Dr. Nicole Alessi, OD

Dr. Nicole Alessi, OD is an optometrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive optometric care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she practices at her clinic in Fort Myers, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Her focus is on preventing vision problems and promoting overall eye health, recognizing that 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.

Your optometrist is a key component of your health journey, serving all ages, from infants to seniors. Dr. Nicole OD is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey, and encourages you to call (239) 936-4706 to schedule. Dr. Nicole Alessi, OD is an optometrist in Fort Myers, FL. She is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Her practice philosophy, echoing that of Collins Vision, emphasizes the preciousness of vision and a commitment to protecting eye health, improving vision, and providing precise vision correction results. Dr. Nicole OD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Heterochromia Iridis: Having different colored irises (heterochromia iridis) may be a sign of a larger health concern, emphasizing the need for regular comprehensive eye exams as part of preventive care.
• Blepharoconjunctivitis: Preventing complications from blepharoconjunctivitis, like corneal ulcers, starts with proactive hygiene practices and prompt treatment from your eye doctor.
• Subconjunctival Hemorrhage: Preventing further complications from a subconjunctival hemorrhage involves understanding its possible causes, such as straining or high blood pressure, and taking proactive steps to manage these risk factors.
• Eye Pain: Experiencing eye pain? Scheduling an eye exam can help identify the cause and prevent potential vision complications down the line.
• Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP): Protecting your sight from the effects of retinitis pigmentosa starts with proactive care; routine eye screenings can help detect RP early, enabling timely interventions to minimize vision impairment.
• Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma: Primary angle closure glaucoma is a serious eye condition where the fluid pressure inside your eye builds up, potentially damaging your optic nerve and leading to vision loss, but regular eye exams can detect it early and prevent serious complications.
• Iris Ciliary Degeneration: Iris ciliary degeneration, if left untreated, can lead to vision impairment; proactive eye care, including regular checkups, is vital for early intervention and better long-term outcomes.

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

• Eye Surgery (General term for co-management): For best outcomes, co-management ensures post-surgical care is tailored to your needs and addresses complications efficiently.
• Wet Macular Degeneration Laser Treatment (Co-management): Maintain your eyesight by participating in co-managed laser treatment for wet macular degeneration, helping catch and treat this condition early to maximize its effectiveness.
• Prism Lenses: Take a proactive step towards better vision; prism lenses can help realign your gaze, leading to clearer vision and reducing headaches often associated with eye misalignment.
• Contact Lens Exams: Regular contact lens exams ensure your lenses fit comfortably and safely, preventing potential eye infections and complications.
• YAG Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (Co-management/some states): This laser treatment, called YAG laser trabeculoplasty, helps lower the pressure inside your eyes, a crucial step in preventing glaucoma-related vision loss.
• Monovision: Proactively manage your vision with monovision—a vision correction technique aiming for optimal vision in each eye, improving your visual comfort and reducing eye strain.
• Conjunctivoplasty (Co-management): Conjunctivoplasty co-management helps ensure your eye surgery is coordinated with your eye doctor for optimal healing and vision outcomes.

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. Nicole 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 comprehensive eye exams, a patient proactively monitored their eye health, ensuring early detection of any potential underlying conditions related to heterochromia iridis, promoting peace of mind and preventative care.
• By following a proactive eye hygiene routine recommended by their eye care professional, a family successfully prevented the development of blepharoconjunctivitis, maintaining clear vision and 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. Nicole OD:

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

An optometrist, like Dr. Nicole OD, is a primary eye care provider who performs comprehensive eye exams, prescribes glasses and contacts, and manages many eye conditions. An ophthalmologist, on the other hand, is a medical doctor who specializes in surgery and more complex eye issues.

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, detecting silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Early detection allows for timely treatment and helps preserve your sight.

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 our doctors to identify potential problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers. A dilated eye exam can reveal these early indicators.

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 of AMD. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management to help preserve vision.

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. Nicole to detect changes early and arrange treatment to prevent 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. Nicole OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts to ensure proper care.

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.

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. Dr. Nicole OD uses this to precisely detect and monitor diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration.

6900 International Center Blvd
Fort Myers FL 33912
Phone: (239) 936-4706

Dr. Nicole Alessi, 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): 1255648747

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. Nicole 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.