Dr. Mihai Gitlan, OD

Dr. Mihai Gitlan, OD is an optometrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive optometric care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, he practices at his clinic in Naples, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment extends beyond routine eye exams, recognizing your optometrist as 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. Mihai Gitlan, OD serves all ages, from infants to seniors, understanding the unique eye health needs at each stage of life. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. His approach emphasizes the importance of proactive care, ensuring optimal vision and well-being. To confirm his availability for new patients, please call (239) 214-3789. Dr. Mihai OD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: AION can lead to permanent vision impairment, emphasizing the necessity of preventative healthcare, including regular eye check-ups, to detect and address underlying conditions that increase your risk.
• Macula Halo Syndrome: Macula halo syndrome, characterized by halos around lights, can be an early indicator of cataract formation, underscoring the need for routine eye exams to manage and prevent vision impairment.
• Poor Ocular Motion: Difficulty moving your eyes smoothly and accurately can be a sign of underlying eye health issues, so early detection through regular eye exams is crucial for preventing vision problems.
• Pigmentary Retinopathy: Protecting your vision from the effects of pigmentary retinopathy starts with proactive eye care, including regular comprehensive eye exams to catch it early.
• Dry Eyes: Regular eye exams are crucial for diagnosing and treating dry eye disease, helping to maintain your vision and overall eye health.
• Presbyopia: Don't let blurry near vision sneak up on you – presbyopia, a natural aging process, often requires reading glasses; schedule yearly eye exams to manage its impact and avoid unnecessary eye strain.
• Amaurosis Fugax: Amaurosis fugax, or temporary blindness in one eye, highlights the importance of preventive eye care. Addressing potential underlying causes promptly can help maintain your sight and overall health.

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

• Eyeglass Fitting: An accurate eyeglass fitting allows for optimal vision correction, reducing the risk of accidents and improving your quality of life.
• Macular Degeneration Treatment: Don't wait until you experience vision changes. Macular degeneration treatment focuses on early diagnosis and management to help you maintain healthy vision for years to come.
• 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.
• Peripheral Angiograms: As part of your proactive eye care, a peripheral angiogram offers a comprehensive view of your eye's blood vessels, aiding the early diagnosis and treatment of diseases like retinal vein occlusion.
• Extraocular Muscle Surgery (Co-management): Co-management of your extraocular muscle surgery provides comprehensive support throughout the process, contributing to a successful outcome and healthy vision.
• Glaucoma Surgery (Co-management): Taking charge of your eye health: Co-managing your glaucoma surgery helps your eye doctor monitor your progress and intervene quickly if any issues arise, protecting your sight.
• Eye Injection (Prescribing/Co-management in some states): Take charge of your eye health: sometimes, an injection is used to diagnose, treat, or monitor eye problems, leading to better long-term 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. Mihai 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 and addressing underlying risk factors, a patient proactively lowered their chance of developing Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy, gaining peace of mind about their eye health.
• By scheduling routine eye exams, a patient detected potential issues early, reducing the risk of vision impairment associated with macula halo syndrome and gaining peace of mind. This proactive approach allowed them to confidently maintain their visual 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. Mihai 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?

A comprehensive eye exam every one to two years is crucial for most adults, even if your vision is good. These exams aren't just about your eyesight; they're a critical preventive measure to detect silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy before symptoms appear.

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 us to spot potential problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases during a dilated eye exam.

I have something in my eye. Should I come here first?

Yes, absolutely. For issues like eye infections, corneal scratches, or foreign objects in the eye, 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, similar to ultrasound but using light, to create incredibly detailed cross-sectional pictures of your retina and optic nerve. Dr. Mihai OD uses this to precisely detect and monitor diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration.

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, causing irreversible peripheral vision loss. Regular eye exams are the only way to detect it early and prevent blindness.

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 eye 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 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. Mihai OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts.

4945 Golden Gate Pkwy Ste 110
Naples FL 34116
Phone: (239) 214-3789

Dr. Mihai Gitlan, 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): 1316563695

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. Mihai 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.