Dr. Rachel Chant, OD

Dr. Rachel Chant, OD is a board-certified Optometrist practicing at her clinic in Naples, FL. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she's dedicated 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). Her focus is on ensuring the best possible vision and overall wellness through preventive care, vision correction, early disease detection, personalized health plans, and coordinating essential screenings. She serves all ages, from infants to seniors, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey.

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. Chant's approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Rachel OD completed her Bachelor of Science at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and later earned her doctorate of Optometry from Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry, specializing in Cataracts, Dry Eye, and Glaucoma. She is committed to providing exceptional care, and patients should call (239) 263-2700 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Chant's commitment to patient education and proactive health management is evident in her focus on these areas. She earned her medical degree from Nova Southeastern University College Of Optometry. Dr. Rachel OD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Demodex Blepharitis: Protect your eyes from the discomfort and potential long-term effects of Demodex blepharitis, an eyelid inflammation caused by mites, by scheduling routine eye examinations.
• Juvenile Cataract: Juvenile cataracts are clouding of the eye's lens that can occur in children, emphasizing the importance of regular eye exams for early detection and treatment to prevent vision impairment.
• Nystagmus 1, Congenital, X-Linked: Regular comprehensive eye examinations are crucial in managing the effects of congenital nystagmus, particularly when it's linked to the X chromosome, allowing for timely intervention and helping children to achieve the best possible visual outcome.
• Refractive Error: Regular comprehensive eye exams help detect refractive errors early, allowing for timely correction and minimizing the risk of future vision complications.
• Optic Nerve Coloboma With Renal Disease: Preventive eye care is especially important for those with a family history of optic nerve coloboma, as this birth defect can be associated with renal disease, and early diagnosis allows for better health management.
• Third Nerve Palsy: Don't underestimate the value of preventative eye care: Early detection of conditions like third nerve palsy, through routine checkups, allows for timely treatment and minimizes long-term vision problems.
• Ocular Hypertension: Protecting your vision involves regular eye exams to screen for ocular hypertension. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent vision impairment associated with glaucoma.

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

• Color Vision Testing: Take a proactive step towards better eye health with a color vision test – it's a quick and easy way to detect potential issues that may need correction or further evaluation.
• Orbit Evisceration (Co-management): To ensure optimal healing and minimize risks after an orbit evisceration procedure, co-management coordinates specialist care to detect and address any complications quickly and effectively.
• Punctal Plug Removal: Removing punctal plugs is a proactive step in managing dry eye disease, a common condition that can lead to serious eye problems if left untreated.
• Strabismus Treatment: Early intervention with strabismus treatment can help preserve binocular vision and prevent the need for more complex procedures later.
• Foreign Body Removal from Eye: Protecting your vision starts with swift removal of any foreign objects in your eye, preventing potential scratches, infections, or lasting damage.
• Intraocular Lens Implant Surgery (Co-management): For the best possible surgical experience and vision outcome, our co-management service for IOL implantation helps you get the clearest vision after surgery.
• Tilt_Testing: Take a proactive step towards better vision and balance; tilt testing helps your optometrist diagnose conditions that may otherwise go unnoticed.

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. Rachel 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 the potential discomfort of Demodex blepharitis, ensuring clear vision and comfort for years to come.
• A family was relieved to learn that regular eye exams allowed for early detection of potential juvenile cataract issues, enabling proactive management and preserving healthy vision. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and a plan for the future.

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. Rachel 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 conditions. Ophthalmologists (MDs) are medical doctors specializing in eye surgery.

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

Even if you see well, 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 go beyond vision correction, ensuring your eye health is optimal.

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, and a dilated eye exam can reveal early signs of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases.

I have something in my eye. Should I come here first?

Yes, absolutely. For eye issues like infections, 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.

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

Dry eye is very common. Dr. Rachel OD can diagnose the cause and recommend a personalized treatment plan, which may include prescription eye drops or in-office procedures, beyond simply artificial tears, to improve comfort and prevent damage.

What is 'low vision' and how can you help?

Low vision is vision impairment not fully correctable with glasses, contacts, or surgery. Dr. Rachel OD's low vision evaluation focuses on maximizing remaining vision through tools like magnifiers and adaptive devices, helping patients maintain independence.

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 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. Rachel OD to detect any changes early and arrange treatment to help prevent vision loss.

2500 Tamiami Trl N Ste 109
Naples FL 34103
Phone: (239) 263-2700

Dr. Rachel Chant, 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): 1164620217

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. Rachel 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.