Dr. Richard Griffin, OD

Dr. Richard Griffin, OD is a dedicated Optometrist practicing at his clinic in Gainesville, FL, and committed 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), Dr. Griffin is a valued partner in preventive health, recognizing that your optometrist is your primary partner in lifelong eye health. He provides preventive care, vision correction, early disease detection, personalized health plans, and coordinating screenings to ensure your best possible vision and overall wellness. He serves all ages, from infants to seniors. Please call (352) 420-8724 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Richard Griffin, OD is an optometrist in Gainesville, FL, with extensive experience in the field. He graduated from Southern College of Optometry in 1975, earning his medical degree from this esteemed institution. Dr. Griffin's approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care and ensuring patients have a clear understanding of their eye health needs. Dr. Richard OD provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Richard 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. Richard 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. Richard 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 Pucker: Macular pucker, if left untreated, can lead to serious vision problems. Preventative care through routine comprehensive eye exams helps identify this condition before it worsens.
• Ocular Herpes (Herpes of the Eye): Ocular herpes, or herpes of the eye, is a serious infection that can cause vision loss if not detected and treated early, highlighting the importance of regular comprehensive eye exams.
• Ocular Syphilis: Ocular syphilis, a serious eye infection caused by syphilis bacteria, highlights the importance of regular eye exams for early detection and preventing vision loss.
• Macular Dystrophy, Retinal, 3: Early detection of macular dystrophy is key to managing its impact on your sight. Regular comprehensive eye exams are your best defense against vision loss from this condition.
• Hypertensive Retinopathy: Early detection of hypertensive retinopathy, through preventative eye exams, is vital as it's a complication of high blood pressure that can lead to serious vision problems if left untreated.
• Macular Degeneration, Polymorphic: Don't wait for symptoms to appear; regular eye screenings are your best line of defense against polymorphic macular degeneration. Early detection helps prevent vision loss and improves treatment outcomes.
• Cataract - Aberrant Oral Frenula - Growth Delay: Addressing oral frenulum issues alongside monitoring for cataracts and growth delays contributes to a child's overall health and prevents potential vision problems.

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

• Minimally Invasive Valve Surgery: Protecting your sight starts with early detection. Minimally invasive valve surgery is a procedure that can help detect and address underlying eye issues before they significantly impact your vision.
• Laser Cataract Surgery (Co-management): Take a proactive step towards clear vision by co-managing your laser cataract surgery for optimal outcomes and reduced risks.
• Ocular Inflammation (Uveitis) Treatment: Invest in your eyesight's future: uveitis treatment effectively manages inflammation, preventing severe vision impairments and preserving your eye health.
• Scleral Contact Lens Treatment: Improve your vision and eye health by discussing scleral lenses with your eye doctor – they may be the answer for conditions affecting your cornea's shape or surface.
• 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.
• Dry Macular Degeneration Management: Invest in your vision health by actively participating in dry macular degeneration management, which can help preserve your ability to see clearly and enjoy life to the fullest.
• Strabismus Surgery (Co-management): Co-managing your strabismus surgery allows for close monitoring and intervention, improving the overall visual outcome and enhancing your quality of life.

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. Richard 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 identified potential macular pucker early, significantly reducing the risk of vision loss and maintaining clear sight. This proactive approach ensured peace of mind and empowered them to confidently pursue their daily activities.
• By scheduling regular eye exams and discussing potential risk factors, a patient proactively managed their eye health, reducing the risk of ocular herpes and ensuring 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. 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. Richard 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 who are also 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 for most adults, even if you see well. These exams aren't just about vision; they're 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 like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases. The eye is the only place where blood vessels can be viewed directly without surgery, allowing for the detection of these issues.

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

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 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. Richard OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts to ensure proper care.

When should my child have their first eye exam?

Dr. Richard OD recommends a comprehensive eye exam for children between 6 and 12 months of age. This early exam is vital to detect potential vision problems like lazy eye or misaligned eyes, ensuring proper development.

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, yet causes irreversible peripheral vision loss. Regular eye exams are the only way to detect glaucoma early and prevent vision loss.

3581 SW Archer Rd
Gainesville FL 32608
Phone: (352) 420-8724

Dr. Richard Griffin, 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): 1740660380

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. Richard 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.