Dr. Richard Hernandez, OD

Dr. Richard Hernandez, OD is a dedicated optometrist practicing at his clinic in Palm Harbor, FL. Registered with the Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), he is committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive optometric care. His approach emphasizes prevention, ensuring optimal eye health and well-being throughout life. 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. Richard OD serves all ages, from infants to seniors, recognizing the unique eye health needs at each stage of life. He understands the importance of collaborative, evidence-based medicine and creates a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He's currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (727) 772-1000 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Richard Hernandez, OD is an optometrist in Palm Harbor, FL. He is accepting new patients. Dr. Richard OD offers consultations in Spanish.

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:

• 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.
• Iritis: Regular comprehensive eye exams are crucial for preventing vision complications from iritis, a condition causing inflammation of the colored part of your eye that, if left untreated, can lead to serious issues.
• Nevus of Ota: A Nevus of Ota is a birthmark affecting the eyes and skin, and regular eye exams help detect any associated vision problems early.
• Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma: Primary angle closure glaucoma is a serious eye condition where the fluid pressure inside your eye builds up, potentially damaging your optic nerve and leading to vision loss, but regular eye exams can detect it early and prevent serious complications.
• Diabetic Eye Disease: Don't let diabetes steal your sight – regular eye exams are your best defense against diabetic eye disease, allowing for early intervention and better outcomes.
• Retinal Tear: Don't underestimate the importance of preventive eye care: early detection of a retinal tear through regular check-ups allows for intervention, preventing potential blindness or severe vision loss.
• Binocular Vision Disorder: Don't underestimate the importance of regular eye check-ups for preventing binocular vision problems; early diagnosis allows for effective management, improving your quality of life and visual comfort.

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:

• Foreign Body Removal from Eye: Foreign body removal helps safeguard your eye health by promptly addressing irritants and minimizing the chance of infection or vision loss.
• Conjunctivoplasty (Co-management): Protecting your eye health after surgery is key; conjunctivoplasty co-management helps ensure proper healing and reduces the risk of complications.
• Punctal Plug Insertion: To combat dry eyes, punctal plugs are small devices inserted into tear ducts to reduce tear drainage and improve eye lubrication.
• Keratoconus Treatment With Contact Lenses: Protect your eyes from the effects of keratoconus; contact lenses are an effective tool to correct vision and improve your quality of life.
• Astigmatism Correction Surgery (Co-management): Take charge of your eye health: co-managed astigmatism correction surgery helps you see clearly and prevents vision-related difficulties.
• Visian Impantable Collamer Lens (ICL) (Co-management): Enhance your quality of life by considering Visian ICLs with co-management, enabling proactive monitoring and addressing any vision problems early.
• Dacryocystorhinostomy (Co-management): To help ensure proper tear drainage and prevent future eye infections, your doctor may recommend a dacryocystorhinostomy procedure.

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 monitored their eye health, reducing the risk of vision complications associated with central serous chorioretinopathy and maintaining clear vision.
• By scheduling regular eye exams, a patient proactively managed potential iritis complications, securing peace of mind and a healthier vision future.

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 diseases. An Ophthalmologist (MD) is a medical doctor and eye surgeon.

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 help detect silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy early, when treatment is most effective. Early detection is key to preserving your sight.

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 because its blood vessels can be viewed directly, allowing us to spot potential issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers. A dilated eye exam can reveal these early indicators.

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 'low vision' and how can you help?

Low vision is vision impairment that cannot be fully corrected with glasses, contacts, or surgery. A low vision evaluation with Dr. Richard OD focuses on maximizing remaining vision through tools like magnifiers, special lighting, and adaptive devices to help maintain independence.

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

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.

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

Dry eye is a very common condition. Dr. Richard OD can diagnose the underlying 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.

36021 US Highway 19 N
Palm Harbor FL 34684
Phone: (727) 772-1000

Dr. Richard Hernandez, 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): 1952302648

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.