Dr. Michael Christman, OD

Dr. Michael Christman, OD is a dedicated Optometrist practicing at his clinic in Tampa, FL. Registered with the Florida Board of Medicine and adhering to Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458, he is deeply committed to empowering patients with comprehensive, proactive Optometric care. 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.

Dr. Michael Christman, OD is an optometrist in Tampa, FL. He is accepting new patients. With a mission of helping people look and see their best, his practice, in partnership with LensCrafters at 343 Westshore Plz, embodies a passion for eye health. LensCrafters' trained associates provide personalized eye health service throughout your experience. Dr. Michael OD provides consultations primarily in English, and patients can schedule an appointment by calling (813) 286-8400.

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

• Astigmatism: Don't let blurry vision caused by astigmatism affect your daily life. Regular eye exams are critical for early diagnosis so you can get the right correction and prevent future complications like eye strain or 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: Don't let blurred vision compromise your quality of life. Early detection and treatment through routine eye care can help preserve your vision for years to come.
• Cataract: While cataracts are a natural part of aging, proactive eye care through regular exams helps us catch them early, potentially slowing progression and preserving your eyesight.
• Dry Eyes: By addressing dry eye symptoms early and following your eye doctor's recommendations, you can preserve the health of your ocular surface and prevent vision loss.
• Glaucoma: Protecting your sight from glaucoma involves proactive steps like routine eye pressure checks and early diagnosis, helping manage this condition and avoid vision loss.
• Night Blindness: If you're struggling to see clearly at night, schedule an eye exam. Addressing night blindness promptly can help prevent the condition from worsening and potentially safeguard your long-term vision.
• Watering Eyes: Don't ignore constantly watering eyes – they could signal an infection or allergy; proactive care with regular eye exams can help manage and prevent complications.

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. Michael 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: Invest in your eye health; a contact lens fitting helps determine the best contact lens type for your eyes, reducing the risk of infections and complications.
• Eye Test: An eye test is a crucial preventive measure, helping you maintain clear vision and detect eye diseases early, maximizing the chances of successful treatment.
• Eyeglasses: Eyeglass prescriptions are an essential part of regular eye exams, allowing for early detection of underlying eye conditions that, if left untreated, could lead to vision loss.
• Soft Contact Lenses: Soft contact lenses offer a comfortable and convenient way to correct your vision, improving your daily life and reducing eye strain.
• Vision Screening: A vision screening is a quick check-up that helps detect potential eye problems early, allowing for prompt treatment and preventing vision loss.
• Removal of Foreign Body from External Eye: Schedule a quick visit to have a foreign body removed from your eye to prevent potential vision problems and discomfort.

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. Michael 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, a patient proactively managed their astigmatism, preventing future vision problems and ensuring clear, comfortable vision for years to come.
• By scheduling regular eye exams, a patient proactively identified and addressed the early signs of blepharitis, preventing potential vision complications and maintaining healthy eyes. This proactive approach provided the patient with peace of mind and confidence in their 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. Michael OD:

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

An optometrist, such as Dr. Michael 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, on the other hand, is a medical doctor who specializes in eye 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 you see well. These exams aren't just about your vision; they help detect silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy early, when treatment is most effective.

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 during a dilated eye exam.

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. Michael OD uses this technology to detect and monitor diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration with exceptional precision.

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

Dry eye is a very common condition. Dr. Michael 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.

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 of AMD. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management to help preserve vision.

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

It is unsafe and illegal in the U.S. to purchase contact lenses online without a comprehensive eye exam. Contact lenses are medical devices that sit directly on the eye, and a proper fitting and annual exam with Dr. Michael OD is essential to ensure the lenses fit correctly and prevent serious eye infections and vision loss.

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

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

343 Westshore Plz
Tampa FL 33609
Phone: (813) 286-8400

Dr. Michael Christman, 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): 1467514851

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. Michael 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.