Dr. Stuart Kaplan, OD

Dr. Stuart Kaplan, OD is a dedicated optometrist practicing at his clinic in Cape Coral, FL. 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. As a valued partner in preventive health on weprevent.org, Dr. Stuart OD understands 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 serves all ages, from infants to seniors, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey.

Dr. Stuart Kaplan, OD's approach to care is deeply rooted in 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, recognizing the critical link between eye health and overall well-being. He is an optometrist in Cape Coral, FL, accepting new patients. Please call (239) 542-2020 to schedule your appointment. Dr. Stuart OD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Juvenile Cataract: Early diagnosis of juvenile cataracts is crucial to avoid future vision problems, highlighting the necessity of scheduling routine eye examinations for children to ensure timely intervention and prevent complications.
• Chronic Conjunctivitis: Persistent eye irritation from chronic conjunctivitis can be effectively managed with timely professional care, lowering your risk of vision-threatening issues.
• Coloboma of Macula: Protecting your vision starts with preventative care. Early detection of coloboma of the macula through routine eye exams, particularly in children, can minimize potential long-term vision impairments.
• Retrobulbar Neuritis: Don't ignore sudden vision changes; retrobulbar neuritis, an inflammation affecting the optic nerve, can lead to serious vision loss if not addressed promptly. Preventive care includes routine eye examinations to catch such issues early.
• Eye Muscle Disorders: Preventing long-term vision impairment from eye muscle disorders starts with proactive care: schedule regular comprehensive eye exams to catch and address any issues early.
• Myopia, Infantile Severe: Early detection of infantile severe myopia is crucial because it allows for timely intervention, reducing the risk of severe vision problems and eye health complications as the child grows.
• Eye Pain: Eye pain can be a sign of a serious underlying eye condition, so seeking prompt professional care is crucial for preventing vision loss.

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

• Blepharoplasty (Co-management): Protecting your vision after eyelid surgery is crucial; our co-management services provide the necessary post-operative care to help prevent vision problems and ensure successful healing.
• Adult Eye and Vision Examination: Ensure your eyes are healthy and functioning optimally with a routine eye exam, which screens for common vision problems and serious eye diseases.
• Interpretation of Pharmacologic Stress Tests: Taking proactive steps towards better vision, this test helps your eye doctor assess your eye health and identify potential problems early on.
• Iridectomy (Co-management): Take charge of your eye health: co-managed iridectomy allows for early detection and treatment of iris-related problems, reducing the risk of complications.
• 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.
• Corrective Lens Services: Take a proactive step towards better vision by getting corrective lenses; our services help identify and correct vision problems, improving your quality of life.
• Keratoconus Treatment With Contact Lenses: Protect your eyes from the effects of keratoconus; contact lenses are an effective tool to correct vision and improve your quality of life.

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. Stuart 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 family proactively identified potential juvenile cataract issues early, allowing for timely intervention and minimizing future vision problems. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and ensured their child's visual health.
• By scheduling routine eye exams, a patient proactively managed chronic conjunctivitis, preventing further complications and ensuring continued clear vision.

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. Stuart 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 and eye surgeon.

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 you see well. These exams look beyond just your vision, allowing us to detect 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 our doctors to spot early signs of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases during a dilated eye exam.

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. Stuart OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts.

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

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

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 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 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 central vision. There are two main types: dry and wet AMD. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management, helping preserve your vision.

4120 Del Prado Blvd S
Cape Coral FL 33904
Phone: (239) 542-2020

Dr. Stuart Kaplan, 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): 1790776219

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. Stuart 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.