Dr. Shaun Small, OD

Dr. Shaun Small, OD is an optometrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive optometric care at his clinic in Tampa, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. He serves all ages, from infants to seniors.

Dr. Small's commitment to patient care extends beyond the examination room. He earned his medical degree from Nova Southeastern University and began his career working in vision offices around the Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg area. In 2009, he opened his private practice, East Oak Optical, in central Tampa, conveniently located near downtown/channelside districts. With a mission of helping people look and see their best, Dr. Small and his team at East Oak Optical deliver above and beyond expectations. Dr. Small is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey, and they should call (813) 454-4928 to schedule. He provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Shaun 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. Shaun 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. Shaun 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:

• Astigmatism: Don't let blurry vision caused by astigmatism affect your daily life. Regular eye exams are critical for early diagnosis so you can get the right correction and prevent future complications like eye strain or headaches.
• Blepharitis: Blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelids, is often manageable with simple hygiene practices and early intervention from your optometrist, protecting your vision long-term.
• Blurred Vision: Blurred vision can be a sign of developing eye problems, so scheduling regular eye exams is crucial for early detection and preventing vision loss.
• Cataract: Managing your risk for cataracts involves understanding your family history and making healthy lifestyle choices, complemented by regular eye exams for early detection and treatment.
• Dry Eyes: Early detection of dry eye symptoms, like burning or itching, allows for timely intervention, preventing more serious problems such as corneal damage.
• Glaucoma: Protecting your sight from glaucoma involves proactive steps like routine eye pressure checks and early diagnosis, helping manage this condition and avoid vision loss.
• Night Blindness: If you're struggling to see clearly at night, schedule an eye exam. Addressing night blindness promptly can help prevent the condition from worsening and potentially safeguard your long-term vision.
• Watering Eyes: Preventative eye care includes addressing watering eyes, which could be a symptom of a more serious issue; early intervention through regular checkups can maintain your 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. Shaun OD offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Contact Lens Exams: Ensure your contact lenses are the right fit and aren't harming your eyes by getting regular contact lens exams, allowing for early detection of problems.
• Contact Lens Fitting Services: Get a personalized contact lens fitting to ensure optimal vision correction and comfortable wear, preventing potential eye strain and discomfort.
• Eye Test: An eye test is a proactive step to detect potential vision problems and eye diseases early, allowing for timely treatment and preventing vision loss.
• Eyeglasses: Regular eye exams and appropriate eyeglasses help protect your vision by detecting problems like astigmatism or nearsightedness early, facilitating timely intervention and preventing potential complications.
• 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.
• Vision Screening: A vision screening is a quick check-up that helps detect potential eye problems early, allowing for prompt treatment and preventing vision loss.
• YAG Laser Therapy for the Anterior Segment (Co-management/some states): Protecting your sight starts with proactive care: YAG laser therapy can address specific anterior segment issues, helping you maintain clear vision and avoid future complications.

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. Shaun 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 routine eye exams, a patient proactively managed their astigmatism, avoiding the discomfort of blurry vision and potential future eye strain. This proactive approach ensured a clear path to a healthier, more comfortable lifestyle.
• By consistently practicing good eyelid hygiene and following the optometrist's recommendations, a patient effectively managed their blepharitis, maintaining clear vision and preventing further complications. This proactive approach ensured long-term eye health and 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. Shaun OD:

What is an Optometrist, and how are they different from an Ophthalmologist?

An optometrist, like Dr. Shaun OD, is a primary eye care provider who performs comprehensive eye exams, prescribes glasses and contact lenses, and manages many eye conditions. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who is also an eye surgeon.

How often should I get a comprehensive eye exam, even if I see well?

Even if your vision is good, a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years is crucial for early detection of silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. These exams look beyond your vision clarity to help protect 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 the only place where blood vessels can be viewed directly without surgery, allowing a dilated exam to reveal potential issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases.

When should my child have their first eye exam?

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

Is it safe to buy contact lenses online without an exam?

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. Shaun OD is essential to ensure a safe and comfortable lens experience. Incorrect fitting can lead to serious eye infections and vision loss.

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

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

What is the role of an optometrist in managing cataract surgery?

Dr. Shaun OD plays a vital role in your cataract journey. We will diagnose the cataract, determine the need for surgery, and refer you to a trusted ophthalmologist. Then, we will provide all necessary post-operative care and follow-up vision correction.

What is an OCT scan?

An OCT scan is an advanced imaging technology, similar to an ultrasound, that uses light to create incredibly detailed, cross-sectional pictures of your retina and optic nerve. Dr. Shaun OD uses these images to detect and monitor diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration with great precision.

407 E Oak Ave
Tampa FL 33602
Phone: (813) 454-4928

Dr. Shaun Small, 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): 1932296993

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. Shaun 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.