Dr. Stephen Thomas, OD

Dr. Stephen Thomas, OD is a board-certified Optometrist practicing at his clinic in Orlando, FL. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, he is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Optometric care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. Stephen OD understands the crucial role of early intervention in maintaining optimal eye health and overall wellness. 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 unique eye health needs of each stage of life. He is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (407) 737-0269 to schedule your appointment. Dr. Stephen Thomas, OD is an optometrist in Orlando, FL. He is accepting new patients. Dr. Stephen OD is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. 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:

• Open-Angle Glaucoma: Open-angle glaucoma, a common cause of blindness, is best managed through preventive care, including routine eye exams to catch and treat it early, helping to preserve your vision for years to come.
• Retinal Edema: Protecting your vision involves understanding retinal edema, a condition causing retinal swelling that, if caught early, can often be effectively managed and prevent serious complications.
• Night Blindness: Night blindness, the difficulty seeing in low light, can be a sign of underlying eye problems, so regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and preventing vision loss.
• Stye: A stye is a painful infection of an eyelid gland, and catching it early with regular eye exams can help prevent it from spreading or causing more serious complications.
• Macular Dystrophy, Vitelliform, Early-Onset: Vitelliform macular dystrophy, when diagnosed early, allows for better management of potential vision changes, emphasizing the significance of preventive eye care throughout your life.
• Chemical Burn - Eyes: Preventative eye safety practices, such as wearing protective eyewear, are crucial in avoiding chemical burns and their devastating consequences on vision.
• Herpes Stomatitis: Though primarily affecting the mouth, herpes stomatitis highlights the importance of preventive health; managing outbreaks can reduce the spread of the virus, potentially protecting your eyes from 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:

• Monovision: Monovision offers a convenient way to correct both near and farsightedness, simplifying your vision needs and potentially preventing future vision problems.
• Visual Evoked Potential (VEP): Protect your eyesight by undergoing a VEP test, which helps screen for conditions that can impair your visual pathways and ultimately, your vision.
• Extraocular Muscle Surgery (Co-management): Co-management of your extraocular muscle surgery provides comprehensive support throughout the process, contributing to a successful outcome and healthy vision.
• Ultrasound, Eye: Don't wait for symptoms; an eye ultrasound can detect issues like retinal tears or swelling even before you notice any vision changes, preventing severe complications.
• Iridectomy (Co-management): As part of comprehensive eye care, co-managed iridectomy helps prevent vision impairment by targeting and resolving problems affecting the iris.
• Cornea Transplant (Co-management): As part of your comprehensive eye care plan, cornea co-management provides specialized support and monitoring before and after your corneal transplant to achieve optimal results.
• Visian Impantable Collamer Lens (ICL) (Co-management): Take a proactive step towards clearer vision by exploring Visian Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICLs), a procedure that can reduce your reliance on glasses or contacts.

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 routine eye exams, a patient proactively managed their risk of open-angle glaucoma, gaining peace of mind and ensuring the preservation of their vision.
• By attending regular eye exams and following a proactive eye health plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of retinal edema, gaining peace of mind about their vision future.

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. Ophthalmologists (MDs) are medical doctors who specialize in surgery and more complex eye conditions.

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 good. These exams are not just about checking your eyesight; they're vital for 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 early signs of systemic diseases. The eye is the only place where blood vessels can be viewed directly without surgery, allowing our doctors to spot potential issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases.

I have something in my eye. Should I come here first?

Yes, absolutely. For issues like eye infections, corneal scratches, or foreign objects, an optometrist is the ideal first point of contact. We are equipped to diagnose and treat these urgent issues, often preventing a long and costly visit to the emergency room.

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.

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 vision loss.

When should my child have their first eye exam?

Dr. Stephen OD recommends a comprehensive eye exam for children between 6 and 12 months of age. This early exam is crucial 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?

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

325 N Alafaya Trl
Orlando FL 32828
Phone: (407) 737-0269

Dr. Stephen Thomas, 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): 1477676542

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.