Dr. Michelle Fekete, OD

Dr. Michelle Fekete, OD is a dedicated Optometrist practicing at her Clearwater, FL clinic, committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive optometric care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she serves as a vital partner in preventive health, recognizing that your optometrist is your primary partner in lifelong eye health. This includes providing preventive care, vision correction, early disease detection, personalized health plans, and coordinating screenings to ensure your best possible vision and overall wellness. She is dedicated to serving all ages, from infants to seniors.

Dr. Michelle OD understands the importance of proactive eye care for optimal well-being. Her approach to care emphasizes a collaborative, evidence-based model, encouraging patients to actively participate in their long-term health. She firmly believes in creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their eye health journey, from routine checkups to personalized care plans. As an optometrist in Clearwater, FL, Dr. Michelle Fekete, OD is dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain the best possible eye health.

To confirm if Dr. Michelle OD is currently accepting new patients, please call (727) 726-3207. While Dr. Michelle OD provides consultations primarily in English, she is dedicated to providing exceptional care to all patients.

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

• Best's Disease: Best's disease is a rare inherited eye condition that can cause vision loss if not detected early, highlighting the importance of regular comprehensive eye exams.
• Visual Hallucinations: Don't ignore visual hallucinations – they could indicate a neurological problem affecting your vision. Preventive eye care, including regular eye exams, is key to detecting and managing these conditions before they worsen.
• Posterior Capsule Clouding: Protecting your vision after cataract surgery involves regular check-ups to catch posterior capsule clouding early, avoiding more significant vision loss down the line.
• Brown Syndrome: Preventing vision impairment from Brown syndrome starts with regular comprehensive eye exams, allowing for early diagnosis and management of this uncommon eye muscle condition.
• Strabismus-Like Double Vision: Double vision resembling strabismus needs prompt attention as it may indicate a serious eye condition that can be managed effectively with early intervention and treatment.
• Refractive Error: Untreated refractive errors can lead to eye strain and discomfort, impacting your quality of life; proactive care through routine eye exams helps prevent these issues.
• Diabetic Retinopathy: Managing your diabetes effectively is key to preventing or slowing the progression of diabetic retinopathy, a potentially blinding complication.

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

• Punctal Plug Insertion: Proactive dry eye treatment involves punctal plug insertion, a simple procedure that helps maintain moisture and prevent long-term eye damage.
• Eye Test: Taking charge of your eye health starts with a routine eye test, which can identify and address developing conditions like macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy.
• Oculoplastics (Co-management): Protecting your vision begins with oculoplastics co-management, a collaborative approach that helps diagnose and treat problems with the eyelids, tear ducts, and surrounding areas promptly, preventing vision loss.
• Astigmatism Correction Surgery (Co-management): Take charge of your eye health: co-managed astigmatism correction surgery helps you see clearly and prevents vision-related difficulties.
• Diabetic Eye Exam: Regular diabetic eye exams are crucial for people with diabetes, as they help detect and treat diabetic retinopathy, preventing vision loss and improving long-term eye health.
• Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (ALK) (Co-management): To enhance the success of your ALK procedure and prevent potential complications, co-management offers comprehensive monitoring and support from your eye care professional.
• Glaucoma Medical Therapy: Invest in your future vision; glaucoma medical therapy offers timely intervention to address glaucoma, protecting your sight from irreversible damage.

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. Michelle 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 family proactively managed their risk for Best's Disease, gaining peace of mind knowing early detection could prevent potential vision loss.
• By scheduling regular eye exams, a patient proactively identified potential visual issues, reducing the risk of developing visual hallucinations and gaining peace of mind about their overall eye 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. Michelle 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. 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, so regular exams are a vital preventive measure.

Can an eye exam detect other health problems in my body?

Yes, a comprehensive eye exam can detect other health problems. The eye is unique in that blood vessels can be viewed directly without surgery, allowing for the detection of early signs of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases.

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 noticeable symptoms in its early stages, yet causes irreversible peripheral vision loss. Regular eye exams are the only way to detect glaucoma early and prevent vision loss.

When should my child have their first eye exam?

Dr. Michelle OD recommends a comprehensive eye exam for children between 6 and 12 months of age. This early exam is vital for detecting potential vision problems like lazy eye or misaligned eyes, ensuring proper vision development.

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

No, it is unsafe and illegal to purchase contact lenses online without a comprehensive eye exam. Contact lenses are medical devices that sit directly on your eye, and a proper fitting and annual exam with Dr. Michelle OD is essential to ensure the lenses fit correctly and are not damaging your eye, preventing serious infections and 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. Michelle OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts.

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

Dry eye is very common. Dr. Michelle OD can diagnose the cause and recommend a personalized treatment plan, which may include prescription eye drops or in-office procedures, to improve your comfort and prevent damage beyond simply using artificial tears.

2747 Gulf To Bay Blvd
Clearwater FL 33759
Phone: (727) 726-3207

Dr. Michelle Fekete, 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): 1629388301

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. Michelle 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.