Dr. Stephen Hedges, OD

Dr. Stephen Hedges, OD is a dedicated Optometrist practicing at his clinic in Newberry, FL, and is a valued partner in preventive health on weprevent.org. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), he is committed 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. He serves all ages, from infants to seniors, recognizing the unique eye health needs at each stage of life.

Dr. Stephen Hedges, OD is an optometrist in Newberry, FL, 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 approach emphasizes the importance of preventative care, recognizing that proactive measures can significantly impact overall well-being. To confirm Dr. Stephen OD's availability for new patients, please call (352) 309-2021. 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:

• Brown Syndrome: Preventing vision impairment from Brown syndrome starts with regular comprehensive eye exams, allowing for early diagnosis and management of this uncommon eye muscle condition.
• Diabetic Retinopathy: Managing your diabetes effectively is key to preventing or slowing the progression of diabetic retinopathy, a potentially blinding complication.
• Iris Hypoplasia - Glaucoma: Because iris hypoplasia can significantly increase the risk of glaucoma, preventative eye care including routine screenings is your best defense against vision impairment.
• Tear Duct Disorders: Don't ignore persistent eye watering or discomfort—these could signal a tear duct disorder, and prompt attention from an eye doctor can help prevent long-term eye health issues.
• Autosomal Dominat Congenital Nystagmus: Early detection of autosomal dominant congenital nystagmus, a condition causing involuntary eye shaking since birth due to inherited genes, is crucial for implementing strategies that minimize its impact on vision.
• Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: AION can lead to permanent vision impairment, emphasizing the necessity of preventative healthcare, including regular eye check-ups, to detect and address underlying conditions that increase your risk.
• Cystoid Macular Edema: Blurry vision could be a sign of cystoid macular edema, a swelling in the macula that can lead to blindness without intervention; prioritizing regular comprehensive eye exams aids in early diagnosis and prompt treatment, minimizing long-term visual 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. Stephen OD offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Laser Trabeculoplasty or Iridectomy (Co-management/some states): Taking charge of your eye health: This procedure can be a key step in managing glaucoma, helping to prevent serious vision problems.
• Oculoplastics (Co-management): For comprehensive eye care, oculoplastics co-management provides coordinated care between your eye doctor and an oculoplastic surgeon, ensuring optimal management of conditions affecting the delicate structures around your eyes.
• Vitrectomy (Co-management): Protecting your vision after a vitrectomy is crucial, and co-management allows your eye doctor to play an active role in monitoring your progress and addressing any concerns.
• Ptosis (Eyelids) Surgery (Co-management): Protect your vision and ensure the best possible results from your ptosis surgery with our comprehensive co-management care.
• Hemodynamic Monitoring: For optimal eye health, proactive blood flow monitoring within the eyes is essential and helps us screen for conditions that may not have noticeable symptoms.
• Multifocal Contact Lens Treatment: Multifocal contact lenses offer a convenient way to address presbyopia (age-related blurry near vision), helping you avoid eye fatigue and maintain clear vision throughout the day.
• Laser Trabeculoplasty (Co-management/some states): Laser trabeculoplasty offers a minimally invasive approach to glaucoma management, helping to reduce intraocular pressure and safeguarding your sight.

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 scheduling regular eye exams, a patient proactively managed their risk of vision impairment from Brown syndrome, ensuring peace of mind and a clear path toward maintaining optimal eye health.
• By diligently managing their diabetes and attending regular eye exams, a patient proactively reduced the risk of diabetic retinopathy, ensuring better long-term eye health.

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 conditions. 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 every one to two years is crucial for most adults, even if your vision is currently excellent. These exams aren't just about your eyesight; they're about detecting 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 other health problems. The eye is the only place where blood vessels can be viewed directly without surgery, allowing for early detection of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases.

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

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. Stephen OD focuses on maximizing remaining vision through tools like magnifiers, special lighting, and adaptive devices to help maintain independence.

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 for you.

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.

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 two forms: "dry" and "wet." Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management to help preserve sight.

14128 W Newberry Rd Ste 40
Newberry FL 32669
Phone: (352) 309-2021

Dr. Stephen Hedges, 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): 1043595192

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.