Dr. Stephanie Ross, OD

Dr. Stephanie Ross, OD is a board-certified Optometrist practicing at her clinic in Venice, FL. Registered with the Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458, she is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive optometric care. 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. She is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine and creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health.

Dr. Stephanie OD's practice focuses on the full spectrum of eye health, serving all ages, from infants to seniors. She understands the importance of proactive care and is dedicated to educating her patients about the benefits of preventative measures. As a trusted partner in your eye health journey, she tailors her approach to each individual, ensuring personalized care and promoting a proactive lifestyle that contributes to overall well-being. She believes in the power of early detection and proactive measures in maintaining optimal eye health throughout life.

Dr. Stephanie Ross, OD is an optometrist in Venice, FL. She is committed to providing the highest quality of care and ensuring that her patients are well-informed and active participants in their own eye health. Patients should call (941) 485-4868 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. While Dr. Stephanie OD provides consultations primarily in English, she is dedicated to providing clear and comprehensive care to all patients.

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

• Corneal Abrasion: Corneal abrasions, often caused by minor injuries, can lead to significant eye problems if left untreated; proactive eye safety and immediate medical attention are vital for prevention and quick recovery.
• Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP): Protecting your sight from the effects of retinitis pigmentosa starts with proactive care; routine eye screenings can help detect RP early, enabling timely interventions to minimize vision impairment.
• Periorbital Cellulitis: Periorbital cellulitis is a serious infection of the tissues around your eye that needs prompt medical attention to prevent it from spreading and causing vision problems.
• Congenital Motor Nystagmus: Regular vision screenings are vital for identifying congenital motor nystagmus in children, facilitating timely referral to specialists and minimizing the potential long-term effects on vision.
• Acute Posterior Multifocal Placoid Pigment Epitheliopathy: Protecting your eyesight involves being aware of conditions like APMPPE; early detection through routine eye check-ups is key to managing this and preventing further complications.
• Herpes Stomatitis: While not an eye condition, herpes stomatitis emphasizes the interconnectedness of your overall health. Practicing good hygiene and seeking treatment for outbreaks can prevent the virus from spreading and causing more serious problems, including potential eye involvement.
• Choroidal Dystrophy: Regular comprehensive eye exams are key to detecting choroidal dystrophy early, a hereditary eye disease affecting the choroid layer, minimizing potential vision impairment and allowing for timely intervention.

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

• Interpretation of Pharmacologic Stress Tests: For a thorough assessment of your eye health, particularly if you're on medication, this test helps your doctor identify potential complications and tailor your treatment plan.
• Optomap® Retinal Exam: Safeguard your eyesight by scheduling an Optomap® retinal exam, which provides a comprehensive view of your retina, enabling the early detection and treatment of potentially blinding diseases.
• LASIK (Co-management): Enhance your LASIK experience through co-management, where your eye doctor works alongside your surgeon to monitor your eye health and ensure a smooth recovery process.
• YAG Laser Therapy for the Anterior Segment (Co-management/some states): As part of your comprehensive eye health plan, YAG laser therapy is a precise procedure that targets problems in the front of the eye, enabling early intervention and improved visual outcomes.
• Eye Surgery (General term for co-management): Co-managing your eye surgery means a team approach to ensure your recovery is swift, successful, and safe.
• Contact Lens Fitting Services: Invest in your eye health; a contact lens fitting helps determine the best contact lens type for your eyes, reducing the risk of infections and complications.
• Laser Eye Surgery (Co-management): Enhance your vision correction journey with co-management of laser eye surgery, receiving comprehensive care to address complications and achieve lasting visual acuity.

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. Stephanie 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:

• Following a proactive eye safety plan, a young athlete avoided a corneal abrasion, maintaining clear vision and avoiding a lengthy recovery.
• By scheduling regular eye screenings, a patient proactively managed their risk of retinitis pigmentosa, gaining peace of mind and empowering them to make informed decisions about their vision health.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She 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. Stephanie OD:

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

An optometrist, like Dr. Stephanie OD, is a primary eye care provider. They perform comprehensive eye exams, prescribe glasses and contact lenses, and diagnose and manage many eye conditions. Ophthalmologists, on the other hand, 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, even if you see well. These exams aren't just about vision; they detect silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, allowing for early intervention and 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 like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases. The eye is unique in that its blood vessels are directly visible, allowing for detection of these conditions before they cause noticeable symptoms elsewhere in the body.

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

Dr. Stephanie OD will diagnose your cataract, determine when surgery is needed, and refer you to a trusted ophthalmologist. She will then provide all essential post-operative care and follow-up vision correction.

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 of AMD. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management, helping preserve vision.

When should my child have their first eye exam?

Dr. Stephanie 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 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 your retina and optic nerve. Dr. Stephanie OD uses this to detect and monitor diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration with precision.

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

101 Capri Isles Blvd Ste 101
Venice FL 34292
Phone: (941) 485-4868

Dr. Stephanie Ross, 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): 1316563513

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. Stephanie 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.