Dr. Mischelle Pearcy-Baluyot, OD

Dr. Mischelle Pearcy-Baluyot, OD is a dedicated Optometrist practicing at her clinic in Gainesville, FL. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Optometric care. Her approach emphasizes the importance of early disease detection and personalized health plans, recognizing that your optometrist is your primary partner in lifelong eye health, providing preventive care, vision correction, and coordinating screenings to ensure your best possible vision and overall wellness.

Your optometrist is more than just a vision corrector; she's a vital partner in your health journey, serving all ages, from infants to seniors. Dr. Mischelle Pearcy-Baluyot, OD is an optometrist in Gainesville, FL, committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine and creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to actively participate in their long-term health. She is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care, and patients should call (352) 376-1611 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Mischelle OD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Macular Hole: Protecting your vision from macular hole involves regular comprehensive eye exams, as early diagnosis and intervention can significantly reduce the risk of severe vision impairment.
• Macular Pucker: Macular pucker, a wrinkling of the macula, can affect your central vision, but early detection through regular eye exams can help prevent significant vision loss.
• Nevus of Ota: Early detection of Nevus of Ota during comprehensive eye exams can help manage any related risks and ensure healthy vision.
• Nystagmus: Regular eye check-ups are vital because early identification of nystagmus, a condition causing uncontrolled eye movements, allows for timely intervention and management, potentially minimizing long-term effects.
• Retinal Degeneration: Don't let retinal degeneration steal your sight; proactive eye care, including regular eye exams, is your best defense against this condition, allowing for timely interventions and improved outcomes.
• Mucocutaneous and Ocular Herpes, Neonatal: Protecting newborns from contracting herpes simplex virus through careful hygiene and medical interventions reduces the risk of devastating eye and skin complications.
• Retinal Tear: Protecting your vision starts with understanding retinal tears; these tiny breaks in your retina can lead to serious complications like retinal detachment if left untreated, highlighting the importance of preventive eye care.

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

• Laser Trabeculoplasty or Iridectomy (Co-management/some states): Taking charge of your eye health: This procedure can be a key step in managing glaucoma, helping to prevent serious vision problems.
• 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.
• Removal of Intraocular Foreign Body (Co-management): Protecting your eyesight starts with removing any foreign objects in your eye to prevent infection and potential vision loss.
• Tilt_Testing: To proactively maintain your eye health, tilt testing can help detect issues with your inner ear that affect your vision and balance.
• Arterial Doppler Ultrasound: Protect your vision by scheduling an arterial Doppler ultrasound; this screening helps identify early signs of circulatory problems affecting your eyes, allowing for timely intervention.
• Optical Coherence Tomography: An OCT scan is a non-invasive test that provides your eye doctor with high-resolution images of your retina and optic nerve, enabling early detection of serious eye conditions and preventing vision loss.
• Ocular Inflammation (Uveitis) Treatment: Don't wait for vision problems to emerge: seeking uveitis treatment addresses inflammation promptly, helping to prevent sight-threatening complications.

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. Mischelle 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 monitored their eye health, significantly reducing the risk of macular hole and maintaining clear vision. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and confidence in their long-term vision.
• By scheduling regular eye exams, a patient proactively managed their risk of macular pucker, maintaining clear vision and peace of mind. Early detection allowed for timely intervention, significantly reducing the likelihood of future vision loss.

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. Mischelle OD:

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

An optometrist, like Dr. Mischelle OD, is a primary eye care provider. They perform comprehensive eye exams, prescribe eyewear, and diagnose and manage many eye conditions. Ophthalmologists, on the other hand, are medical doctors who can also perform eye surgery.

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

Even if you have good vision, a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years is crucial. These exams screen for silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, often detectable before symptoms arise. It's a vital preventive measure for maintaining healthy vision.

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 exam.

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 symptoms in its early stages. An annual dilated eye exam allows Dr. Mischelle to detect changes early and arrange treatment to prevent vision loss.

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 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. Mischelle OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts.

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.

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 vision.

1601 SW Archer Rd
Gainesville FL 32608
Phone: (352) 376-1611

Dr. Mischelle Pearcy-Baluyot, 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): 1700990678

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. Mischelle 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.