Dr. Rachel Fredericks, OD

Dr. Rachel Fredericks, OD is a licensed Optometrist practicing at her clinic in Cape Coral, FL. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she is 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), she understands 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. She serves all ages, from infants to seniors, and is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Please call (239) 226-2640 to confirm if Dr. Rachel OD is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Rachel Fredericks, OD is an optometrist in Cape Coral, FL, dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain optimal eye health. Her practice emphasizes the importance of preventive care, recognizing that proactive measures are essential for maintaining good vision and overall wellness. She understands the diverse needs of her patients, from infants needing comprehensive eye exams to seniors requiring specialized care. Dr. Rachel OD provides consultations primarily in English. Her approach to care is rooted in a commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, ensuring her patients receive the most effective and personalized eye care.

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:

• Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: Central serous chorioretinopathy can affect your sharp, central vision, so regular eye exams are essential for early detection, enabling prompt treatment and reducing the chance of complications.
• Corneal Abrasion: A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the surface of your eye that can cause pain and blurry vision, highlighting the importance of wearing protective eyewear to prevent injury and seeking prompt treatment to avoid infection.
• Binocular Vision Disorder: Preventive eye exams are key to identifying binocular vision disorders, allowing for timely intervention and reducing the risk of long-term vision problems like headaches and eye fatigue.
• Episcleritis Periodica Fugax: Managing Episcleritis Periodica Fugax effectively through early detection and appropriate treatment helps maintain eye health and prevent discomfort or long-term vision issues.
• Autoimmune Eye Diseases: Don't let an autoimmune disease steal your sight. Regular eye exams are your best defense; they enable early identification of eye-related autoimmune issues, allowing for timely treatment and better vision outcomes.
• Eyelid Inflammation: Managing eyelid inflammation is crucial for preventing potential vision loss and chronic eye problems; schedule an eye exam if you experience symptoms.
• Aniridia: Managing Aniridia involves regular eye exams to monitor for potential vision impairment and other related issues. Early intervention is key to preserving your sight.

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:

• Lacrimal Surgery (Co-management): Co-managing your lacrimal surgery ensures your eyes heal properly and helps prevent potential complications after the procedure.
• Eyeglass Fitting: Proper eyeglass fitting ensures your glasses comfortably correct your vision, preventing eye strain and headaches.
• YAG Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (Co-management/some states): YAG laser trabeculoplasty is a precise procedure that can help lower eye pressure and reduce your risk of vision loss from glaucoma.
• Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (ALK) (Co-management): Protecting your vision is key, and ALK co-management provides expert oversight to help your surgeon achieve optimal results and reduce potential complications after your anterior lamellar keratoplasty.
• Peripheral Angiograms: Take a proactive step towards preserving your eyesight with a peripheral angiogram—a valuable tool for detecting subtle changes in the blood vessels of your eyes, allowing for prompt management of potential vision-threatening conditions.
• BlephEx™ for Blepharitis: Improve your eye comfort and overall eye health with BlephEx™, a treatment for blepharitis that helps remove bacteria and debris from your eyelids, reducing irritation and improving your quality of life.
• Visian Impantable Collamer Lens (ICL) (Co-management): Improve your vision and reduce the risk of future eye complications with Visian ICLs; this co-management option ensures expert care throughout the process.

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 attending regular eye exams, a patient proactively monitored their eye health, significantly reducing the risk of vision complications from central serous chorioretinopathy. This proactive approach ensured peace of mind and allowed them to confidently maintain their visual acuity.
• By proactively wearing protective eyewear during yard work, a family avoided a corneal abrasion, ensuring clear vision and preventing potential infection.

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, like Dr. Rachel OD, is a primary eye care provider who performs comprehensive eye exams, prescribes glasses and contact lenses, and diagnoses and manages many eye conditions. An ophthalmologist, on the other hand, is a medical doctor who can also perform eye surgery.

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 for most adults, even if you see well. These exams aren't just about your vision; they're also about detecting silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy early, when treatment is most effective.

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 without surgery, allowing for the detection of conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers. A dilated eye exam can reveal important clues about your overall health.

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 glaucoma early and prevent blindness.

What is the role of an optometrist in managing cataract surgery?

Dr. Rachel OD will diagnose your cataract, determine if surgery is necessary, and refer you to a trusted ophthalmologist for the procedure. She will then provide essential post-operative care and follow-up vision correction.

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

No, it is unsafe and illegal to purchase contact lenses online without a comprehensive eye exam. Contact lenses are medical devices that sit directly on your eye, and a proper fitting and annual exam with Dr. Rachel OD is essential to ensure correct fit and prevent potential eye damage, infections, and vision loss.

What are the signs of a cataract?

Common signs of a cataract include blurry or dim vision, increased glare from lights, fading or yellowing of colors, and frequent changes in glasses prescription. Dr. Rachel OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts.

When should my child have their first eye exam?

Dr. Rachel OD recommends a comprehensive eye exam for children between 6 and 12 months of age. This early exam is vital to identify potential vision problems like lazy eye or misaligned eyes, which can impact a child's vision development.

316 Del Prado Blvd S
Cape Coral FL 33990
Phone: (239) 226-2640

Dr. Rachel Fredericks, 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): 1720783137

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.