Dr. Tari Schmit, OD

Dr. Tari Schmit, OD is a board-certified Optometrist practicing at her clinic in Port St. Lucie, Florida. 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 Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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 is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health.

Dr. Tari OD serves all ages, from infants to seniors, recognizing that eye health is crucial throughout life. She is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Dr. Tari Schmit, OD is an optometrist in Port St. Lucie, FL. She is accepting new patients and encourages you to call (772) 398-4500 to schedule your appointment. Dr. Tari OD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Strabismus: Early detection of strabismus is crucial for preventing the development of amblyopia, a condition where the brain favors one eye over the other, leading to permanent vision loss in the weaker eye if left untreated.
• Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: Managing conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes helps reduce your risk of developing AION, a condition that can cause sudden and significant vision loss—demonstrating the critical role preventative health plays in eye care.
• Sees Haloes Around Lights: Experiencing halos around lights warrants a visit to your eye doctor, as it can indicate the presence of eye diseases that can be effectively managed with early intervention.
• Iris Ciliary Degeneration: Iris ciliary degeneration, if left untreated, can lead to vision impairment; proactive eye care, including regular checkups, is vital for early intervention and better long-term outcomes.
• Nystagmus: Nystagmus, an involuntary eye movement, can sometimes indicate an underlying health problem, making early detection through regular eye exams crucial for preventing potential vision complications.
• Neonatal Conjunctivitis: Preventing vision loss in newborns requires awareness of neonatal conjunctivitis. Careful monitoring and immediate treatment when necessary is key to safeguarding their sight.
• Cataract Surgery Complications: While cataract surgery is generally safe, knowing about potential complications allows you to proactively discuss preventative measures with your doctor and ensure a smoother recovery.

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

• Tear Duct Probing: Early detection of tear duct issues is crucial for preventing infections and vision complications; tear duct probing is a key diagnostic tool.
• Refractive Surgery (Co-management): Take control of your vision: Co-management for refractive surgery means expert care before, during, and after your procedure to achieve optimal outcomes.
• Vision Screening: Take charge of your eye health with a vision screening; it screens for common vision issues and diseases, enabling early intervention and preserving your sight.
• Contact Lens Treatment: Protecting your eyes starts with proper contact lens care; regular appointments help prevent vision-threatening infections.
• Minimally Invasive Valve Surgery: Prioritize your vision health with a minimally invasive valve procedure which can help in early diagnosis and treatment of specific conditions, potentially avoiding more extensive interventions down the line.
• Epi-LASIK Eye Surgery (Co-management): Enhance your vision correction results with Epi-LASIK co-management; this collaborative approach helps identify and manage potential problems before they arise.
• Laser Trabeculoplasty (Co-management/some states): Laser trabeculoplasty offers a minimally invasive approach to glaucoma management, helping to reduce intraocular pressure and safeguarding your sight.

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. Tari 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 attending regular eye exams, a family was relieved to learn that their child's eye alignment issue was identified early, allowing for prompt intervention and preventing the potential development of amblyopia.
• By proactively managing their blood pressure and diabetes, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, ensuring the preservation of their precious vision. This proactive approach empowered them to confidently maintain their lifestyle and enjoy a clear future.

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. Tari 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 specializing in eye surgery.

How often should I get a comprehensive eye exam, even if I see well?

Even if you have good vision, 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 critical 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 our doctors to spot potential problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases.

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

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

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. Tari OD to detect any changes early and arrange treatment to prevent vision loss.

When should my child have their first eye exam?

Dr. Tari OD recommends a comprehensive eye exam for children between 6 and 12 months of age. This early exam is vital to detect potential vision problems like lazy eye or misaligned eyes and ensure proper development.

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

No, 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. Tari OD is essential to ensure the lenses fit correctly and are not damaging your eye. This prevents serious infections and 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. Tari OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts to ensure appropriate care.

1331 SE Port St Lucie Blvd Ste 103
Port St. Lucie FL 34952
Phone: (772) 398-4500

Dr. Tari Schmit, 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): 1306046925

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. Tari 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.