Dr. Preston Starks, OD

Dr. Preston Starks, OD is a Jacksonville, FL-based optometrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive eye care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458, he's a trusted partner in preventive health, committed to ensuring optimal vision and overall wellness. 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. Preston OD serves all ages, from infants to seniors, and is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care. He fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He is deeply committed to creating personalized health plans designed to meet the unique needs of each individual patient. Dr. Preston Starks, OD is an optometrist in Jacksonville, FL, and consultations are available in Spanish. Please call (904) 768-8811 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Preston 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. Preston 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. Preston 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: A macular hole is a tear in the macula, the part of your eye responsible for sharp, central vision, and early detection through regular eye exams is crucial for preventing vision loss.
• Refractive Error: Refractive errors, like nearsightedness and farsightedness, are vision problems that can be easily corrected with glasses or contacts, preventing eye strain and headaches.
• Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: Early detection of Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is crucial, as this condition, impacting the oil glands in your eyelids, can lead to persistent dry eye and even eye infections if not addressed.
• Steroid-Induced Glaucoma: To prevent vision problems linked to steroid use, get your eyes checked regularly. Early detection of steroid-induced glaucoma allows for timely intervention and preservation of sight.
• Colored Haloes Similar to that of Glaucoma: Protecting your eyesight involves being aware of glaucoma symptoms like colored halos. Regular eye checkups are essential for early detection and effective management.
• North Carolina Macular Dystrophy: North Carolina Macular Dystrophy is an inherited eye condition that, while rare, underscores the need for proactive eye care to catch and manage vision problems before they significantly impact your life.
• Brown Syndrome: Preventing vision impairment from Brown syndrome starts with regular comprehensive eye exams, allowing for early diagnosis and management of this uncommon eye muscle condition.

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

• Visual Evoked Potential (VEP): Protect your eyesight by undergoing a VEP test, which helps screen for conditions that can impair your visual pathways and ultimately, your vision.
• Enucleation of Eye (Co-management): Protecting your well-being: This service involves collaborative care to manage the surgical removal of an eye, ensuring a smooth recovery and minimizing potential risks.
• Macular Degeneration Treatment: Protecting your central vision is key, and macular degeneration treatment helps detect and manage age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss, early.
• Cornea Transplant (Co-management): Take a proactive step towards restoring clear vision: cornea co-management supports your corneal transplant, optimizing outcomes and minimizing complications.
• ICD Monitoring: Take charge of your eye health with routine ICD monitoring; this simple test helps your optometrist identify subtle changes that could indicate developing glaucoma.
• Punctal Plug Insertion: Punctal plug insertion is a minimally invasive procedure that can significantly improve dry eye symptoms and reduce the risk of related complications.
• Punctal Plug Removal: To improve your eye health, punctal plug removal can be performed to address tear deficiency and reduce discomfort associated with dry eyes.

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. Preston 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 managed their risk factors for macular hole, gaining peace of mind about preserving their central vision.
• By scheduling regular eye exams, a family proactively managed potential refractive errors, ensuring clear vision and preventing future discomfort from eye strain. This proactive approach allowed them to maintain a high quality of life, free from the worry of vision-related issues.

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. Preston 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 who are also eye surgeons.

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. These exams screen for silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, often detectable before symptoms appear. 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 with Dr. Preston OD can detect early signs of systemic diseases. The eye is unique in allowing direct visualization of blood vessels, revealing potential issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers. A dilated eye exam can be crucial for identifying these early warning signs.

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.

Is it safe to buy contact lenses online without an exam?

It is unsafe and illegal to purchase contact lenses online without a comprehensive eye exam. Contact lenses are medical devices that sit directly on the eye, and a proper fitting and annual exam with Dr. Preston OD is essential to ensure correct fit and prevent eye damage, infection, and vision loss.

My eyes often feel dry and gritty. What can I do?

Dry eye is a very common condition. Dr. Preston can diagnose the underlying cause and recommend a personalized treatment plan, which may include prescription eye drops or in-office procedures, to improve your comfort and prevent damage.

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

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.

12100 Lem Turner Rd
Jacksonville FL 32218
Phone: (904) 768-8811

Dr. Preston Starks, 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): 1760567531

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. Preston 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.