Dr. Terry Neal, OD

Dr. Terry Neal, OD is a board-certified optometrist practicing at his clinic in Melbourne, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive optometric care, adhering to the rigorous standards outlined in Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in preventive health on weprevent.org, Dr. Terry 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.

Your eye health is intrinsically linked to your overall well-being, and Dr. Terry OD is committed to helping you maintain optimal vision throughout your life. He serves all ages, from infants to seniors, recognizing the unique eye care needs of each stage. He is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey and encourages you to call (321) 953-3937 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Terry Neal, OD is an optometrist in Melbourne, FL. He is accepting new patients. His approach to care is rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Terry OD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Eye Pain: Experiencing eye pain? Scheduling an eye exam can help identify the cause and prevent potential vision complications down the line.
• Difficulty Seeing at Night: Struggling to see in low light conditions could be a warning sign that requires attention. Early detection through routine eye exams helps prevent serious vision issues.
• Iridocyclitis: Iridocyclitis, an inflammation of the iris and ciliary body, highlights the value of preventive eye care; early diagnosis through routine checkups enables prompt treatment and minimizes the risk of vision impairment.
• Serous Detachment Retina: Protecting your vision involves knowing about serous retinal detachment, a condition where fluid leaks under the retina; regular eye checkups can help catch it early, leading to better treatment outcomes.
• Scleritis: Scleritis, an inflammation of the sclera, highlights the importance of preventive eye care; prompt diagnosis and treatment are key to minimizing long-term vision problems.
• Steroid-Induced Glaucoma: Long-term steroid use can raise your risk of glaucoma, a serious eye condition, so regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and preventing vision loss.
• Keratitis Fugax Hereditaria: Understanding your family eye health history is vital in preventing vision complications, as conditions like inherited fleeting keratitis (Keratitis fugax hereditaria) may have subtle early symptoms that a professional can detect.

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

• Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lens Treatment: Ensure sharp, clear vision and potentially prevent corneal issues by considering RGP contact lenses as a vision correction method—a personalized approach to managing your eye health.
• YAG Laser Capsulotomy (Co-management/some states): Maintain optimal vision following cataract surgery: A YAG laser capsulotomy can address vision issues caused by a clouded lens after cataract surgery.
• Refractive Surgery (Co-management): Ensure a smooth and successful refractive surgery experience with our comprehensive co-management services; we monitor your progress to optimize your vision correction.
• Vision Therapy (Orthoptics Therapy): Protect your eyesight and enhance your visual performance with vision therapy, which helps identify and address underlying causes of vision problems early on.
• Implantable Contact Lens (Co-management): Take a proactive step towards lifelong clear vision by exploring implantable contact lenses, a procedure we co-manage to ensure optimal vision correction and early detection of potential complications.
• Pharmacologic Stress Testing: As part of comprehensive eye care, pharmacologic stress testing allows your doctor to evaluate your eyes' response to specific drugs, helping to detect and manage any adverse effects before they worsen.
• Dacryocystorhinostomy (Co-management): Proactive management of blocked tear ducts is possible through a dacryocystorhinostomy, helping to prevent discomfort and potential infections.

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. Terry 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 routine eye exams, a patient identified the early signs of a potential eye condition, allowing for timely intervention and preventing vision complications. This proactive approach ensured the patient maintained clear vision and overall eye health.
• By scheduling regular eye exams, a patient proactively addressed potential vision problems, reducing the risk of more serious eye conditions and gaining peace of mind about their vision health.

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. Terry 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. They differ from Ophthalmologists (MDs), who are medical doctors and eye surgeons.

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

Even if you see well, a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years is crucial. These exams help detect silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, often before symptoms appear. It's a critical preventive measure for maintaining healthy vision.

Can an eye exam detect other health problems in my body?

Yes, a comprehensive eye exam with Dr. Terry OD can detect other health problems. The eye is the only place where blood vessels can be viewed directly without surgery, allowing for early detection 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 eye responsible for sharp central vision. There are two main forms: "dry" and "wet." Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management, helping preserve vision.

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

It is unsafe and illegal to buy 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. Terry OD is essential to ensure they fit correctly and are not damaging your eye, preventing serious infections and vision loss.

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 eye exam allows Dr. Terry to detect any changes early and arrange treatment to prevent vision loss.

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

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

Dr. Terry OD plays a vital role in managing your cataract journey. We diagnose the cataract, determine if surgery is needed, and refer you to a trusted ophthalmologist. Following surgery, we provide all necessary post-operative care and vision correction follow-up.

187 S Wickham Rd
Melbourne FL 32904
Phone: (321) 953-3937

Dr. Terry Neal, 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): 1366445819

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. Terry 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.