Dr. Richard Paige, OD

Dr. Richard Paige, OD is a dedicated Optometrist practicing at his clinic in Tampa, FL. As a trusted partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, he's committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Optometric care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. Paige understands the crucial role of preventative care in maintaining optimal eye health 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 Paige, OD serves all ages, from infants to seniors, recognizing the unique eye health needs of each stage of life. He is deeply committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. His approach emphasizes proactive measures for maintaining eye health, ensuring early detection of potential issues, and providing personalized strategies for optimal vision and well-being. Patients should call (813) 972-3465 to confirm if Dr. Richard OD is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Richard Paige, OD is an optometrist in Tampa, FL, dedicated to helping patients achieve and maintain excellent eye health. He understands that preventative care is key to a healthier future. He 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:

• Retinal Degeneration: Retinal degeneration is a gradual loss of vision caused by damage to the retina, and early detection through regular eye exams is crucial for slowing its progression and preserving your sight.
• Eyelid Inflammation: Managing eyelid inflammation is crucial for preventing potential vision loss and chronic eye problems; schedule an eye exam if you experience symptoms.
• Visual Field Defects: Visual field defects, or blind spots in your vision, can be a sign of serious eye conditions like glaucoma, making regular eye exams crucial for early detection and treatment to prevent vision loss.
• Retinal Migraine: Retinal migraine is a type of migraine that affects your vision, and early detection through regular eye exams can help prevent potential vision loss.
• Optic Atrophy - Ophthalmoplegia - Ptosis - Deafness - Myopathy: A combination of symptoms like ptosis, ophthalmoplegia, and hearing loss could indicate a serious underlying condition like optic atrophy. Early diagnosis through preventive eye care is vital to manage the condition effectively and improve quality of life.
• Eye Pain: Don't ignore eye pain; early detection of eye problems through regular checkups and immediate attention to pain can significantly reduce the risk of permanent damage.
• Ocular Syphilis: Untreated syphilis can lead to severe eye damage, emphasizing the need for prompt medical care and regular eye exams for early detection and prevention of vision impairment.

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:

• Monovision: Monovision contact lenses or surgery can proactively improve your vision by correcting near and farsightedness simultaneously, enhancing your independence and quality of life.
• Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (ALK) (Co-management): Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (ALK) co-management helps ensure the best possible outcome by carefully monitoring your progress during and after this corneal surgery.
• BlephEx™ for Blepharitis: Early detection and treatment of blepharitis is key to preventing long-term damage. BlephEx™ offers a convenient and effective way to manage this common condition and safeguard your vision.
• ICD Monitoring: Ensure healthy eyes for years to come by scheduling regular ICD monitoring. This valuable screening helps detect glaucoma early, when treatment is most effective.
• Dry Macular Degeneration Management: Preserve your central vision and prevent further damage from dry macular degeneration with our comprehensive management program, including regular monitoring and interventions.
• Eye Examination: An eye exam is more than just checking your vision; it's a vital health assessment that can detect underlying medical issues impacting your eyes.
• Photo Therapeutic Keratectomy (Co-management): To ensure successful treatment and prevent potential complications, PTK co-management involves your eye doctor working collaboratively to optimize your vision and corneal health.

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 managed their retinal health, gaining peace of mind about potential vision loss and reducing their risk of future complications.
• By scheduling regular eye exams and addressing early signs of eyelid inflammation, a patient proactively managed their eye health, preventing potential vision loss and chronic eye problems. This proactive approach ensured peace of mind and confidence in maintaining healthy vision.

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, like Dr. Richard OD, is a primary eye care provider who performs comprehensive eye exams, prescribes glasses and contact lenses, and manages many eye conditions. An ophthalmologist, on the other hand, is a medical doctor who specializes in surgery and more complex eye conditions.

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're about detecting silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy early. Early detection allows for timely intervention and better outcomes.

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, 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 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.

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, to improve comfort and prevent damage.

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 crucial to detect potential vision problems like lazy eye or misaligned eyes, which can impact vision development.

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 the retina and optic nerve. This allows Dr. Richard to detect and monitor diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration with exceptional precision.

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 initially. An annual dilated eye exam allows Dr. Richard OD to detect any changes early and arrange treatment to prevent vision loss.

2001 E Fowler Ave
Tampa FL 33612
Phone: (813) 972-3465

Dr. Richard Paige, 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): 1598721839

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.