Dr. Richard Sills, OD

Dr. Richard Sills, OD is a dedicated Optometrist practicing at Ascension Medical Group Wisconsin - Greenfield in Fort Myers, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Optometric care. As your optometrist, he's 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. He serves all ages, from infants to seniors, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey.

Dr. Richard Sills, OD, an optometrist in Fort Myers, FL, is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. He strives to create a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. His practice prioritizes preventative care, recognizing the importance of early detection and personalized strategies for maintaining optimal vision and well-being. He is accepting new patients, and you can schedule an appointment by calling (239) 936-8686. 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:

• Retinal Tear: A retinal tear is a small break in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye, and early detection through regular eye exams is crucial to prevent 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.
• Cataract: Protecting your vision from cataracts involves regular eye check-ups, allowing for early detection and treatment options that can help maintain clear sight.
• Ocular Albinism: Because ocular albinism is an inherited condition affecting vision, scheduling regular eye exams with your optometrist ensures prompt identification and treatment of any associated problems.
• Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis: Managing giant papillary conjunctivitis effectively reduces the risk of persistent eye irritation and potential damage to the cornea through regular monitoring and appropriate treatment.
• Primary Open Angle Glaucoma: Primary open-angle glaucoma is a gradual eye disease that damages the optic nerve, and early detection through regular eye exams is crucial for preventing vision loss.
• Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is a condition where fluid leaks under the retina, affecting your central vision, and regular eye exams help detect it early to prevent vision loss.

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:

• B-Scan Ultrasound: To ensure the long-term health of your eyes, a B-Scan ultrasound offers a detailed image of the eye's interior, enabling timely intervention for conditions that may affect your vision.
• Eye Movement Recording: Ensure your eyes are working together seamlessly—eye movement recording is a key part of a comprehensive eye exam that screens for conditions affecting eye control.
• Punctal Plug Insertion: Punctal plugs are tiny inserts that help your eyes retain more natural tears, relieving dryness and preventing further damage.
• Ocular Inflammation (Uveitis) Treatment: Protecting your vision starts with proactive care: uveitis treatment addresses eye inflammation, preventing potential vision loss and preserving your sight.
• Multifocal Contact Lens Treatment: Improve your quality of life and proactively address age-related vision changes with multifocal contact lenses; regular eye exams with these lenses can help detect eye diseases early.
• Doppler Test: Take a proactive step towards eye health with a Doppler test—it's a painless procedure that can help detect subtle circulatory issues impacting your eyes.
• Soft Contact Lenses: Choosing soft contact lenses allows for personalized vision correction, enhancing your quality of life and potentially reducing the risk of eye-related accidents.

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 prioritizing regular eye exams, a patient proactively managed their risk for retinal tears, gaining peace of mind about their eye health. Early detection through these screenings allowed for timely interventions and prevented potential vision loss.
• By scheduling routine eye exams, a patient proactively managed potential binocular vision issues, ensuring visual comfort and preventing future complications. Early detection allowed for personalized strategies, ultimately improving their overall quality of life.

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 your vision is excellent. These exams aren't just about seeing clearly; they help detect 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, including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases. The eye is unique in that its blood vessels are visible directly, allowing for the detection of these conditions often before they cause noticeable symptoms elsewhere in the body.

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. Richard OD is essential to ensure they fit correctly and are not damaging your eye, which can prevent serious infections and vision loss.

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 and special lighting, and other adaptive devices to maintain independence.

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 for detecting potential vision problems like lazy eye or misaligned eyes, which can impact a child's vision 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 it early and prevent blindness.

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

Ascension Medical Group Wisconsin - Greenfield
4790 Barkley Cir Bldg C
Fort Myers FL 33907
Phone: (239) 936-8686

Dr. Richard Sills, 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): 1194994046

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.