Dr. Michael Prince, OD

Dr. Michael Prince, OD is an Optometrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive eye care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, he practices at his clinic in Bradenton, FL, and is committed to providing personalized health plans, and coordinating screenings to ensure optimal vision and overall wellness. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring patients receive the highest quality and legally compliant 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.

Dr. Michael OD's practice serves all ages, from infants to seniors, recognizing that eye health is crucial throughout life. He understands the importance of early detection and proactive care, and is committed to helping patients of all ages maintain optimal vision and overall well-being. He is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (941) 746-4262 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Michael Prince, OD is an optometrist in Bradenton, FL. He is accepting new patients. His approach to care is collaborative and evidence-based, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Michael OD provides consultations primarily in English.

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:

• Nystagmus, Hereditary Vertical: Hereditary vertical nystagmus is an involuntary eye movement present from birth, and early detection through regular eye exams can help manage its impact on vision.
• Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid: Ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP) is a rare eye disease causing scarring that can lead to blindness, so regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and treatment to prevent vision loss.
• 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.
• Diabetic Retinopathy: Diabetic retinopathy is a serious eye condition affecting people with diabetes, and regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and preventing vision loss.
• Papilledema: Papilledema, a swelling of the optic nerve head, is often an indicator of something serious requiring immediate attention, making routine eye exams a critical part of preventing vision impairment.
• Retinal Artery Occlusion: Protecting your vision involves understanding the risks of retinal artery occlusion, a condition that cuts off blood supply to the retina, and managing those risks with regular eye checkups.
• Autoimmune Eye Diseases: Don't let an autoimmune disease steal your sight. Regular eye exams are your best defense; they enable early identification of eye-related autoimmune issues, allowing for timely treatment and better vision outcomes.

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:

• Peripheral Angiograms: To proactively safeguard your vision, a peripheral angiogram allows your doctor to thoroughly examine the blood vessels supplying your retina, helping identify potential problems before they affect your sight.
• Enucleation of Eye (Co-management): Partnering for better eye health: Enucleation co-management means working closely with your surgeon for the best possible care and outcome following eye removal.
• Diagnostic Angiography: This advanced imaging technique helps your ophthalmologist assess the health of the blood vessels in your eyes, enabling early identification and treatment of potentially blinding conditions, protecting your vision for years to come.
• Visual Evoked Potential (VEP): Protect your eyesight by undergoing a VEP test, which helps screen for conditions that can impair your visual pathways and ultimately, your vision.
• Retinal Laser Photocoagulation (Co-management): As part of comprehensive eye care, retinal laser photocoagulation can be used to treat retinal conditions and preserve your vision.
• Iridotomy (Co-management/some states): To proactively safeguard your vision, an iridotomy may be recommended, particularly if you have conditions like narrow-angle glaucoma, to lower intraocular pressure and prevent vision loss.
• Lucentis® Injection (Co-management): As part of your comprehensive eye care, Lucentis® injection co-management helps in early detection and treatment of specific eye diseases that threaten vision.

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:

• A family was relieved to learn that regular eye exams, recommended by their optometrist, enabled early detection of hereditary vertical nystagmus, allowing them to proactively manage its impact on vision. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and facilitated appropriate strategies for visual support.
• By diligently attending regular eye exams, a patient was able to detect early signs of Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid, allowing for timely intervention and preventing potential vision loss. This proactive approach ensured peace of mind and a healthier future for the patient.

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 (OD) is a primary eye care provider who performs comprehensive eye exams, prescribes glasses and contacts, and diagnoses and manages many eye conditions. 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 your vision is good, a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years is crucial. These exams aren't just about your eyesight; 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 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, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases.

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 vision.

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, yet causes irreversible peripheral vision loss. Regular eye exams are the only way to detect glaucoma early and prevent blindness.

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

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

I have diabetes. Why do I need a special dilated eye exam every year?

Diabetes can damage the small blood vessels in your retina, a condition called diabetic retinopathy. This is a leading cause of blindness, but often has no noticeable symptoms in its early stages. An annual dilated eye exam allows Dr. Michael OD to detect these changes early and arrange treatment to prevent vision loss.

What are the signs of a cataract?

Common signs of cataracts include blurry or dim vision, increased glare from lights, fading or yellowing of colors, and frequent changes in glasses prescription. Dr. Michael OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts to ensure proper care.

3581 1st St E
Bradenton FL 34208
Phone: (941) 746-4262

Dr. Michael Prince, 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): 1316070378

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.