Dr. Stephen Gres, OD

Dr. Stephen Gres, OD is an optometrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Optometric care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, he practices at his clinic in Brandon, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment extends beyond vision correction, encompassing early disease detection and personalized health plans tailored to each patient's unique needs. 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. Stephen OD serves all ages, from infants to seniors, recognizing the importance of comprehensive eye care at every stage of life. He believes in a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Stephen Gres, OD is an optometrist in Brandon, FL. He is accepting new patients. To begin your proactive health journey, please call (813) 685-1935 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Stephen OD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Peripheral Uveitis: Don't underestimate the importance of routine eye checkups; they're essential for detecting peripheral uveitis and preventing irreversible damage.
• Primary Open Angle Glaucoma: Don't let primary open-angle glaucoma steal your sight—schedule regular eye exams to ensure early detection and treatment, preserving your vision for years to come.
• Neonatal Conjunctivitis: Early detection and prompt treatment of neonatal conjunctivitis are crucial to prevent serious complications like vision impairment, emphasizing the importance of routine newborn eye exams.
• Astigmatism: Astigmatism is a common vision problem that causes blurry vision due to an irregularly shaped cornea, and early detection through regular eye exams can help ensure you receive the appropriate correction to prevent eye strain and headaches.
• Marcus-Gunn Pupillary Sign: The Marcus-Gunn pupil sign, detected during a comprehensive eye exam, can indicate a problem with the pathway between your brain and eyes, highlighting the importance of regular eye checkups for early disease detection and preventing vision loss.
• Retinal Migraine: Don't ignore visual auras during migraine attacks; these might indicate retinal migraine, emphasizing the need for prompt professional diagnosis and preventative strategies.
• Eye Injuries: Many eye injuries can be avoided with proper safety precautions, but if one does occur, immediate medical attention is key to preventing further complications.

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

• Ptosis (Eyelids) Surgery (Co-management): Take control of your eye health by co-managing your ptosis surgery with us, allowing for early detection and treatment of any complications.
• ICD Monitoring: Regular ICD monitoring helps your eye doctor detect early signs of glaucoma and other eye diseases, allowing for timely treatment and preserving your vision.
• Blepharoplasty (Co-management): Co-managing blepharoplasty helps ensure your eyelid surgery complements your overall eye health and vision, preventing complications and maximizing results.
• YAG Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (Co-management/some states): This laser treatment, called YAG laser trabeculoplasty, helps lower the pressure inside your eyes, a crucial step in preventing glaucoma-related vision loss.
• Eye Movement Recording: Protecting your vision starts with eye movement recording; this assessment helps identify problems early on, potentially preventing future vision difficulties.
• Laser Eye Surgery (Co-management): Prioritize your eye health and the success of your laser eye surgery by utilizing co-management services, helping detect and manage potential problems early.
• Punctal Plug Removal: To improve your eye health, punctal plug removal can be performed to address tear deficiency and reduce discomfort associated with dry eyes.

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. Stephen 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 attending regular eye exams, a patient proactively managed potential peripheral uveitis, reducing the risk of irreversible vision loss and gaining peace of mind.
• By scheduling regular eye exams, a patient proactively managed their risk for primary open-angle glaucoma, gaining peace of mind about preserving their vision for years to come.

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. Stephen 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 specializing in eye surgery.

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

A comprehensive eye exam, even if you see well, is crucial for early detection of silent, vision-threatening diseases. We recommend these exams every one to two years for most adults to ensure optimal eye health. Early detection can prevent significant vision loss.

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 our doctors to identify potential problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers. A dilated eye exam can reveal these early signs.

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

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, causing irreversible peripheral vision loss. Regular eye exams are the only way to detect glaucoma early and prevent blindness.

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

Dr. Stephen OD will diagnose your cataract, determine if surgery is necessary, and refer you to a trusted ophthalmologist. Following surgery, Dr. Stephen OD will provide essential post-operative care and vision correction follow-up.

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

What is an OCT scan?

An OCT scan is an advanced imaging technology, similar to an ultrasound but using light, to create incredibly detailed cross-sectional pictures of your retina and optic nerve. Dr. Stephen OD uses this to precisely detect and monitor diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration.

937 Brandon Town Center Mall
Brandon FL 33511
Phone: (813) 685-1935

Dr. Stephen Gres, 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): 1962528620

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. Stephen 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.