Dr. Nicola Gough, OD

Dr. Nicola Gough, OD is an optometrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive optometric care. She practices at her clinic in New Smyrna Beach, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. She serves all ages, from infants to seniors, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (386) 423-5190 to schedule.

Dr. Nicola OD is an optometrist in New Smyrna Beach, FL, accepting new patients. A graduate of the University of South Florida and the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry, she completed residency training in Primary Eye Care with a specialty in Traumatic Brain Injury, Low Vision, and Ocular Disease at the San Diego VA Healthcare System. Her passion for optometry, fostered by early experiences and volunteer work, extends to providing care for individuals of all ages. Dr. Nicola OD's commitment to comprehensive eye health extends beyond the examination room; she actively participates in community outreach and vision screenings, demonstrating a deep dedication to preventive care and patient well-being. She provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Diabetic Retinopathy: Managing your diabetes effectively is key to preventing or slowing the progression of diabetic retinopathy, a potentially blinding complication.
• Vitreous Hemorrhage: Vitreous hemorrhage, bleeding in the back of your eye, is often treatable if caught early through regular eye check-ups.
• Ocular Histoplasmosis Syndrome: While OHS is uncommon, regular comprehensive eye exams are essential for early detection, allowing for timely intervention and minimizing potential vision loss.
• Marcus-Gunn Pupillary Sign: Don't underestimate the power of preventive eye care: routine eye exams can uncover the Marcus-Gunn pupil sign, allowing for early diagnosis and management of potential neurological problems affecting your vision.
• Chemical Burn - Eyes: A chemical burn to your eyes is a serious injury that requires immediate medical attention to prevent permanent vision loss, highlighting the importance of proactive eye safety measures.
• Hollenhorst Plaque: Detecting a Hollenhorst plaque during a routine eye exam allows for early intervention, reducing your risk of more serious health complications linked to cholesterol emboli in the eye.
• Astigmatism: Don't let blurry vision caused by astigmatism affect your daily life. Regular eye exams are critical for early diagnosis so you can get the right correction and prevent future complications like eye strain or headaches.

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

• B-Scan Ultrasound: A B-Scan ultrasound is a painless test that uses sound waves to create detailed images of the eye's inner structures, helping your doctor detect potential problems early and prevent vision loss.
• Laser Cataract Surgery (Co-management): Protect your sight and improve your quality of life by partnering with your eye doctor for expert co-management of your laser cataract surgery.
• Pterygium Surgery (Co-management): Proactive co-management of pterygium surgery helps ensure a smooth recovery and minimizes potential complications.
• Contact Lens Fitting Services: Invest in your eye health; a contact lens fitting helps determine the best contact lens type for your eyes, reducing the risk of infections and complications.
• Strabismus Examination: A strabismus examination checks for misalignment of your eyes, helping detect and address this condition early to prevent vision problems later in life.
• Astigmatic Keratotomy (Co-management): For precise vision correction surgery, astigmatic keratotomy co-management offers collaborative care, improving accuracy and reducing the chances of post-operative issues.
• Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery (Co-management): Co-management of cosmetic eyelid surgery allows for close monitoring of your eye health, minimizing risks and maximizing the positive effects of the procedure.

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. Nicola 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 diligently managing their diabetes and attending regular eye exams, a patient proactively reduced their risk of diabetic retinopathy, gaining valuable peace of mind about their eye health.
• By scheduling regular eye exams, a patient proactively identified and managed a potential vitreous hemorrhage, ensuring a clear vision path for the future. This proactive approach provided significant peace of mind and minimized the risk of 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. Nicola OD:

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

An optometrist, like Dr. Nicola OD, is a primary eye care provider who performs comprehensive eye exams, prescribes glasses and contact lenses, and diagnoses and manages many eye conditions. Ophthalmologists, on the other hand, are medical doctors who specialize 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 for early detection of silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. These exams are more than just checking your vision; they're a vital preventive measure.

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 unique in that its blood vessels can be viewed directly, allowing for the potential detection of conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers. A dilated eye exam can reveal these early signs.

What is an OCT scan?

An OCT scan is an advanced imaging technology, similar to an ultrasound but using light, to create incredibly detailed cross-sectional pictures of your retina and optic nerve. Dr. Nicola OD uses this to precisely detect and monitor diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration.

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.

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. Nicola can diagnose and monitor cataracts to determine the best course of treatment.

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.

When should my child have their first eye exam?

Dr. Nicola 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.

524 Canal St
New Smyrna Beach FL 32168
Phone: (386) 423-5190

Dr. Nicola Gough, 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): 1619350022

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. Nicola 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.