily activities without worry.

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. Melanie OD:

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

An optometrist, like Dr. Melanie OD, is a primary eye care provider who performs comprehensive eye exams, prescribes glasses and contacts, and manages many eye conditions. Ophthalmologists, on the other hand, are medical doctors who also specialize in eye care, but often focus on surgery.

How often should I get a comprehensive eye exam, even if I see well?

A comprehensive eye exam every one to two years is crucial, even if your vision is good. These exams are not just about your eyesight; they screen for silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, which can be detected before symptoms arise. Early detection allows for timely treatment and helps preserve your vision.

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 its blood vessels are directly visible, allowing us to spot potential issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers. A dilated eye exam can reveal important clues about your overall health.

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 preserve sight.

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. Dr. Melanie OD uses this to precisely detect and monitor diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration.

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 visit to the emergency room.

When should my child have their first eye exam?

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

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

Dry eye is very common. Dr. Melanie OD 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.

5921 Collins Rd Ste 1
Jacksonville FL 32244
Phone: (904) 777-3937

Dr. Melanie Carvell, 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): 1013029578

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. Melanie 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.