Dr. Susan Summerton, OD

Dr. Susan Summerton, OD is an Optometrist practicing at her clinic in The Villages, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Optometric care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a trusted partner in preventive health. 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. She serves all ages, from infants to seniors, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (352) 753-4014 to schedule.

Dr. Summerton's commitment to preventive care extends beyond her clinical expertise. She earned her undergraduate degree from Florida State University, graduated from Nova Southeastern University, School of Optometry, and completed an externship at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. Her practice experience includes time in St. Thomas Virgin Islands, Naples, and now The Villages, Florida, where she also served as an adjunct professor of nutrition at Hodges University, achieving her diplomate in nutrition with the ACBN program and serving as the Optometry liaison. She is a certified nutrition specialist, a member of the American College of Nutrition and the American Optometric Association, and serves on the board of the Ocular Wellness and Nutrition Society, holding a fellowship in Ocular Nutrition. Further, she is a Clinical Nutritionist through the University of Miami, demonstrating her passion for integrative care and educating patients on preventative eye care and nutrition. Dr. Summerton earned her medical degree in 1996, completing an internship at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, further solidifying her expertise. She offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Dry Eyes: By addressing dry eye symptoms early and following your eye doctor's recommendations, you can preserve the health of your ocular surface and prevent vision loss.
• Glaucoma: Early detection of glaucoma through regular comprehensive eye exams is key to preventing vision impairment and preserving your eyesight.
• Refractive Eye Disorders: Regular eye exams are crucial for detecting refractive errors early, allowing for timely correction and preventing potential long-term eye health complications.
• Scotoma: A scotoma is a blind spot in your vision that can be a sign of a serious eye condition; regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and preventing vision loss.
• Cataract: Early detection of cataracts is key to preventing significant vision impairment. Regular comprehensive eye exams are vital for timely intervention and improved outcomes.
• Cystoid Macular Edema: Maintaining healthy vision requires vigilance against conditions like cystoid macular edema, a swelling that affects the central vision and may necessitate treatment to prevent irreversible vision damage; schedule regular eye exams to stay informed.
• Inflammatory Glaucoma: Protecting your sight from inflammatory glaucoma starts with proactive eye care; early diagnosis through routine checkups can significantly reduce the risk of irreversible 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. Susan OD offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Contact Lens Exams: Protect your vision by scheduling contact lens exams; they help detect early signs of eye diseases like dry eye or corneal issues.
• Eye Examination: An eye exam is more than just checking your vision; it's a vital health assessment that can detect underlying medical issues impacting your eyes.
• Electrophysiological Study: Take a proactive step towards protecting your sight: an electrophysiological study helps identify subtle eye problems before they impact your vision.
• Blepharoplasty (Co-management): Taking a proactive approach to your eyelid surgery with our co-management plan means we can catch any potential complications quickly, allowing for prompt treatment and the best possible outcome for your vision.
• Eye Movement Recording: Ensure your eyes are working together seamlessly—eye movement recording is a key part of a comprehensive eye exam that screens for conditions affecting eye control.
• Astigmatic Keratotomy (Co-management): For precise vision correction surgery, astigmatic keratotomy co-management offers collaborative care, improving accuracy and reducing the chances of post-operative issues.
• Dacryocystorhinostomy (Co-management): To help ensure proper tear drainage and prevent future eye infections, your doctor may recommend a dacryocystorhinostomy procedure.

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. Susan 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 addressing dry eye symptoms early and following the eye care professional's recommendations, a patient maintained comfortable vision and prevented further discomfort.
• By scheduling regular eye exams, a patient proactively identified early signs of glaucoma, significantly reducing their risk of vision impairment and enjoying greater peace of mind.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She 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. Susan 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. Ophthalmologists (MDs) are medical doctors 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, even if you see well. These exams are about more than just your vision; they help 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.

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

What are the signs of a cataract?

Common signs of a cataract include blurry or dim vision, increased glare from lights, fading or yellowing of colors, and frequent changes in glasses prescription. Dr. Susan OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts to ensure the best possible vision care.

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.

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

Dr. Susan OD diagnoses cataracts, determines when surgery is necessary, refers patients to a trusted ophthalmologist, and provides all essential post-operative care and vision correction follow-up.

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

11834 County Road 101
The Villages FL 32162
Phone: (352) 753-4014

Dr. Susan Summerton, 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): 1437238912

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. Susan 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.