Dr. Steven Manikowski, OD

Dr. Steven Manikowski, 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 Kissimmee, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing 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 is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health, serving all ages, from infants to seniors.

Dr. Steven OD is an optometrist in Kissimmee, FL, focused on the proactive, comprehensive care of his patients. He understands that preventative care is crucial for maintaining optimal eye health and overall well-being. His dedication extends to helping you understand your eye health needs, and developing personalized strategies for maintaining good vision throughout your life. To confirm if Dr. Steven OD is currently accepting new patients, please call (407) 870-0051. Dr. Steven OD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Optic Atrophy 1: Don't underestimate the power of preventive eye care; regular eye exams can detect optic atrophy early, enabling intervention that may preserve your vision.
• 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.
• Juvenile Glaucoma: Regular eye exams for children are crucial for preventing vision impairment from juvenile glaucoma, as early intervention can help manage the disease and prevent further damage.
• Keratitis, Hereditary: Because hereditary keratitis is passed down through families, regular eye exams are critical for early diagnosis and treatment, thereby preventing severe vision problems.
• Nystagmus, Congenital Motor, Autosomal Recessive: Inherited from both parents, congenital nystagmus can affect vision, but consistent monitoring allows for appropriate interventions to optimize visual function and quality of life.
• Lattice Dystrophy: Regular visits to your eye doctor are essential for identifying lattice dystrophy, a condition that, when left untreated, could lead to significant vision problems.
• Coloboma of Iris: Don't underestimate the importance of routine eye exams, especially for children, as they can reveal conditions like iris coloboma early on, enabling prompt treatment and better visual outcomes.

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

• Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Co-management): Take a proactive step towards clear vision by exploring femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery co-management, ensuring the best possible outcome for your cataract procedure.
• LipiFlow® Procedure: Invest in your eye health and prevent further dry eye complications with LipiFlow®, a procedure that effectively unclogs blocked glands responsible for producing healthy tears.
• Refractive Surgery (Co-management): Ensure a smooth and successful refractive surgery experience with our comprehensive co-management services; we monitor your progress to optimize your vision correction.
• Laser Eye Surgery (Co-management): Protect your vision investment with laser eye surgery co-management, providing expert care before, during, and after your procedure for optimal results and early detection of any issues.
• Photo Therapeutic Keratectomy (Co-management): By co-managing your PTK procedure, your eye doctor ensures the best possible outcome, helping prevent vision loss and improving your overall eye health.
• Strabismus Examination: Ensure your child's eyes are working together properly with a strabismus exam. This screening helps identify and correct crossed or wandering eyes, preserving clear vision.
• Macular Degeneration Treatment: Invest in your eye health with timely intervention. Macular degeneration treatment encompasses various strategies to prevent or slow vision loss from macular degeneration.

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. Steven 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 identified early signs of potential optic atrophy, allowing for timely intervention and preserving their vision. This proactive approach provided the family with significant peace of mind and a plan to maintain their eye health.
• By scheduling regular eye exams, a patient proactively managed their astigmatism, ensuring clear vision and preventing potential eye strain and headaches. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and allowed them to enjoy daily activities without discomfort.

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. Steven OD:

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

An optometrist (OD) is the primary eye care provider, performing comprehensive exams, prescribing glasses and contact lenses, and diagnosing and managing many eye conditions. An ophthalmologist (MD) is a medical doctor who specializes in eye surgery.

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 go beyond just checking your vision, helping us identify potential problems before symptoms arise.

Can an eye exam detect other health problems in my body?

Yes, a comprehensive eye exam can detect other health problems. The eye is unique in that its blood vessels can be viewed directly without surgery, allowing for the early detection of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases.

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

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. Steven OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts for you.

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

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

When should my child have their first eye exam?

Dr. Steven OD recommends a comprehensive eye exam for children between 6 and 12 months of age. This early exam is vital for detecting potential issues like lazy eye or misaligned eyes, ensuring proper vision development.

3272 N John Young Pkwy
Kissimmee FL 34741
Phone: (407) 870-0051

Dr. Steven Manikowski, 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): 1235265398

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. Steven 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.