Dr. Suzette Blahnik, OD

Dr. Suzette Blahnik, OD is a board-certified optometrist practicing at her clinic in Port Orange, FL. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Optometric care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she understands the crucial role optometry plays in overall wellness. 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.

Dr. Suzette OD serves all ages, from infants to seniors, with a commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. She fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health, understanding that preventative measures are key to maintaining optimal well-being. Dr. Suzette Blahnik, OD is an optometrist in Port Orange, FL, and patients should call (386) 492-6999 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Suzette OD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Stye: Styes, although often mild, can become severe if left untreated. Regular eye exams aid in early detection and allow for prompt treatment, preventing potential vision impairment.
• Acanthamoeba Keratitis: Protecting your eyes from Acanthamoeba keratitis involves careful contact lens care to prevent this potentially blinding infection, emphasizing early detection for better treatment outcomes.
• Cataract Surgery Complications: Regular comprehensive eye exams help detect cataracts early, allowing for timely intervention and minimizing the risk of complications during surgery.
• Eye Palsy: Regular checkups with your eye doctor are essential for the early detection and management of eye palsy, helping to preserve your vision and quality of life.
• Pigmentary Retinopathy: Pigmentary retinopathy is a gradual eye condition that damages the retina, and regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and slowing its progression.
• Enlarged Blind Spot: An enlarged blind spot can be a warning sign of serious eye conditions, so regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and preventing vision loss.
• Brown Syndrome: Brown syndrome, a rare disorder affecting eye movement, may be better managed with early detection. Prevent unnecessary vision difficulties by scheduling routine comprehensive eye exams.

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

• Ptosis (Eyelids) Surgery (Co-management): Partner with us for co-management of your ptosis surgery; we'll help monitor your progress and address any post-operative concerns promptly.
• Oculoplastics (Co-management): Protecting your vision begins with oculoplastics co-management, a collaborative approach that helps diagnose and treat problems with the eyelids, tear ducts, and surrounding areas promptly, preventing vision loss.
• Contact Lens Fitting Services: Prevent future vision problems by getting a comprehensive contact lens fitting that checks for proper lens fit, detects early signs of eye disease, and ensures clear, comfortable vision.
• Iridotomy (Co-management/some states): As part of your comprehensive eye care plan, an iridotomy, in conjunction with other medical expertise, can be a beneficial preventative measure to relieve pressure in your eye and protect your vision.
• Arterial Doppler Ultrasound: Prioritize your eye health with an arterial Doppler ultrasound. This advanced imaging helps detect vascular problems that might otherwise go unnoticed, leading to potential vision impairment.
• Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lens Treatment: Take proactive steps towards lifelong eye health with rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses, a treatment option that may improve vision clarity and reduce the risk of certain eye conditions.
• Pterygium Surgery (Co-management): Prioritizing your eye health with pterygium surgery co-management helps detect and address any complications early.

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. Suzette 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 patient proactively identified and treated a developing stye, preventing potential vision complications and maintaining clear sight.
• By diligently following a proactive contact lens care plan, a patient avoided the threat of Acanthamoeba keratitis, enjoying clear vision and 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. Suzette OD:

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

An optometrist (OD) is the primary eye care provider, performing comprehensive eye exams, prescribing glasses and contacts, and managing 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 look beyond simple vision, detecting silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy early. Early detection allows for timely treatment and preserves your vision.

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 the detection of these conditions.

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. Suzette OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts to ensure your eye health.

What is an OCT scan?

An OCT scan is an advanced imaging technology that uses light to create incredibly detailed, cross-sectional pictures of your retina and optic nerve. This allows Dr. Suzette to detect and monitor diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration with exceptional precision.

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

It is unsafe and illegal to purchase contact lenses online without a comprehensive eye exam. Contact lenses are medical devices that sit directly on your eye, and a proper fitting and annual exam with Dr. Suzette 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 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 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 glaucoma early and prevent vision loss.

3740 S Ridgewood Ave Unit 103
Port Orange FL 32129
Phone: (386) 492-6999

Dr. Suzette Blahnik, 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): 1619927118

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. Suzette 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.