Dr. Nancy Herlevich, OD

Dr. Nancy Herlevich, OD is a dedicated Optometrist practicing at her clinic in Gainesville, FL. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she is committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Optometric care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. Nancy OD understands the crucial role of preventive eye care in maintaining overall well-being. 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. Nancy Herlevich, OD is an optometrist in Gainesville, FL, serving all ages, from infants to seniors. She is deeply committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Her approach emphasizes the importance of proactive care to maintain optimal vision and overall wellness. To confirm Dr. Nancy OD's current availability for new patients, please call (352) 373-0000. Dr. Nancy OD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Retinal Tear: A retinal tear, a tear in the back of your eye, can be a precursor to more serious conditions such as retinal detachment, emphasizing the need for prompt diagnosis and treatment to protect your eyesight.
• Gonococcal Conjunctivitis: Gonococcal conjunctivitis is a serious eye infection that can cause blindness if not treated promptly, highlighting the importance of seeking immediate medical attention for any eye irritation or discharge.
• Cone Dystrophy: Because cone dystrophy is a hereditary condition that worsens over time, preventative care through consistent eye examinations is crucial for early identification and potential interventions to improve quality of life.
• Acute Posterior Multifocal Placoid Pigment Epitheliopathy: Acute Posterior Multifocal Placoid Pigment Epitheliopathy (APMPPE) is a rare eye condition that can affect your vision, and regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and preventing potential vision loss.
• Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: Regular eye exams are essential for early detection of Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), a condition affecting the oil glands in your eyelids that can cause discomfort and potentially increase your risk for serious eye diseases.
• Retinoschisis: Preventing serious vision problems from retinoschisis involves proactive eye care, including scheduled eye exams to catch this condition early.
• Coats' Disease: Coats' disease, if left untreated, can lead to serious vision problems, emphasizing the importance of preventative eye care for children.

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

• Ocular Inflammation (Uveitis) Treatment: Uveitis treatment is a crucial step in safeguarding your eyes; early intervention reduces complications from inflammation and promotes healthy vision.
• Oculoplastics (Co-management): Oculoplastics co-management helps maintain healthy vision by coordinating specialist care for eye conditions like drooping eyelids or blocked tear ducts, improving outcomes and preventing complications.
• Vision Screening: Invest in your eyesight by getting a vision screening. It's a proactive step towards identifying and managing conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
• Removal of Intraocular Foreign Body (Co-management): Maintain optimal eye health by seeking professional removal of any foreign object in your eye; this simple procedure may prevent vision impairment.
• Medical and Surgical Management of Glaucoma (Medical part by OD, Surgical co-managed): Proactively manage glaucoma risk and preserve your sight with this combined approach, involving medical eye care from your optometrist and co-managed surgical options as needed.
• Refractive Surgery (Co-management): For a safer and more effective refractive surgery experience, our co-management helps you prevent potential issues and monitor your progress for excellent long-term results.
• Iridotomy (Co-management/some states): As part of your comprehensive eye care plan, an iridotomy, in conjunction with other medical expertise, can be a beneficial preventative measure to relieve pressure in your eye and protect your 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. Nancy 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 attending regular eye exams and following a proactive eye health plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing a retinal tear, ensuring they could continue enjoying sharp vision for years to come.
• By attending regular eye exams and discussing potential risk factors, a patient proactively reduced their chance of developing gonococcal conjunctivitis, ensuring their eye health remained protected. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and a path to prevent serious vision complications.

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. Nancy OD:

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

An optometrist, like Dr. Nancy OD, is a primary eye care provider. They perform comprehensive eye exams, prescribe glasses and contact lenses, and diagnose and manage many eye conditions. An ophthalmologist, on the other hand, is a medical doctor and eye surgeon.

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 look beyond your vision, helping detect silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy early. Early detection allows for prompt treatment and preserves your 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 eye exam.

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

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 trip 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 crucial for sharp central vision. There are "dry" and "wet" forms, and regular eye exams are essential for early detection and management to preserve sight.

What is an OCT scan?

An OCT scan is an advanced imaging technology, similar to ultrasound, that uses light to create incredibly detailed, cross-sectional pictures of the retina and optic nerve. This allows Dr. Nancy 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 very common. Dr. Nancy OD can diagnose the cause and recommend a personalized treatment plan, which may include prescription eye drops or in-office procedures, beyond just artificial tears, to improve comfort and prevent damage.

4650 NW 39th Pl Ste D
Gainesville FL 32606
Phone: (352) 373-0000

Dr. Nancy Herlevich, 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): 1780643866

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. Nancy 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.