Dr. Steven Shircel, OD

Dr. Steven Shircel, OD is an optometrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive eye care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, he practices at his clinic in Naples, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). He recognizes that 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 prioritizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health.

Dr. Steven OD serves all ages, from infants to seniors, and is committed to providing exceptional care for each patient. He is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (239) 624-8250 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Steven Shircel, OD is an optometrist in Naples, FL. He is accepting new patients. 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:

• Serous Conjunctivitis: Serous conjunctivitis is often treatable with simple remedies if identified quickly, thus avoiding more serious eye health issues.
• Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) is a serious eye condition that can cause sudden vision loss, highlighting the importance of regular comprehensive eye exams for early detection and prevention of further damage.
• Optic Nerve Coloboma With Renal Disease: Preventive eye care is especially important for those with a family history of optic nerve coloboma, as this birth defect can be associated with renal disease, and early diagnosis allows for better health management.
• Iris Hypoplasia - Glaucoma: Early diagnosis of iris hypoplasia is vital, as it's linked to a higher likelihood of glaucoma, allowing for timely intervention and reducing the severity of vision loss.
• Difficulty Seeing at Night: If you're having trouble seeing at night, it's important to get your eyes checked. This allows for early diagnosis and treatment of potential eye diseases, protecting your vision long-term.
• Optic Nerve Hypoplasia, Familial Bilateral: Familial bilateral optic nerve hypoplasia is a rare condition where the optic nerves are underdeveloped, often inherited, requiring early diagnosis to manage potential vision problems and prevent further complications.
• Herpes Simplex Infection: Early detection of herpes simplex eye infection is crucial; prompt treatment can significantly reduce the risk of permanent vision damage.

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:

• Removal of Intraocular Foreign Body (Co-management): Protecting your eyesight starts with removing any foreign objects in your eye to prevent infection and potential vision loss.
• Visual Evoked Potential (VEP): To proactively safeguard your vision, a VEP test assesses your brain's processing of visual information, aiding in the early detection of neurological conditions that impact eyesight.
• Optomap® Retinal Exam: An Optomap® retinal exam is a simple yet powerful tool for proactive eye care, helping your eye doctor screen for various conditions and recommend treatment if needed, preserving your vision for years to come.
• Lacrimal Surgery (Co-management): By choosing lacrimal surgery co-management, you gain the benefit of expert monitoring and support to help you achieve a successful outcome and maintain optimal eye health.
• Pterygium Surgery (Co-management): Taking charge of your eye health: pterygium surgery co-management supports optimal surgical outcomes and protects your vision.
• Vision Therapy (Orthoptics Therapy): Vision therapy is a series of exercises designed to correct visual problems like eye teaming and focusing difficulties, potentially avoiding the need for stronger glasses or contacts.
• Cataract Removal Surgery (Co-management): Take control of your vision health: Our co-management services support your cataract surgery journey, optimizing outcomes and recovery.

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 promptly addressing potential symptoms and following a proactive eye health plan, a patient avoided the progression of serous conjunctivitis, maintaining clear vision and overall well-being.
• By diligently following a proactive eye care plan, a patient successfully lowered their risk of vision loss, finding peace of mind in knowing their eyes were being closely monitored.

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 a primary eye care provider who performs comprehensive eye exams, prescribes glasses and contacts, 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?

Even if you see well, 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 are about more than just your vision; they're a vital preventive measure.

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 us to see potential issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases.

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.

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, and regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management to help preserve sight.

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 it early and prevent blindness.

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.

My eyes often feel dry and gritty. What can I do?

Dry eye is a very common condition. Dr. Steven OD can diagnose the underlying cause and recommend a personalized treatment plan, which may include prescription eye drops or in-office procedures, to improve comfort and prevent damage.

1726 Medical Blvd Ste 101
Naples FL 34110
Phone: (239) 624-8250

Dr. Steven Shircel, 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): 1477660678

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.