Dr. Susanna Tamkins, OD

Dr. Susanna Tamkins, OD is a board-certified Optometrist practicing at her clinic in Coral Gables, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and adhering to Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive optometric care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she 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. She serves all ages, from infants to seniors, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey.

Dr. Susanna OD's practice focuses on a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She is affiliated with Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and offers consultations in Spanish. Dr. Susanna Tamkins, OD is an optometrist in Coral Gables, FL, accepting new patients. Call (305) 689-5555 to schedule your appointment and embark on your journey toward optimal eye health and well-being.

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

• Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP): Regular eye exams for premature infants are vital for detecting ROP early; timely treatment can prevent vision impairment and improve your baby's quality of life.
• Blurred Vision: Don't let blurred vision compromise your quality of life. Early detection and treatment through routine eye care can help preserve your vision for years to come.
• Supranuclear Ocular Palsy: To prevent severe vision problems associated with supranuclear ocular palsy, proactive eye health monitoring, including regular eye exams, is essential for early diagnosis and appropriate management.
• Herpes Simplex Infection: Herpes simplex virus infection, if left untreated, can lead to serious eye complications, highlighting the importance of regular eye exams for early detection and prompt treatment.
• Primary Open Angle Glaucoma: Don't let primary open-angle glaucoma steal your sight—schedule regular eye exams to ensure early detection and treatment, preserving your vision for years to come.
• Corneal Ulcer: Protecting your eyes from injury and infection is crucial for preventing corneal ulcers, a painful condition that can lead to permanent vision damage if left untreated.
• Macular Hole: A macular hole is a tear in the macula, the part of your eye responsible for sharp, central vision, and early detection through regular eye exams 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. Susanna OD offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Arterial Doppler Ultrasound: Take a proactive step towards better eye health with an arterial Doppler ultrasound, a painless test that helps detect blood vessel issues in your eyes, potentially preventing vision problems related to circulation.
• Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (Co-management/some states): For individuals with glaucoma or at risk for developing glaucoma, argon laser trabeculoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure to help prevent vision loss by lowering intraocular pressure.
• Eye Movement Recording: Protecting your vision starts with eye movement recording; this assessment helps identify problems early on, potentially preventing future vision difficulties.
• Refractive Lens Exchange (Co-management): Take a proactive step towards clear vision by considering Refractive Lens Exchange co-management, which helps determine the best surgical approach for vision correction and ensures optimal outcomes.
• Pterygium Surgery (Co-management): Proactive co-management of pterygium surgery helps ensure a smooth recovery and minimizes potential complications.
• Laser Cataract Surgery (Co-management): For clear, comfortable vision after cataract surgery, proactive co-management offers personalized care and early detection of any potential issues.
• Mechanical Circulatory Support System: Invest in your eye health with regular check-ups; early detection of eye conditions through comprehensive eye exams enables timely intervention and treatment.

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. Susanna 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:

• A family's proactive approach to regular eye exams for their premature infant led to early detection of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), enabling timely intervention and preventing potential vision impairment. This proactive care gave the family peace of mind and ensured the best possible outcome for their child's vision.
• By scheduling routine eye exams, a patient proactively identified and addressed a potential vision issue early, preventing further deterioration and ensuring they could continue enjoying their favorite activities without concern.

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. Susanna 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 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 for most adults, even if your vision is good. These exams aren't just about your eyesight; 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 early signs of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases. The eye is the only place where blood vessels can be viewed directly without surgery, allowing for important health insights.

Is it safe to buy contact lenses online without an exam?

It is unsafe and illegal in the U.S. to purchase contact lenses online without a comprehensive eye exam. Contact lenses are medical devices that sit directly on the eye, and a proper fitting and annual exam with Dr. Susanna OD is essential to ensure the lenses fit correctly and are not damaging your eye, which can prevent serious infections and vision loss.

What is an OCT scan?

An OCT scan is an advanced imaging technology, similar to an ultrasound but using light, to create incredibly detailed cross-sectional pictures of your retina and optic nerve. Dr. Susanna OD uses this technology to detect and monitor diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration with precision.

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 exam allows Dr. Susanna OD to detect changes early and arrange treatment to prevent vision loss.

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. Susanna OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts to ensure proper care.

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 trip to the emergency room.

5555 Ponce de Leon Blvd
Coral Gables FL 33146
Phone: (305) 689-5555

Dr. Susanna Tamkins, 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): 1821023664

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. Susanna 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.