Dr. Rachel Streeter, OD

Dr. Rachel Streeter, OD is an optometrist practicing at St. Luke's Cataract & Laser Institute Tarpon Springs in Tarpon Springs, 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 Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458, Dr. Streeter is committed to providing personalized health plans, early disease detection, and vision correction, all while prioritizing your best possible 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. Streeter serves all ages, from infants to seniors, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. She earned her medical degree from Northeastern State University College of Optometry in Tahlequah, OK, and completed an internship at Triad Medical Center in Tulsa, OK, gaining foundational clinical experience. Her experience also includes practicing at Redbird Indian Health Clinic in Salisaw, OK, where she provided primary eye care, including refractions, diagnosis, and treatment of eye infections, eye emergencies, and ocular diseases. This extensive background, coupled with her training in pre and postoperative care of cataract and LASIK patients, makes her uniquely qualified to provide exceptional care. To schedule an appointment, please call (727) 349-6886. 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:

• Eye Injuries: Many eye injuries can be avoided with proper safety precautions, but if one does occur, immediate medical attention is key to preventing further complications.
• Scotoma: Don't ignore a scotoma; this blind spot could be a warning sign of a treatable eye condition, making routine eye exams a critical part of managing your eye health.
• Nystagmus, Myoclonic: Early detection of myoclonic nystagmus, a condition causing jerky eye movements, is crucial for managing its impact on vision and preventing further vision problems.
• Stye: Managing a stye effectively minimizes discomfort and risk of secondary infections. Regular preventative eye care helps identify and address the underlying issues that may contribute to styes.
• Macular Dystrophy, Concentric Annular: Regular eye exams are key to preventing vision problems associated with concentric annular macular dystrophy, a condition that slowly affects the central area of your retina, as early diagnosis helps manage disease progression.
• Myopia, Infantile Severe: Early detection of infantile severe myopia is crucial because it allows for timely intervention, reducing the risk of severe vision problems and eye health complications as the child grows.
• Serous Conjunctivitis: Regular eye check-ups can help identify serous conjunctivitis before it worsens, safeguarding your vision and overall eye health.

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:

• Diabetic Eye Exam: A diabetic eye exam helps detect early signs of diabetic retinopathy, a serious eye complication that can lead to vision loss, allowing for timely treatment and preventing blindness.
• Eye Test: Schedule an eye test to ensure your vision is healthy and sharp, catching any issues like glaucoma or cataracts before they significantly impact your life.
• Cornea Surgery (Co-management): Cornea surgery co-management provides a safety net, ensuring your eye health is carefully managed before, during, and after surgery to prevent or address complications efficiently.
• Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery (Co-management): This service combines cosmetic enhancement with comprehensive eye care, addressing both aesthetic goals and the long-term health of your eyes.
• Soft Contact Lenses: By opting for soft contact lenses and attending regular eye exams, you proactively take steps to safeguard your vision and detect any emerging eye health concerns.
• Electrophysiological Study: Proactively monitor your eye health with an electrophysiological study; it helps your doctor identify conditions like retinitis pigmentosa or other vision-related problems early on.
• Strabismus Surgery (Co-management): Proactive co-management of strabismus surgery helps prevent future vision problems and ensures your child's eyes work together effectively.

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 understanding safe eyewear practices and participating in regular eye exams, a family felt confident in proactively reducing their risk of eye injuries, ensuring a brighter future for all.
• By scheduling regular eye exams, a patient detected a potential scotoma early, enabling prompt diagnosis and treatment, preventing further vision loss and providing peace of mind.

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 diseases. They differ from ophthalmologists (MDs), who are medical doctors and eye surgeons.

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 aren't just about your vision; they detect silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, often before symptoms appear. Early detection allows for timely intervention and helps preserve your vision.

Can an eye exam detect other health problems in my body?

Yes, a comprehensive eye exam can detect other health problems. The eye is unique in that its blood vessels can be viewed directly without surgery, allowing our doctors to spot early signs of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases during a dilated eye exam.

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 your retina and optic nerve. This allows Dr. Rachel OD to detect and monitor diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration with great precision.

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 essential for detecting potential vision problems like lazy eye or misaligned eyes, which can impact proper vision development.

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

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

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.

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.

St. Luke's Cataract & Laser Institute Tarpon Springs
43309 US Highway 19 N
Tarpon Springs FL 34689
Phone: (727) 349-6886

Dr. Rachel Streeter, 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): 1255325478

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.